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issue > puppy/kitten mills > pet trade industry
KEY MESSAGE: In the United States, the pet trade industry generates billions of dollars due to a sophisticated distribution system, profiting many players. Breeders and dealers are a subset of this industry, producing and providing the "living products." A multi-billion dollar industry By 2030, it's estimated the pet trade industry will be a $275 billion dollar industry. As with other industries, it depends on a full system of distribution that crosses state borders, which is why it’s defined in terms of commerce. Breeders are only one part of the ‘commerce’ picture.
Photo of dog in cage at dog auction, waiting to be sold. Some Minnesota dog breeders sell their "unwanted" dogs at auctions. Two main dog auctions are in Missouri.
A growing industry According to the 2019-2020 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 67% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 84.9 million homes. In 1998, the first year the survey was conducted, 56% of U.S. households owned a pet. Contrast this to the U.S. Census which states that about 33% of Americans have kids (under 18 years of age) living at home. In other words, more homes have pets than kids. It’s estimated that 63.4 million households own a dog and 42.7 million households own a cat in the United States (per APPA).
Other pet ownership facts:
Americans love their pets. When the public buys, however, they’re often not aware of how and where these animals are being ‘produced’. |
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