By the Numbers: Smarter Spending Shapes Pet Care Decisions
A new APPA survey shows dog owners are adjusting their budgets without sacrificing their pets’ health, prioritizing veterinary care while seeking greater value in everyday purchases.
71 million
The amount of U.S. households in 2025 that owned dogs.
A 4% increase from the previous year, and 53% of U.S. households in 2025. The findings are based on the American Pet Products Association’s 2026 Dog Report, which analyzed data from the 2025 National Pet Owners Survey.
The report examines purchasing behaviors, spending patterns and lifestyle trends among U.S. dog-owning households, providing insights into how owners are adapting their pet care decisions in response to economic pressures.
Two-thirds
The share of dog owners (65%) who purchased chews in 2025.
A 5% increase from the previous year.
The growth suggests pet owners are prioritizing products that provide multiple benefits, such as rewards, enrichment and dental health, while getting more value from their pet care budgets.
51%
More than half of dog owners (51%) groomed their dogs at home in 2025 as spending on boarding, salon grooming and mobile grooming declined. The trend reflects a growing preference for do-it-yourself pet care, with owners looking for practical ways to reduce costs while maintaining their pets’ routine care.
29%
Veterinary care accounted for the largest share of dog-owner spending in 2025, representing 29% of household pet budgets, while food remained a priority at 27%.
Access the 2026 Dog Report now to learn more!
Photo Credit:
istockphoto.com/Oksana Ermak
istockphoto.com/Igor Dudchak
istockphoto.com/AlinaMD
