Pet spending to top $50 billion despite tough economy Spenders might be scrimping on luxury items, but they are opening their wallets wide for family pets.
| Most popular |
| Number of U.S. households that own a pet: |
| Dog 46.3 million |
| Cat 38.9 million |
| Freshwater fish 11.9 million |
| Source: American Pet Product Association |
Despite tough economic times, Americans shelled out almost $3 billion more in 2010 on their furry family than they did the previous year, according to the American Pet Products Association.
“I feel like I’ve spent [$3 billion] on my own animals,” said Scott Giacoppo, vice president of the Washington Humane Society.
That total is expected to increase more this year, bringing sales to $50.84 billion nationally.
Fran McCraw of People.Animals.Love, a pet therapy program in the District, said the spending isn’t surprising because the benefits of pet ownership are boundless.
“There’s an instant, powerful bond between people and animals,” she said. “I think everyone needs that feeling of being loved and supported.”
From basic kibble to organic gourmet dog treats, food topped the chart in spending at nearly 40 percent.
“It would take a lot to change the cat food,” D.C. resident Farah Fosse about the Wellness brand food she and roommate Brian Savitch buy for their two cats. “We could eat out less.”
Much of the increase in spending could be because of increased pet ownership, which has become the norm as the role of domestic animals in the home evolves.
“We’ve really familiarized pets as family,” Red Dog Spa “Lead dog” Terri Garretson said. “You don’t see very many dogs left outside all day long anymore. Kids grow up and go to college and Fido is left at home with Mom and Dad, as a surrogate furry child.”
And family means no expense will be spared, especially when it comes to health. Vet bills can easily skyrocket from $80 regular vet visits to thousands on cancer treatment.
Fort Washington resident James Pidcock spends $50 every three weeks on laser treatment for his 11-year-old poodle, Mimi, who has hip and spine problems. He doesn’t think twice about the expense.
“She’s family,” he said. In addition, Mimi has a $100 grooming every two months.
The increasingly high cost of animal health care is why the Washington Animal Rescue League decided to keep open its animal hospital for low-income households, which typically only opens around Christmas.
“Sometimes the animals are all people have left,” Washington Animal Rescue League Chief Executive Officer Gary Weitzman said. “I know looking into the faces of clients we have in the hospital that most of them have given up something to take care of their animals.”
