Pet Ownership By the Numbers
Canadians are united when it comes to how they feel about their pets. Simply put, Canadians love their furry friends, fish, birds, reptiles, and other household pets. There has been a steady increase in pet ownership over the years with cats and dogs leading the way. Don’t take our word for it. Let’s explore the numbers.
In 2020, Canadians spent a lot more time indoors due to country-wide lockdowns in response to the pandemic. One of the outcomes was an increase in pet ownership. A survey conducted by Narrative Research in November 2020 shows that among pet owners, 18% reported obtaining a new pet since onset of the pandemic. That year, 57% of new pet parents welcomed cats into their families while 55% added dogs, 9% took in fish and 6% got birds.[1]
People love to gush all over their pets. For many, pets are an extension of their immediate families. If we used how much money Canadians spend on their pets as an indication of how much they love their animal companions then the verdict is clear. We love our pets. In an article posted on the CPA Canada website entitled “Considering Becoming a Pet Owner? Read this First”, author Mathieu De LaJartre cites that in 2020 Canadians spent $5.7 billion on their pets, up from $5.4 billion the year before. That number is not surprising considering the number of Canadian households that have pets. According to the 2020 Pet Population Survey conducted by the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI), approximately 58% of Canadian households reported that they owned at least one dog or cat. The number of dogs in Canada is on the rise. The Canadian dog population grew by about 1.2% from 2018 to 2020 increasing from 7.6 million to 7.7 million. Dogs are the second most owned pet in Canada behind cats which have a population of about 8.1 million. [2] Results from a survey conducted by Abacus Data in June 2021 reveal that approximately one-third (32%) of Canadians report having a dog while 31% have cats.
Pet ownership varies slightly by region. A national survey of 1,500 Canadians conducted by Abacus Data between June 4 to June 9, 2021, shows that pet ownership was highest in Quebec with approximately 65% of respondents saying that they owned a pet. Atlantic Canada is a close second at 64% followed by Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia at 56%, 50% and 49% respectively. The region in with the lowest level of pet ownership is Saskatchewan and Manitoba at 47%.
Cost of Owning a Dog
Let’s shift gears a bit and take a closer look at our relationship with man’s best friend. Dogs bring tremendous joy to their human companions. Numerous studies have shown that there are many physical and mental health benefits associated with owning a dog. Being a dog owner is a huge responsibility and can be quite expensive. Just how expensive are we talking about? There are various estimates of how much it costs annually to own a dog. Various factors including the type of food (raw, dry, wet, specialty foods), where you live, the overall health of a dog, age, and whether they have special needs or disabilities will affect the overall costs of caring for your furry companion. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association estimates that it costs just over $3,200 per year excluding a dog walker and professional grooming. A study conducted by the Canadian insurance comparison platform HelloSafe estimates the annual cost of owning a dog in Canada ranges from $3,530 to $4,410.
Where does the money go? Let’s take a look at some common expenses. According to Statista, the leading annual expense for caring for a dog in 2022 was food followed by pet insurance. Canadians spent on average $1,200 per year on food, $1,160 on pet insurance, and $743 on professional dental.
The combined cost of veterinary care - annual routine check-ups, vaccinations, as well as flea, tick, and heartworm prevention medications comes in at about $1,350. The table below shows the average cost of veterinary services provided by the Quebec Veterinary Association (AMVQ).
Dogs are fantastic additions to any family. But it is a big commitment. In addition to taking time to care for your dog, it can also put a ding in your wallet. But if you ask me and many other dog owners, the trade-off is totally worth it. Dogs bring you joy and happiness. Their happy-go-lucky attitude puts a smile on your face. Having a dog also forces you to get outside more and become more active leading to healthier lifestyles.