Major Findings From AP Poll On Companion Animals
A poll on companion animal ownership finds that of the 15% of owners who say they’re having to spend less on their companion, about a quarter say they’ve contemplated giving up the animal. Half or more say they’ve seriously considered cheaper food, fewer toys, and delaying routine veterinary visits.
Major Findings:
- 67% of companion animal owners say they can understand their animals’ barks and purrs; 62% feel that their companion animals understand them as well.
- Men are twice as likely as women to say that neither can understand each other.
- Despite tough economic times, only one in seven companion animal owners say they have cut back spending on their companion animals in the past year.
- Four in ten companion animal owners still plan to buy holiday gifts for their companion animals, similar to last year.
- Of the 15% of companion animal owners who have to spend less on their companion animals this year, one quarter have considered giving up their animal.
- 74% of all companion animal owners have dogs, 46% have cats, 12% have fish, 7% have birds, and 2% or fewer have horses, rabbits, rodents, turtles, lizards, or other companion animals.