These are basic fun facts about the cats and dogs. All statistics are as of March, 2006 unless noted. This page will be updated again in late 2007.  See note at bottom of page regarding updates

There are 44,892,454 dog owners in the United States, who own a total of 62,995,801 million dogs, and there are 76,954,111 million cats for a total of 139,949,912 pets.

Of the 106.4 million households in the U.S., 33.6 million have at least one cat as a pet. 

The following statistics exemplify pet owners feelings towards their pets.

31,507,457 dog owners purchase Christmas gifts for their dogs.

39,754,847 cats receive Christmas gifts from their owners.

13,498,254 cats have their birthdays celebrated.

9,849,021 dog owners celebrate their dogs' birthdays in the following ways;

More than half of American dog owners are more attached to their pets than to at least one other human being. The following numbers represent those who say they are as attached to their dogs as to the following persons;

A) Best Friend 16,213,555

B) Children 8,321,566

C) Spouse 5,421,959

  39% of America's pet owners display their pet's picture in their home.

 16% of America's pet owners keep a picture of their pet in their wallet or purse.

 American dogs sleep in the following places;

 67% of America's cats are allowed to sleep on their owner's bed or anywhere they want.

 More than half of America's dogs can perform at least one trick (25,300,500).

 America's dog and cat owners say they acquired their pets for the following reasons;

 NOTE: These numbers add up to more than 100% showing that people must have a pet for more than one reason.

Pet Safety:

Source: 1998-2006 American Pet Association Polls

Poll taken of 19,211 pet owners in February 2005  Error +- 3%