It’s National Pet Day! Whether they’re winged, whiskered, scaly or tailed, our pets are more than just animals – they’re family. And it turns out that Americans show their love for their pets in some pretty impressive ways when it comes to spending money. According to our survey, over half of Americans are splurging on higher-quality products for their pets than they do for themselves.
In a world where quality often comes at a premium, it seems that pet parents are willing to open their wallets a little wider for their four-legged friends. With almost 9,000 American consumers surveyed, the findings offer valuable insights into how pet owners are shaping the pet product retail landscape.
Americans Prioritize High-Quality Products for Their Pets
It’s no secret that pets have become integral members of the family, but the extent to which we’re willing to spend on them might surprise you. According to our Shopkick survey, 54% of Americans admit they purchase healthier or higher-quality products for their pets than they do for themselves. This doesn’t just apply to food – grooming, accessories, and toys are also part of the equation. In fact, 43% of respondents have opted for a cheaper option for themselves (whether it be clothing, entertainment, or other personal purchases) just to afford a premium product for their pets.
Florida Pet Owners Go the Extra Mile
While pet pampering is widespread across the United States, one state stands out in particular: Florida. Pet owners in the Sunshine State are leading the charge when it comes to spending on their pets, with 28% of Floridian pet parents admitting that they spend more on grooming and accessories for their pets than on themselves. It’s clear that Florida residents take their role as pet parents seriously, with a strong commitment to ensuring their animals have everything they need to live their best lives.
Dog Owners Are Especially Selective
When comparing dog owners to cat owners, the data reveals that dog parents are especially committed to providing the best for their pets. Of the 72% of pet owners who are willing to invest in healthier products for their animals, 61% are dog owners, compared to just 38% of cat owners. The trend is also apparent when it comes to purchasing higher-quality products for pets. 60% of dog owners report buying premium products for their pets, while 38% of cat owners do the same.
The Healthy Pet Product Trend
So, what exactly are pet owners willing to spend extra on? The survey uncovered some interesting patterns in the types of products that draw in consumers. 76% of pet owners are increasingly gravitating toward healthier options for their pets, with a focus on improving their animals’ overall well-being. Specifically, 27% of respondents are most concerned with protein content, 25% prioritize digestive health, and 17% are focused on joint health.
It’s clear that pet owners are treating their animals as they would their own health, seeking out options that promise to keep their pets happy, active, and healthy. In fact, 72% of respondents said they would be willing to pay extra for high-quality or health-conscious pet products, showing just how far pet parents are willing to go to ensure their pets’ happiness and well-being.
How Much Do Pet Owners Spend?
For many pet owners, caring for their furry (or not-so-furry) friends comes with a significant financial commitment. When asked about their monthly spending on pet products (excluding veterinary services), the results leaned heavily toward the triple digits. 45% of pet parents spend between $50 and $100 each month on pet products, while 19% spend between $100 and $250. That’s a significant investment in the well-being of their animals, which further reinforces the commitment pet owners have to their pets.
Pet product purchases aren’t a one-time event either – they’re a regular part of many consumers’ routines. 60% of pet owners report purchasing pet products (such as food, treats, toys, and grooming supplies) on a monthly basis, with 34% purchasing these items a few times per week. This regular spending highlights the ongoing nature of pet care and the dedication owners have to ensuring their pets receive the best products.
The Top States for Pet Ownership and Spending
When it comes to the states with the highest levels of pet ownership and spending, the survey pointed to California, Florida, Texas, New York, Georgia, and Illinois as the top six. Among these states, Florida stands out once again, with pet owners there being most likely to spend extra on high-quality products. On the other hand, Texas was found to have the highest percentage of respondents who said they would not be willing to pay more for premium pet products.
Shopping Habits: In-Store vs. Online
Despite the growth of online options, many pet owners still prefer to purchase their pet products in person. According to the survey, 32% of pet owners make their pet product purchases at pet stores like Petco and PetSmart, while 31% head to big-box stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco. Online retailers such as Chewy and Amazon come in third, with 17% of consumers choosing these platforms for pet purchases. Interestingly, 18% of respondents also shop for pet products at grocery stores, which shows the convenience and accessibility of purchasing pet food and treats alongside other household essentials.
State-specific preferences also emerge in the survey when it comes to where pet owners buy their pet products. For instance, California pet parents are most likely to purchase from a pet store, while Florida and New York residents favor online retailers. In Georgia and Illinois, subscription services like BarkBox and PetPlate are popular, while Texans lean toward grocery stores for their pet purchases.
The Bottom Line: Pet Products as an Extension of Family Care
The findings from Shopkick’s National Pet Day survey underscore a simple but important truth: Americans consider their pets to be integral members of the family, and they’re willing to spend to ensure their pets have the best products available. Retailers and brands that cater to this demand, offering quality products and personalized experiences, will find themselves in high demand as pet parents continue to pamper their pets.
So, this National Pet Day, remember to celebrate your pet with some extra love – and maybe even a special treat. After all, your fur baby deserves it!
To further enhance your retail strategy and stay ahead in this evolving landscape, we invite you to connect with Trax. Our Consumer Insights solutions provide valuable data and actionable insights that can help you understand and anticipate consumer behavior, enabling you to make informed decisions that drive growth and customer satisfaction. Additionally, our Trax Execution solutions offer cutting-edge tools to optimize your in-store operations, ensuring that you can deliver a seamless and efficient shopping experience to stand out in the retail industry.
Discover how Trax can help you navigate the complexities of the modern retail environment and achieve your business goals. Learn more about our innovative solutions for the retail landscape and how we can support your journey toward success.
Survey Methodology: Trax conducted this survey via Shopkick, collecting insights and market research from almost 9,000 American consumers in February 2025.
