5.8 million
dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters and rescues in 2025
That total included 2.8 million dogs and 3.0 million cats.
ASPCA, 2025 U.S. Animal Shelter Statistics (opens in a new tab)Pet data reference
U.S. pet and shelter statistics: 2025-2026
A straightforward, citable snapshot of the numbers behind pet ownership, shelter intake and spending in the United States.
Last updated November 4, 2026. Shelter figures cover 2025, while ownership figures reflect the AVMA’s 2026 survey.
4.2 million
shelter animals were adopted in 2025
The ASPCA reports adoptions increased slightly from 2024, but not enough to substantially reduce the number of animals in shelters nationwide.
ASPCA, 2025 U.S. Animal Shelter Statistics (opens in a new tab)59%
of animals entering shelters in 2025 arrived as strays
Owner surrenders accounted for 30% of intake, according to the ASPCA.
ASPCA, 2025 U.S. Animal Shelter Statistics (opens in a new tab)58.9 million
U.S. households owned a dog in the 2026 AVMA survey
That is 43.7% of U.S. households, with an estimated 88.9 million dogs nationwide.
American Veterinary Medical Association, 2026 U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics (opens in a new tab)46.0 million
U.S. households owned a cat in the 2026 AVMA survey
That is 34.1% of U.S. households, with an estimated 77.0 million cats nationwide.
American Veterinary Medical Association, 2026 U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics (opens in a new tab)$158 billion
was spent in the U.S. pet market in 2025
The American Pet Products Association lists food and treats as the largest category at $68.3 billion.
American Pet Products Association, Industry Trends and Statistics (opens in a new tab)What the numbers show
Pets are part of daily life for millions of households, and shelter capacity remains under pressure.
These figures help put everyday pet decisions in context, from choosing useful supplies to supporting local shelters and rescues. They are national estimates, not a measure of any one community or organization.
Browse pet finds at Archie & Friends Collective →Methodology and sources
How to use this page
Each statistic above links directly to the organization that published it. Figures are shown as published, including rounded estimates. This page is updated when the underlying national reports are refreshed.
- ASPCA: 2025 U.S. Animal Shelter Statistics
- American Veterinary Medical Association: 2026 U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics
- American Pet Products Association: Industry Trends and Statistics
Cite this page
Archie & Friends Collective. “U.S. Pet and Shelter Statistics: 2025-2026.” Updated November 4, 2026. https://aafcollective.com/pet-statistics