2004 U.S. Companion Animal Owner Survey

Sponsored by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), this survey of companion animal owners throughout the United States and Canada presents a detailed analysis of companion animal ownership issues and characteristics. The primary topics explored include the human/companion animal relationship and companion animal health.

Among the companion animal owners surveyed, respondents have at least one: dog (42%), cat (20%), bird (5%), reptile (4%), pocket companion animal (3%), rabbit (2%), ferret (<1%), fish (2%), or other animal (2%).
Companion animals were obtained from: breeder (35%), animal shelter/rescue organization (20%), friend/family (16%), stray (11%), companion animal store (7%), veterinarian (3%), or other (8%).

The vast majority of respondents have a close relationship with their companion animal. For example, 67% have traveled with their companion animal, while 94% say their companion animal has human-like personality traits: emotional/sensitive (30%), outgoing (28%), inquisitive (26%), stubborn (20%), laid back (17%), competitive (8%), reserved/shy (6%), or some other trait (8%). In fact, 93% of companion animal owners say that they are likely to risk their own life for their companion animal, while 64% believe their companion animal would come to their rescue if needed.

In order to ensure a companion animal’s quality of life, owners have: taken a companion animal in for regular veterinary checkups (94%), had their companion animal spayed or neutered (77%), fed a premium brand of companion animal food (71%), given regular exercise (58%), used id tags or tattoos (46%), gotten their companion animal’s teeth cleaned (37%), used a safety device in a vehicle (21%), or purchased health insurance (3%).

A detailed summary of questions and responses is available in the full report.