Growing Trend of Pets as Part of Family

Pets are not just companions, but they are part of our family. They are our furbabies, our kids, our four-legged family members. According to a Harris Poll, more and more families are considering their pets part of the family.

WHO SAYS PETS ARE PART OF THE FAMILY:
* 88% pet owners consider their pets part of the family, while 7% don't.
* Women are more likely to believe this at 93% versus men at 84%.
* Dog owners are slightly more likely (93%) than cat owners (89%) to believe this.

WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO HAVE PETS:
* 63% of Americans currently have pets.
* Women (at 68%) are more likely than men (at 57%).
* 71% of Generation Xers (aged 31-42) have pets.
* 67% of Baby Boomers (aged 43-61) have pets.
* Those from the Midwest are most likely (67%) to have a pet.
* Those from the East are least likely (58%) to have a pet.

WHICH PET IS MOST POPULAR:
* Dogs are the most popular - 7 in 10 pet owners have a dog.
* 52% of pet owners have a cat.
* 15% of pet owners have a fish.
* 7% of pet owners have a bird.
* 12% - other.

HOW MANY PETS DO PEOPLE HAVE:
* 35% have one.
* 25% have two.
* 13% have three.
* 7% have four.
* 6% have five.
* 13% have six or more.

WHO BUYS PRESENTS FOR THEIR PETS:
* 65% have bought their pets holiday presents, while 37% have bought birthday presents.
* 71% of dog owners have bought their pet a holiday present compared to 63% of cat owners.
* 42% of dog owners have gotten a birthday present for their pet compared to 33% of cat owners.

MISCELLANEOUS:
* 23% of pet owners cook especially for them.
* 23% of dog owners dress their pet in clothing, compared to 14% of cat owners.
* 10% bring their pets to work with them.

[Source: Itchmo]