One thing the pandemic hasn’t changed much is society’s love of pets.
The American Pet Products Association reported in its latest “COVID-19 Pulse Study” that 11.38 million U.S. households have gotten a new pet during the pandemic. Furthermore, the human-animal bond remains strong, with 3 out of 4 pet owners saying that spending time with a dog, cat or another animal species helps reduce their stress and increases their sense of well-being during COVID-19.
“It’s reassuring to see that pet ownership has not been negatively affected, as pet owners are spending more time with their pets and they remained focused on caring for their pets as they continue to appreciate the enjoyment of having pets in their lives,” said Steve King, CEO of the American Pet Products Association.
The newly released study is the third of three to canvass 2,000 people, both pet owners and non-pet owners, since the pandemic began. The latest survey took place in September.
The assertion that more than 11 million households have gotten a pet was based on the finding that 9% of the respondents reported in September that they had done so. Previous surveys, done in May and June, returned figures of 7% and 6%, respectively.
Among other findings in the report:
- 16% of Generation Z respondents and 13% of millennials have welcomed a new pet during the pandemic. Just 3% of baby boomers have done so.
- 43% said the pandemic “has significantly impacted my household financially.”
- 55% stated that they were “concerned about my finances over the next year.”
- 72% said their pet’s diet is “very important to them” and that they “do not plan to make any changes to it regardless of their financial situation.”
- 56% are very loyal to their chosen pet food brand.
- 41% of the time, veterinarians were the most recent source of a purchased pet medication. Pet superstores were second at 13%.
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