These are just some of the findings in the “2005-2006 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey,” which provides the inside scoop on pet ownership, consumer demographics, purchasing behavior and market trends across all pet categories.

“The strong growth in the industry demonstrates what an important role pets are playing in the lives of Americans,” said Bob Vetere, APPMA’s managing director. “They have become a part of the family. Spending across all sectors, from pet food and veterinarian care to toys and treats, reflects what lengths we are willing to go to for our pets.”

Vetere cited an increase in the number of pet-owning households as one of several factors to drive steady growth in the pet industry. A total of 69 million U.S. households owned a pet in 2004, versus 64.2 million households in 2002 and 51 million in 1988, according to the APPMA survey.

Altogether, Americans own approximately 139 million freshwater fish, 90 million cats, 73 million dogs, 18 million small animals, 16 million birds, 11 million reptiles and 9 million saltwater fish, the survey said. By comparison, Americans owned 185 million freshwater fish, 78 million cats, 65 million dogs, 17 million birds, 17 million small animals, 9 million reptiles, and 7 million saltwater fish.

Vetere noted that baby boomers filling empty nests with pets and young couples spoiling pets rather than starting families contributed to growth within the industry. Furthermore, high-tech products such as timed feeders and restraint systems made it easier for a larger cross-section of people to keep pets.

“The innovative thinking of entrepreneurs has made owning and spending time with pets more enjoyable and easier than ever before,” Vetere said.

Here are a few highlights from the comprehensive survey:
• Eight out of 10 dog owners and six out of 10 cat owners buy gifts for their pets. They spend an average of $17 per gift.
• The market for weight-control foods grew 25 percent, making it the fastest growing segment of the pet food industry.
• The market for pet treats has increased significantly: 88 percent of dog owners, 75 percent of small-animal owners, 73 percent of bird owners and 65 percent of cat owners give their pets treats.
• Nine percent of cat owners and 3 percent of now use homeopathic remedies for pets, up from 2 percent for both in 2002.
• The person most responsible for purchasing pet products is a 46-year-old woman.

Conducted every two years, APPMA’s consumer research study examines demographics, buying habits and other traits of U.S. pet owners of dogs, cats, fish, birds, small animals and reptiles.

For more information on the survey, visit www.appma.org. [June 2005 PET AGE]