AVMA marks National Pet Week as US pet ownership reaches 77.5 million households

As the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) marks National Pet Week, observed May 3 through 9, the organization is highlighting the human-animal bond and the responsibilities that accompany pet ownership as data show continued growth in US pet ownership.¹

This year’s National Pet Week theme is “Happiness is a Healthy Pet.”

According to the AVMA’s 2025 Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, 77.5 million US households owned at least 1 pet in 2025, representing 58.6% of all households and an increase of more than 8% from 2016.²

The AVMA reported that dogs remain the most commonly owned companion animal, present in 42.6% of households, with an estimated total US population of 87.3 million. Cats follow, residing in 32.6% of households, with an estimated population of 76.3 million.²

Pet ownership extends beyond dogs and cats. According to the sourcebook, an estimated 3.4 million households have fish, 2.4 million have reptiles, 2.1 million have birds, and approximately 800,000 households own rabbits. Horses and poultry round out the list at approximately 500,000 and 900,000 households, respectively.²

The organization also noted the continued strength of the human-animal bond, with 79.5% of dog owners and 70.4% of cat owners reporting that they consider their pets members of the family.¹

National Pet Week centers on health and wellbeing

Established in 1981 by the AVMA and the Auxiliary to the AVMA, National Pet Week is observed annually during the first full week of May to promote responsible pet ownership and preventive veterinary care.¹

“The human-animal bond is something to celebrate, but it also comes with responsibility,” said Michael Q. Bailey, DVM, DACVR, president of the AVMA, in a news release.¹ “National Pet Week is the perfect time to recommit to the everyday actions—such as regular veterinary care, good nutrition, and regular exercise—that keep our pets healthy and increase the time we have to spend together.”

This year’s observance assigns each day a different pet health and wellness focus¹:

• Sunday: Choose well: Commit for life
• Monday: Behavioral health: Habits for happy pets
• Tuesday: Nutrition and exercise matter
• Wednesday: Love your pet? See your vet!
• Thursday: Travel with care
• Friday: Emergencies happen: Be prepared
• Saturday: Plan for their care: Give them a lifetime of love

The daily themes align with several issues relevant to veterinary practice, including obesity prevention, behavioral enrichment, emergency preparedness, and senior pet care.

According to the AVMA, more than half of dogs and cats in the US are considered overweight or obese, making nutrition and exercise a continued point of focus for veterinary teams counseling clients.1 The organization also emphasized routine examinations as an opportunity for early disease detection, noting that pets often conceal signs of illness until disease is more advanced.¹

The campaign also highlights practical considerations such as microchipping, identification, and travel safety, as well as planning for the needs of aging pets, which may require more frequent monitoring and tailored care plans.

For veterinary professionals, National Pet Week may also serve as a client engagement opportunity. The AVMA is offering an official National Pet Week toolkit with educational materials and resources for practices to use with staff and clients throughout the observance.¹

Pet owners and veterinary teams can access National Pet Week resources through the AVMA website.

References

1. National Pet Week 2026: Pet ownership surges as AVMA celebrates human-animal bond. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. May 4, 2026. Accessed May 5, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-pet-week-2026-pet-ownership-surges-as-avma-celebrates-human-animal-bond-302761791.html
2. U.S. pet ownership statistics. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed May 5, 2026. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics