The United States is a country of pet lovers.
In 2020, nearly 70% of American households had at least one pet, as per Statista. This figure indicates that an increasing number of people are adopting pets as their companion animals.
The growing popularity and ownership of pets can be attributed to their ability to enhance human health and well-being. As per a recent survey, 97% of pet owners know at least one science-backed health benefit of human-animal interaction.
The figure implies that most people who have pets are aware of the benefits of having them and that this awareness may be positively impacting their behavior.
Thus, there are many catalysts for the constant upsurge in pet ownership across the United States:
Better Physical Health
Pets are an excellent way that helps you improve your overall health. They can encourage you to get up and moving, or simply give you the motivation to take a walk around the block. And if you’re feeling down or stressed, having a pet to take care of can be incredibly therapeutic. It’s known that pet owners tend to enjoy better physical health than non-pet owners. But why?
According to a survey by HABRI, 76% of pet owners claim that having a pet has improved their personal health. This statistic indicates that owning a pet can help you feel physically better by reducing stress and providing companionship. Moreover, it also suggests that there might be something specific about owning a dog or cat that positively impacts our physical well-being.
For instance, people who own pets are more likely to be physically active, and they also tend to sleep better at night. They are also more likely to eat a better diet because they want their pets’ food to be nutritious and healthy.
When you’re active with your pet, it helps increase your heart rate and blood circulation, which helps keep your heart strong by keeping your blood flowing smoothly throughout your body. It also helps lower cholesterol levels in the body and reduces stress levels, which can lead to better sleep quality at night.
As a pet parent, you also have the responsibility of ensuring your pet’s health by giving him high-quality and nutritious food. PetCareRx is an online store where you can find everything from food to medicine to treat your pet’s illnesses or injuries. PetCareRx has a wide variety of items available such as dog and cat food, collars, leashes, flea control products, and much more.
Improved Mental Health
As the economy stabilizes and people have more money to spend on themselves, mental health is a growing concern for many Americans. Pets can help people deal with stress, anxiety, depression, etc.
As per a survey, 87% of pet owners witnessed the mental health benefits of owning a pet. This figure is especially significant when you consider the fact that nearly 20% of all U.S. adults experienced at least one mental health condition in 2020.
Pets are often considered part of the family, which means that they provide companionship to those who might not have any other social connections. For example, many people who have pets that they consider family members report feeling less lonely or isolated than those without pets.
Finally, pets can also be a source of purpose in our lives. They provide us with something to do every day and keep us active in ways that we otherwise wouldn’t be.
Growing Number of Baby Boomers
The growing number of baby boomers is one of the drivers for growing pet ownership in the United States.
As per the US Census Bureau, there were 69.6 million baby boomers in the US in 2022. This figure means that a growing number of the population is aging and may require pets for companionship. Baby boomers are more likely to have pets than previous generations did, and this trend will continue as the baby boomer population grows.
Moreover, as per Statista, it was revealed that baby boomers (27%) were the second largest category of pet owners in the United States after millennials (32%). This indicates a growing fondness for pets among older generations.
This trend can be attributed to the fact that many baby boomers have children who have grown up and moved out of the house, leaving them with more time on their hands. They may also want to spend more time with their pets because they’re no longer working full-time jobs and need something to keep them occupied.
More Social Interaction
Pets are also a channel for social support, as they provide opportunities for more social interaction. Pet owners can use their animals to socialize with other pet owners and meet new people. This leads to increased social interactions and support for the owner.
When you have a pet, you will be able to meet other people who own pets and be able to talk about your pet with them. This will enable you to build a network of individuals with whom you can discuss your pets and seek guidance as necessary.
Pets also act as an icebreaker when meeting new people. They will always draw attention from others around them. Thus, if you have a dog or cat at home, then it would be easier for you to start conversations with strangers in public places such as parks or beaches where there are many people around who may have pets.
In Conclusion
Pets are a part of most families, and the number of pet owners in the United States continues to grow. Numerous factors contribute to this, but they all center on the fact that pets improve quality of life.
For those who already own a pet, there’s no doubt that it brings joy and happiness into your life. But if you’re still on the fence about getting one of your own, we hope this list has helped convince you that having a pet is worth it.
