What percentage of people own dogs? - briefly
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 38.4% of households in the United States own at least one dog. Globally, estimates suggest that around 14% of people own dogs as pets.
What percentage of people own dogs? - in detail
The prevalence of dog ownership varies significantly across different regions and cultures, making it challenging to pinpoint an exact global percentage. However, several studies and surveys provide valuable insights into this trend.
In the United States, one of the most comprehensive studies on pet ownership is conducted annually by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). According to their 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, approximately 69 million households in the U.S. own at least one dog, which translates to about 45% of all American households. This figure highlights the significant popularity and cultural acceptance of dogs as companion animals within the country.
Similarly, in Europe, the percentage of households that own dogs can also be quite high. A study conducted by Euromonitor International estimated that approximately one-third of European households have a pet dog. While this data varies slightly between countries—with higher ownership rates typically observed in Northern and Western Europe compared to Southern and Eastern regions—the overall trend suggests a substantial level of dog ownership across the continent.
Australia offers another interesting perspective on pet ownership. According to a 2019 report by Animal Medicines Australia, around 38% of Australian households own at least one dog. This figure places Australia among countries with relatively high rates of dog ownership globally.
On a broader scale, the World Pet Association (WPA) has estimated that approximately 40-50% of households in developed countries own dogs. In developing regions, this percentage tends to be lower due to various socioeconomic factors and cultural differences. For instance, in some African and Asian countries, dog ownership rates can be as low as 10%, primarily due to financial constraints and differing attitudes towards pets.
It is essential to note that the data on pet ownership rates can vary depending on the methodology used by different surveys and studies. Nevertheless, these figures provide a valuable framework for understanding the global prevalence of dog ownership and its cultural significance in various regions.