American Society Is Growing More Pet-Friendly

Pet ownership in the U.S. rose sharply during the pandemic, with nearly 1 in 5 households opening their doors to a furry friend, per a survey by animal advocacy group ASPCA. This growing obsession with pets is reshaping American society — in some cases, quite literally. 

A New Kind of Family

This increase in pet ownership has incentivized businesses, buildings, and workplaces to adjust their rules regarding pets. Cities across America have seen a surge in dog-friendly bars, apartments, and coffee shops according to a Business Insider report. 

This comes as Americans welcome more furry friends into their hearts and go to great lengths to make them feel at home. Pet care spending ballooned from a little more than $50 billion in 2012 to nearly $150 billion in 2023, according to data from American Pet Products Association. Virtually all (97%) of today’s pet owners agree: pets are part of the family, per the Pew Research Center.

Pet-Friendly Projects

Dog social clubs, like Dog Daze, and other pet-centric events might just be the beginning. The growing popularity of pet ownership will likely lead to the continued development of pet-friendly projects throughout America. 

In an uncertain economic environment, it could also leave a mark on spending, as devoted pet owners may consider cutting back on discretionary purchases to make more room for pet care in their budgets.

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