Most Popular Pets in United States
Quick answer
Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States by household share, followed closely by cats. Freshwater fish are the most numerous pets by headcount, with birds, small mammals, and reptiles also widely kept.
Pet culture in United States
More than half of U.S. households share their home with at least one pet, according to national ownership surveys from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Dogs lead by household penetration; cats are a close second, and multi-cat homes push total cat numbers near dog numbers. Americans also spend heavily on veterinary care, food, and enrichment — one reason the U.S. remains the world's largest pet-care market.
The most popular pets in United States
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Dogs
Kept in more U.S. homes than any other pet. French Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers have traded the top AKC registration spots in recent years.
Browse all dog breeds -
Cats
Present in roughly a third of households; multi-cat homes mean total pet cats nearly match dogs nationwide.
Browse all cat breeds -
Fish
Aquarium fish are the most numerous pets by population because one tank can hold dozens of animals.
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Birds
Parakeets, cockatiels, and finches remain the most common companion birds in American homes.
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Small mammals and reptiles
Hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and beginner reptiles such as bearded dragons are popular first pets.
Meet the bearded dragon
Interesting facts about pets in United States
- APPA surveys show U.S. households spend tens of billions of dollars a year on pet food, supplies, and veterinary care.
- The French Bulldog ended a long Labrador Retriever run as the most-registered AKC breed in recent years.
- By headcount, pet fish outnumber dogs and cats because aquariums multiply animals per home.
How we ranked pets in United States
Household rankings follow AVMA and APPA national pet-ownership surveys (dogs and cats by share of households; fish often lead by individual animal count). Breed notes cite recent AKC registration trends. Figures are survey estimates and shift year to year.
Frequently asked questions about pets in United States
What is the most popular pet in the United States?
Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States by share of households. Cats are second. Freshwater fish often top the count when every individual animal is tallied.
Do more Americans own cats or dogs?
More American households own dogs than cats. Because many cat owners keep more than one cat, the total number of pet cats and pet dogs is often very close in national surveys.
What is the most common first pet for American children?
Goldfish, hamsters, and guinea pigs are common first pets for children in the United States, often before a family adopts a dog or cat.