Most Popular Pets in America (2024)

February 16, 2022 in Uncategorized

1. Dogs

Dogs come in at number one, with48.3 million households owning dogs in the United States, making these four-legged friends one of the most popular pets around. For people who live active lives and love giving out belly rubs, dog ownership can be a rewarding experience. Dogs are one of the more time-intensive pets, however, requiring training, daily walks, and outdoor potty breaks, so it's important to consider your lifestyle before adopting one.

2. Cats

Cats are number two on the list, with31.9 million feline owners.Cat ownership provides many of the same benefits as dog ownership but with less maintenance. Unlike dogs, cats don't need daily walks and are happy to entertain themselves. Although these fuzzy friends are happy to hang alone most of the time, you'll need to make your home cat-friendly with scratching posts and cat trees to help them stay active.

3. Fish

Our small finned friends are number three on the list, with10.5 million fish owners living in the United States. One of the best pets for kids, fish are great for teaching responsibility without requiring much care. Fish can be tricky to keep alive, so ensure you have the proper aquarium and fish supplies before bringing one into your home.

4. Reptiles

Quiet and hypoallergenic, reptiles are number four on our list of most popular pets, residing in3.7 million American homes. Like fish, reptiles are very low maintenance and can be a great pet for people looking to ease into the responsibility of animal ownership. While some reptiles are vegetarian, many eat bugs or mice, so they might not be a great fit for folks who are squeamish around creepy crawlers.

5. Birds

Graceful and beautiful pets, birds come in at number five, with3.5 million households owning birds in the U.S. These little creatures are incredibly social and intelligent, making them a perfect animal for people who love interacting with their pets. Birds are social animals that prefer a flock over going solo, so if you plan on adopting a bird, it's a good idea to get more than one.

6. Rabbits

Arguably one of the cutest critters on this list, rabbits are the sixth most popular pet in America, with1.5 million happy rabbit owners. Like cats, bunnies take up very little space, making them a great option for people living in apartments. Ensure that your rabbit gets the chance to leave its enclosure each day and explore a bunny-safe location to keep it healthy and happy.

7. Pet Poultry

1.4 million American households enjoy farm-fresh eggs produced by their pet poultry each year. Chickens and ducks are also great at controlling pests in your yard, munching on ticks and other bugs you might not want around. Before you go out and buy a batch of chicks, it's a good idea to check your local ordinance. While many communities allow for a limited number of backyard birds, some forbid it altogether.

8. Horses

Horses ride in as the eighth most popular pet in America, with almost a million horse owners in the U.S. Like dog ownership, horse ownership is great for individuals who enjoy staying physically active. Riding and taking care of horses are great workouts for both you and your horse. Although horses can be great pets, they are the most expensive on this list and require lots of care and the right environment, so consider your financial situation and the ability to house them before diving into horse ownership.Getting a new pet is exciting, but sometimes it can be hard to know which animal is right for your family. Keep this list of popular pets on hand as you decide on the perfect pet for your home. And to learn more about how to care for whichever pet you do choose, get in touch with us at Forever Vets today.

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