Category: Statistics

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

A pet-sitting service is a company or individual that attends a person’s house or place of residence to care for their pet. Such services may be used when the owner goes on holiday or are away for a night, but dog walking may also be considered a form of pet sitting and this type of service is commonly used by people that go out to work and want to ensure that their dog gets the required exercise. Although pet-sitting services are most commonly used by dog owners, services are available for a wide range of pets including cats, birds, fish, and even exotics. And, while pet sitting is available in countries around the world, North America has the single biggest market and accounts for approximately a third of the world’s pet-sitting market.

Below, we have highlighted 15 pet-sitting statistics including details on the market size as well as recent and forecasted future trends.

Click below to jump ahead:

• US Pets
• The Pet Sitting Industry
• Trends and Specifics
• Revenue and Earnings

Top 15 Pet Sitting Statistics

1. There are 77 million dogs, 58 million cats, and 8 million birds in the U.S. alone.
2. Americans spent more than $120 billion on their pets in 2021.
3. The global pet-sitting industry is worth more than $3 billion and is expected to grow.
4. North America accounts for more than a third of the global market.
5. The US pet-sitting industry is worth approximately $1 billion.
6. There are approximately 35,000 pet sitters in the U.S.
7. Pet sitting saw a significant decline during the Covid years.
8. The continuation of back-to-office trends will see the pet-sitting industry rise by 11% per annum.
9. Dog-sitting accounts for 83% of the pet-sitting market.
10. More than three-quarters of pet sitters are women.
11. Pet sitting costs an average of $25 for a 30-minute visit and $80 for overnight sitting.
12. 99% of pet-sitting businesses are independently owned.
13. The average gross revenue for a pet sitter is approximately $70,000 per annum.
14. The average pet sitter salary is $25,000 per annum.
15. Pet sitters in Connecticut earn more than those anywhere else in the country.

US Pets

1. There are 77 million dogs, 58 million cats, and 8 million birds in the U.S. alone.

(AVMA)

The US’s 330 million people own approximately 77 million dogs, 58 million cats, and 8 million birds as well as millions of fish, exotics, and other pets. While not all owners will need regular pet-sitting services, this does represent a significant potential market for pet-sitting professionals and businesses.

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2. Americans spent more than $120 billion on their pets in 2021.

(Freedonia Group)

Americans aren’t afraid of spending money on their pets, either. In 2021, US citizens spent more than $120 billion on their pets, which amounts to nearly $1,000 per pet per annum. This figure does include all pet expenditures, however, so it includes pet food and toys, vet and pet insurance bills, and pet sitting and other services.

The Pet Sitting Industry

3. The global pet-sitting industry is worth more than $3 billion and is expected to grow.

(Market Watch)

The US isn’t the only country that loves its pets, and the fact that the global pet-sitting industry is worth an estimated $3 billion is a testament to this fact. Other major pet-sitting regions include Europe, in particular Germany, France, and the UK, as well as other continents. Pet sitting industry statistics do include dog walking. Many dog walkers will put out food and water for the dogs during their visit but, even so, walking a dog can be considered pet sitting because the walker is providing care for the pet.

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4. North America accounts for more than a third of the global market.

(Abdalslam)

While there are other significant pet-sitting markets and regions, North America is the single biggest market and accounts for just over a third of the total global market.

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5. The US pet-sitting industry is worth approximately $1 billion.

(Abdalslam)

Such is the size of the pet sitting industry in the US that total expenditure on pet sitting and pet sitting services in the country equates to $1 billion per annum, and this figure is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

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6. There are approximately 35,000 pet sitters in the U.S.

(Zippia 1)

Most pet sitters work independently and offer their services on a self-employed basis, although there are a few businesses, including some franchised businesses, that also offer these services. There is no register for pet sitters, which means that we can only rely on estimates to gauge the number of professional pet sitters in operation. There are estimated to be 35,000 pet sitters in the U.S.

Trends and Specifics

7. Pet sitting saw a significant decline during the Covid years.

(Grand View Research)

Covid was a difficult time for everybody, although pets did benefit in some respects. Many people found themselves at home during the day, rather than going to work, and a lot of people turned to their pets for comfort and companionship. While this may have benefited the pets themselves, it led to a considerable decline in the services offered by pet sitters, most of whom were bound by the same lockdowns as those that would typically use them.

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8. The continuation of back-to-office trends will see the pet-sitting industry rise by 11% per annum.

(Grand View Research)

Since Covid lockdowns have ended and people have gone back to work, the pet-sitting industry has rebounded and because so many people bought new pets during Covid, pet-sitting demand is expected to boom. The use of these services is expected to rise by 11% annually until 2030, which will see the industry potentially double in the next 7 years.

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9. Dog-sitting accounts for 83% of the pet-sitting market.

(Grand View Research)

Pet sitting is available for all types of pets, from fish to cats and dogs, but because they require more one-on-one care, it is dogs that account for the greatest share of the pet sitting market. 83% of all pet sitting jobs are dog sitting. This is likely because dog walking services are considered a type of pet sitting. Other animals, like cats and fish, do not need regular walking.

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10. More than three-quarters of pet sitters are women.

(Zippia 1)

When it comes to the professionals that offer pet sitting services, more than 75% of them are women and the average age of a pet sitter is just over 30.

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11. Pet sitting costs an average of $25 for a 30-minute visit and $80 for overnight sitting.

(Thumbtack)

The cost of pet sitting varies according to the type of service, whether any specialist services are required, and how long it takes. General well-being visits mean cleaning out litter trays, putting down food and water, and letting the dog out in the yard to toilet. A service like this usually takes 30 minutes and costs an average of $25, although this does vary according to service and location. Overnight pet sitting may also be needed when the owner goes away or if they are taken into hospital. These services usually cost around $80 per night.

Revenue and Earnings

12. 99% of pet-sitting businesses are independently owned.

(Petsit)

The vast majority of the pet-sitting industry is made up of independent professionals, rather than businesses and groups. In fact, 99% of businesses are independently owned.

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13. The average gross revenue for a pet sitter is approximately $70,000 per annum.

(Petsit)

It is possible to make a good living as a pet sitter, especially for those sitters that can attract regular and repeat business. The average revenue earned by a pet sitter or pet sitting business is $70,000 gross per annum.

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14. The average pet sitter salary is $25,000 per annum.

(Zippia 2)

While there aren’t many businesses that employ pet sitters, some do. Working for a pet-sitting business will earn an average of $25,000 per annum.

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15. Pet sitters in Connecticut earn more than those anywhere else in the country.

(Zippia 2)

Pet sitters work across the whole of the country, and rates do vary according to the location and availability of sitters. Rates in cities tend to be higher than those in rural areas, and it is Connecticut that has the highest rates. Subsequently, pet sitters in Connecticut also have the highest average annual earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Sitting

Is there a demand for pet sitters?

There is a demand for pet sitters, and as more people are returning to the office and to work, demand continues to increase. Experts expect the market to grow at a rate of up to 11% per annum over the next 7 years, which represents a significant increase in demand and significant demand for this type of service.

How profitable is a dog-sitting business?

There aren’t too many overheads associated with a dog-sitting business. You will need to pay for transport to and from the sitting jobs, and it is a good idea to have pet-sitting insurance, but other running costs are minimal. With some groups reporting that pet sitters generate an average revenue of up to $80,000 per annum, this means that there is good potential for profit-making, especially as you build up a client base and benefit from repeat business.

What are the duties of a pet sitter?

A pet sitter is expected to provide general care for the pets under their charge. Exactly what this entails will depend on the pet in question and also what the pet sitter is willing to do. The most common services include dog walking, changing cat litter, and putting food and water down. The sitter may also be asked to administer medication and even take the pet to vet visits. For overnight stays, a major part of the service is simply companionship.

Conclusion

Pet sitting is a vital service for pet owners that need to go out to work or that go away on holiday or for other purposes. Since Covid lockdowns have ended, demand has risen sharply, and this is expected to continue in the coming years. Currently, the market is worth an estimated $3 billion globally and $1 billion in the U.S. alone.

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Featured Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

The post Pet Sitting Statistics (2023 Update): Market Size & Trends appeared first on Pet Keen.

Factory farming was established following World War II as a means to produce large amounts of food at a minimal cost. It is an intensive form of farming that encourages high levels of production with low costs. The farms are said to be run more like factories than farms.

Farmers and those in the farming industry do not refer to it as factory farming, but instead, call it industrial farming or intensive farming. While factory farming is not inherently a bad practice, it can lead to poor conditions for animals and, for example in the prophylactic administration of antibiotics, it can also cause harm to people.

There are also environmental concerns relating to factory farming. Below are 16 statistics related to factory farming in Canada, including statistics on the number of animals slaughtered every year for food consumption, and some of the conditions faced by factory-farmed animals.

Click below to jump ahead:

• Global and Canadian Farming Figures
• The Negative Impact of Factory Farming
• Consumer Opinion and Changes

The 16 Canadian Factory Farming Statistics

1. Globally, 60 billion animals are used to produce food every year.
2. 800 million animals are slaughtered for food every year in Canada.
3. Canadians consume 76 pounds of chicken, 37 pounds of beef, and 32 pounds of pork, per person per year.
4. Canada is the world’s 8th largest meat-consuming nation.
5. Canadians eat 242 eggs a year on average.
6. Three-quarters of antibiotics in the world are used on factory-farmed animals.
7. Animals can spend up to 52 hours in transport with no food or water.
8. Broiler chickens are fed up to reach market weight within 40 days of being born.
9. Battery hen cages can be as small as 8.5 x 11 inches.
10. Broiler chickens can live in sheds housing up to 50,000 animals.
11. 97% of Canadian farms are family owned.
12. Farm livestock can only be given antibiotics if they have a prescription for the medication.
13. A third of Canadians have reduced or eliminated their meat consumption.
14. 60% of people agree that antibiotics in animal feed contribute to superbugs in humans.
15. 60% of people believe antibiotics should not be added to feed prophylactically.
16. 90% want to minimize chicken suffering, even if it means higher food prices.

Global and Canadian Farming Figures

1. Globally, 60 billion animals are used to produce food every year.

(Compassion in Food Business)

Sixty billion animals are used to produce food, globally, every single year, and the figure is increasing. This equates to around eight animals per person with the main animals being used for food production being chickens, cows, sheep, and pigs. The figure also includes other animals.

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2. 800 million animals are slaughtered for food every year in Canada.

(Humane Canada), (Weforum)

In Canada alone, 800 million animals are slaughtered every year for food, including poultry, cattle, and sheep. Globally, it is believed that 19 billion chickens, 1.5 billion cows, 1 billion sheep, and another billion pigs are being kept for food production. About 50 billion chickens alone are killed every year for food around the world.

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3. Canadians consume 76 pounds of chicken, 37 pounds of beef, and 32 pounds of pork, per person per year.

(Statista), (USDA)

Although pork is the most popular meat in the world, accounting for 36% of all meat consumed, chicken is the most heavily consumed meat in Canada by a considerable margin. The average Canadian consumes 76 pounds of chicken compared to 37 pounds of beef and 32 pounds of pork.

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4. Canada is the world’s 8th largest meat-consuming nation.

(Newswire 1), (Worldometers)

Canada is the 39th most populous nation in the world, accounting for less than 0.5% of the total global population. Despite this, for meat consumption rate, the country is the world’s largest 8th largest consumer. North American meat consumption is expected to grow by 9% by 2030, which would represent a significant increase in the number of animals farmed, as well as the amount of meat consumed.

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5. Canadians eat 242 eggs a year on average.

(Get Cracking)

Chickens are a popular food source because they can be reared for meat, but also for eggs. A typical laying hen can lay 340 eggs or more a year, which means with a commercial flock consisting of several thousand laying hens, a farm can produce around a million eggs per annum. While this figure sounds like a lot, it is required to keep up with consumption as the average Canadian consumes more than 240 eggs, per capita per year.

The Negative Impact of Factory Farming

6. Three-quarters of antibiotics in the world are used on factory-farmed animals.

(Newswire 1)

As well as the potential suffering of factory farm animals, some factory farming practices can have a detrimental effect on consumers, too. One way that consumers are harmed through factory farming comes as a result of feeding antibiotics prophylactically. This means that perfectly healthy animals are given antibiotics in their feed, in a bid to prevent illness, rather than as a means of treating it.

Because humans then consume these antibiotics, it can reduce the efficacy of antibiotics given to treat infections in humans. Estimates suggest that 75% of all antibiotics in the world are used for factory farming.

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7. Animals can spend up to 52 hours in transport with no food or water.

(Humane Canada)

The animals also suffer in some factory farms. They endure difficult, and often inhumane living conditions, before being sent to be slaughtered or sold at markets. Even transport can be difficult for the animals: some of which are transported for up to 52 hours at a time. Not only are they moved in cramped conditions, but they can go the entire journey without being given food or water.

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8. Broiler chickens are fed up to reach market weight within 40 days of being born.

(Vancouver Humane Society)

Factory farming means producing as much produce as possible while minimizing the resources used to reach this stage. Chickens tend to be the animal that endures the worst conditions. One way in which broiler chickens, which are bred for their meat production rather than their egg-laying capabilities, suffer is by being fed up and slaughtered after just a few weeks. Some are slaughtered within 40 days of being born, having been fed to market weight.

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9. Battery hen cages can be as small as 8.5 x 11 inches.

(Vancouver Humane Society)

Although layers tend to live longer lives than broilers, they do not necessarily enjoy better conditions. Battery hen farming is well known for its horrible conditions, and some battery hen cages measure just 8.5 by 11 inches, which means that its occupant barely has room to pick food up from the floor and little, if any, room to move around.

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10. Broiler chickens can live in sheds housing up to 50,000 animals.

(Vancouver Humane Society)

It isn’t just battery hens that are forced to live in cramped conditions, however. Broiler chicken farms tend to house between several hundred and several hundred thousand animals. On some farms, as many as 50,000 broilers are kept in a single shed, which means that they have very little room per animal.

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11. 97% of Canadian farms are family owned.

(AITC-C)

Despite concerns regarding factory farming, there are some positive signs. Some claim that 97% of Canadian farms are family owned. Being family-owned doesn’t necessarily mean that the animals are kept in any better condition than those that are owned by large national organizations or conglomerates.

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12. Farm livestock can only be given antibiotics if they have a prescription for the medication.

(CBC)

Canada has made changes to its farming laws in recent years, especially with regard to the prophylactic feeding of antibiotics to farm animals. The practice has gradually been eradicated so that farmers can now only give antibiotics to their animals if the drugs have been prescribed by a vet and for a specific health condition or problem. There are also plans for a similar phasing out of antimicrobial use.

Consumer Opinion and Changes

13. A third of Canadians have reduced or eliminated their meat consumption.

(Newswire 2)

Veganism continues to rise across the world, while more people are also turning to flexitarianism. Also known as casual veganism, flexitarianism is a diet whereby followers follow a vegan or meat-free diet over a certain number of days of the week. Cutting out meat 2 days a week reduces meat consumption by nearly 30%. A 44% reduction is seen in those that avoid meat for three days a week.

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14. 60% of people agree that antibiotics in animal feed contribute to superbugs in humans.

(Newswire 2)

One of the reasons that prophylactic antibiotics have been ruled out is because their consumption by people can lead to the spread of superbugs. As people consume more antibiotics, their bodies become immune to the effects of the drug. As people then contract viruses, the antibiotics are less effective, or completely ineffective, and the viruses can mutate and spread.

As well as taking antibiotics prescribed by doctors, it is the consumption of food-based antibiotics that has seen a rise in superbugs in recent years. There were 6 in 10 people surveyed that said they agree that putting antibiotics in farm animal feed contributes to a rise in so-called superbugs.

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15. 60% of people believe antibiotics should not be added to feed prophylactically.

(Newswire 2)

Roughly the same portion of the population, approximately 60%, also said that they believe that antibiotics should not be fed prophylactically. Prophylactic administration means giving antibiotics indiscriminately to farm animals and livestock in a bid to prevent them from developing illness and infections, rather than giving the drugs when they are needed to treat an existing condition.

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16. 90% want to minimize chicken suffering, even if it means higher food prices.

(Daily Hive)

According to one survey, people want to see a reduction in suffering, even if it hits their own pockets. There were 9 in 10 people surveyed who said that they want to minimize the suffering of chickens and hens, even if the humane treatment of the animals would mean higher meat and egg prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Factory Farming

What Is Considered a Factory Farm?

There are no precise definitions of a factory farm, but it is generally considered to be a farm that rears a large number of animals that are confined and have minimal movement. This reduces the amount of land and space that the farm owner needs to give over to each animal, thereby reducing their costs and maximizing output.

Why Are People Against Factory Farming?

Factory farming generally means providing very little space to each animal, and livestock is forced to live in cramped and difficult conditions. Extreme factory farming is considered inhumane for the animals, while other factory farming practices are also bad for the environment, especially in the high production of methane and greenhouse gases, and it can also lead to poor quality meat production.

How Harmful Is Factory Farming?

Factory farming can prove very harmful to the welfare of the animals. It can also lead to poor local and general environmental conditions, as well as leading to growth problems and stressful conditions for the animals, having large numbers of animals living in such close proximity can even lead to the spread of bacterial pathogens like Salmonella and E.Coli.

Conclusion

Factory farming, which is also called industrial farming and also referred to as intensive farming, is a type of farming that aims to maximize output while reducing costs. It typically leads to poor conditions for the animals and is also believed to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and even the contamination of water and land around the farm.

Some practices associated with factory farming, such as the prophylactic administration of antibiotics, has been phased out, but intensive farming does continue in Canada and in the rest of the world. Conditions are only likely to worsen as global meat and dairy consumption continues to increase.

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Featured Image Credit: StockSnap, Pixabay

The post 16 Disheartening Canadian Factory Farming Statistics to Know in 2023 appeared first on Pet Keen.

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

For many people, pets are part of the family. They need plenty of attention, lots of care, and need to be provided for. From the cost of buying the pet, in the first place, to ongoing food costs and vet visits, the cost of owning any type of pet can add up to reach a surprisingly high amount.

In fact, it is estimated that a dog will cost its owner a total of $25,000 over its lifetime, although the actual figure can be higher or lower than this. This means that the $2,000 paid to buy a dog, in the first place, represents a fraction of the total lifetime cost.

Food is the biggest pet expenditure, accounting for about half of what we spend on our animals each year, with vet costs and vet services the next biggest outlay. Because of the large increase in pet ownership figures during the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia spent more than $33 billion on their pets in 2022 alone.

Below are 13 surprising Australian pet spending statistics, including figures on total expenditure and details on where that money goes.

• Pet Ownership in Australia
• General Pet Expenditure
• Pet Spend Specifics

13 Surprising Australian Pet Spending Statistics

1. There are approximately 27 million pets nationwide.
2. 69% of Australian households now own at least one pet.
3. Nearly half of Australian households own a dog.
4. There are more pet fish than any other animal, but dogs and cats have seen the biggest increases.
5. Australians spent over $33 billion on their pets in 2022.
6. Pet food was the biggest expenditure, followed by vet services and then pet products and accessories.
7. 89% of pet expenditure is spent on dogs and cats.
8. Generation Z spends the most per vet visit, while Baby Boomers spend the least.
9. The cost of buying a dog or cat has doubled since before the pandemic.
10. Dog owners spend an average of $3,218 a year on their pets.
11. Cat owners spend an average of $1,715 a year on their pets.
12. Only 17% of dog owners and 12% of cat owners have pet insurance.
13. A dog will cost its owner approximately $25,000 over its lifetime.

Pet Ownership in Australia

1. There are approximately 29 million pets nationwide.

(PFIAA)

Australia really is a nation of pet lovers. In 2022, following a big increase in pet ownership as a result of owners having more free time and extra time at home, there were 29 million pets across the country. This included 6.5 million dogs and 5.5 million cats, but these figures were dwarfed by the 11 million fish.

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2. 69% of Australian households now own at least one pet.

(Pet Food Industry)

A staggering 69% of households across Australia own at least one pet of one sort or another, including cats, dogs, and fish. While there are many more fish, this is because the average fish owner keeps more fish than the average dog owner keeps dogs. Only 12% of households keep fish.

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3. Nearly half of Australian households own a dog.

(Statista 1)

While 12% of households keep fish, 48% keep dogs, which is an increase from the 40% that kept dogs in 2019. 33% of households kept cats, which was also an increase from 2019, up from 27%. Other popular animals include birds, which were kept by 11% of households and just behind fish. 4% of households kept small mammals, and 1% kept other pets.

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4. There are more pet fish than any other animal, but dogs and cats have seen the biggest increases.

(Statista 2)

While there are almost as many pet fish as dogs and cats combined, it was canine and feline companions that saw the greatest increase in ownership during the pandemic. In 2019, there were 5.1 million dogs compared to 6.3 million dogs in 2021. Cat numbers increased from 3.77 million to 4.9 million in the same period. Fish numbers actually decreased in this time, down from 11.33 million to 11.19 million.

General Pet Expenditure

5. Australians spent over $33 billion on their pets in 2022.

(Pet Food Industry)

As pet lovers, Australians spend a lot of money on their animals. In total, the nation spent over $33 billion on pet food, vet services, pet accessories, and healthcare products.

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6. Pet food was the biggest expenditure, followed by vet services and then pet products and accessories.

(Pet Food Industry)

Of the $33 billion spent, 51% was spent on pet food, with 14% on vet services, 9% on accessories, and a further 9% on healthcare products. The remaining 17% was spent on insurance, alternative therapy sessions, and pet grooming services. When buying pet food, owners first consider what type of food their pet likes to eat and then the price. Almost a third of owners said that they prepare or cook treats or food for their pets, themselves.

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7. 89% of pet expenditure is spent on dogs and cats.

(PFIAA)

The vast majority, or 89%, of all pet expenditure was spent on cats and dogs. Food for dogs and cats is typically more expensive than food for fish and birds, and owners spend more on treats as well as vet and insurance services, hence the larger outlay.

Pet Spend Specifics

8. Generation Z spends the most per vet visit, while Baby Boomers spend the least.

(Statista 3)

Generation Z are those that were born between the 1990s and the 2010s, and they are the generation that spends the most, per visit, on their pets. Generation Z owners spent an average of $630 per vet visit, while at the other end of the scale, Baby Boomers spent an average of $548 per visit.

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9. The cost of buying a dog or cat has doubled since before the pandemic.

(PFIAA)

The pandemic saw many more people working from home and not having to go out to work. Lockdowns also meant people were unable to see friends and family, with pets being an even greater source of companionship during the Covid years. As a result, more people bought dogs and cats to keep them company, and with this increase in demand came an increase in cost. More than a third of new dogs now cost more than $2,000, compared to just 16% before the pandemic. More than 1 in 10 cats now cost more than $1,000, and prices have been reported to have doubled during this period.

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10. Dog owners spend an average of $3,218 a year on their pets.

(RSPCA)

Dogs eat more, have high vet bills, and generally require more expensive toys and accessories than any other type of pet. As a result of this, they have the highest annual expenditure of any pet type and cost an average of $3,218 a year per dog, including all costs and fees.

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11. Cat owners spend an average of $1,715 a year on their pets.

(RSPCA)

Cats do still require high-quality food, and they should be given toys and accessories to ensure they are physically and mentally fulfilled and happy. While the cost of keeping a cat is lower than keeping a dog, it still costs an average of $1,715 a year to keep a cat.

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12. Only 17% of dog owners and 12% of cat owners have pet insurance.

(RSPCA)

Despite vet bills and services being the second highest category of goods and services pet owners spend their money on, the majority of owners do not have insurance for their pets. In fact, 17% of households with a dog and just 12% of households with a cat say that they have pet insurance. The main reasons given for not having pet insurance are that policies cost too much and that they do not represent good value for money.

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13. A dog will cost its owner approximately $25,000 over its lifetime.

(Real Insurance)

When taking into account all costs, including the cost of purchase, vet bills, food, and accessories, it is estimated that a dog will cost its owner $25,000 over its entire lifetime. This fee can be higher if a dog has illnesses or even if it is a large breed that requires more food.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Spending

Is pet insurance worth it?

Depending on the type of policy and the extent of its coverage, pet insurance can cover unexpected illnesses and injuries as a result of accidents. The policy will pay for vet treatment and may cover expenses such as medication and, in some cases, alternative therapies. Some treatments can cost several thousand dollars or more, and without pet insurance, owners have to pay all of these fees themselves. With pet insurance, the insurer will usually pay the majority, so pet insurance gives owners the peace of mind that they won’t have to worry about the financial aspects of treatment for their pets. Hopefully, you will never need to call on your pet insurance policy. If you do need to, it can make a difficult time easier.

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What is the most common pet in Australia?

The most common pet in Australia, by the total animal population, is the fish. There are more than 11 million pet fish. However, in terms of the number of household owners, the dog is the most popular pet because 48% of households own at least one dog.

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How can you save money on pet spending?

There are various ways to save money on pet spend without sacrificing the care you provide your pet. Buy and stock up on food when it is on offer, and consider making your own homemade, healthy, affordable treats instead of buying expensive commercial products. Look at wellness and preventive care programs to see whether they can save you money on treatments like deworming and flea products. If you have insurance, shop around to ensure you get the best deal and try to take advantage of multi-pet and other discounts to get even lower prices.

Conclusion

Pets can enrich and improve people’s lives, and their companionship was proven during Dovid lockdowns when many owners turned to their pets in lieu of being able to see family and friends outside their own households. However, pets—whether they are small mammals or horses and farm livestock—do cost money to keep. Australians spent more than $33 billion on their pets last year, with the majority going on food but a decent portion being spent on vet services and pet products and accessories. Dogs cost nearly twice as much as cats over their respective lifetimes, but all animals do have a cost.

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Featured Image Credit: Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash

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