Common Pets: Most Popular Pets in America

Common Pets: Most Popular Pets in America – Pet ownership in the United States is on the rise. The number of pet dogs and cats jumped from140 million in 2019 to 149 million in 2020 alone. Seeing as animals not only act as furry friends however also offer numerous health benefits like lowered blood pressure and increased serotonin, it is no surprise that more people are adopting animals.

If you are interested in joining the growing ranks of pet owners however need a little inspiration, here are the eight most popular pets in America today.

Dogs

Dogs come in at number one, with48.3 million households owning dogs in the United States, making these four-legged friends one of the most popular pets around. For people who live active lives and love giving out belly rubs, dog ownership could be a rewarding experience. Dogs are one of the more time-intensive pets, nonetheless, requiring training, daily walks, and outdoor potty breaks, so it is important to consider your lifestyle before adopting one.

Cats

Cats are number two on the list, with31.9 million feline owners.Cat ownership offers lots of the same benefits as dog ownership however with less upkeep. Unlike dogs, cats do not need daily walks and are happy to entertain themselves. Although these fuzzy friends are happy to hang alone most of the time, you will need to make your home cat-friendly with scratching posts and cat trees to help them stay active.

Fish

Our small finned friends are number three on the list, with10.5 million fish owners living in the United States. One of the finest pets for children, fish are great for teaching responsibility without requiring much care. Fish might be tough to keep alive, so guarantee you have the proper aquarium and fish supplies before bringing one into your home.

Reptiles

Quiet and hypoallergenic, reptiles are number four on our list of most popular pets, residing in3.7 million American houses. Like fish, reptiles are very low upkeep and could be a great pet for people looking to ease into the responsibility of animal ownership. Whereas some reptiles are vegetarian, many eat bugs or mice, so they won’t be a great fit for folks who are squeamish around creepy crawlers.

Birds

Graceful and beautiful pets, birds come in at number five, with3.5 million households owning birds in the U.S. These little creatures are incredibly social and clever, making them a perfect animal for people who love interacting with their pets. Birds are social animals that prefer a flock over going solo, so if you plan on adopting a bird, it is a good idea to get more than one.

Rabbits

Arguably one of the cutest critters on this list, rabbits are the sixth most popular pet in America, with1.5 million happy rabbit owners. Like cats, bunnies take up very little space, making them a great option for people living in apartments. Guarantee that your rabbit gets the chance to leave its enclosure every day and explore a bunny-safe location to keep it healthy and happy.

Pet Poultry

1.4 million American households enjoy farm-fresh eggs produced by their pet poultry every year. Chickens and ducks are also great at controlling pests in your yard, munching on ticks and other bugs you may not want around. Before you go out and purchase a batch of chicks, it is a good idea to check your local ordinance. Whereas many communities allow for a limited number of backyard birds, some forbid it altogether.

Horses

Horses ride in as the eighth most popular pet in America, with almost one million horse owners in the U.S. Like dog ownership, horse ownership is great for individuals who enjoy staying physically active. Riding and caring for horses are great workouts for both you and your horse. Although horses might be great pets, they’re the costliest on this list and require a lot of care and the right environment, so consider your financial situation and the capability to home them before diving into horse ownership.

Getting a new pet is exciting, however sometimes it might be hard to know which animal is right for your family. Keep this list of popular pets on hand as you make a decision on the perfect pet for your home.