To many of us, pets are family — even if they’re covered in fur, feathers or scales. Animal companionship is a great stress reliever, and the nearly 90.5 million households in the U.S. that own pets want to live places where their beloved companions can enjoy long, healthy lives without breaking the bank. In 2022, pet ownership cost Americans $136.8 billion, according to the American Pet Products Association.
Years ago, pet owners had access to only a handful of businesses offering animal services and supplies. Petco and PetSmart were among the biggest names. Now, the market for pet businesses is growing to fill increasing consumer demand, and new ways to buy goods for your animal have appeared, such as monthly subscription boxes.