Americans have an incredible love for cats, dogs, and other bizarre and interesting animals. They are great companions, fun, and provide comfort on lonely days.
In this article, we take a look at the 10 most popular pets in American homes.
1. Dog
Dogs are America’s most popular pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the country is estimated to have more than 76 million pet dogs in the care of 48 million households. This means that each household has an average of 1.5 dogs.
Statistically, their popularity makes sense, after all they are man’s best friend. They are easy to care for, talk to and make great companions for children and adults.
2. Cat
Cats are second only to dogs. They were originally brought to North America by the British to help solve the persistent rodent problem on the East Coast.
Hundreds of years later, their innate curiosity, cuteness, and playfulness have made them popular and favored by most animal lovers.
According to the AVMA, approximately 31 million households in the United States have cats, for a total of more than 58 million cats.
3. Fish
Fish are the third most popular pet in the United States, with nearly 12 percent of American households owning at least one or more fish. Their aquariums make beautiful home decor and are fairly easy to care for and maintain.
4. Birds
Birds came in fourth. They’re not as popular as fish or cats, but they’re just as fun and worth caring for, with 2.8 percent of U.S. households owning a pet bird. Cockatiels, parrots and other birds with the ability to imitate human speech are particularly popular with bird owners.
5. Reptiles
In general, reptiles, including snakes, salamanders, iguanas, and various lizards, are gaining popularity among animal lovers in the United States. Millennials especially love and prefer them for their exotic temperament and beauty. Reptiles are naturally welcome companions and can be a little exciting to take care of.
According to a survey conducted by Reptiles Cove, there are 9.4 million reptile pets in the United States, with one or two reptiles per pet household. They are the number one “special” pet.
6. Rabbit
Rabbits are very popular specialty pets among animal lovers. It comes right after fish and birds, and would probably be more popular if they weren’t as difficult to care for.
However, just like hamsters, gerbils, and other furry animals, they are very cute, very fond of pets, and very active when it comes to pets. According to the AVMA, they are the second most popular professional pet.
