Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine

Statistics about the Human-Animal Bond

63% of U.S. households have at least one pet (11th annual AAHA pet owner survey)
Children are more likely to have pets than siblings or fathers (Melson, 2001)
99% consider their pets as family members (Voith, 1985)
83% refer to themselves as their pet's mom or dad (11th AAHA pet survey)
76% feel guilty leaving their pets when they go to work. 38% admit to calling home to talk to their animals (1997 AAHA pet owner survey)
More than 75% say dog's health is as important to them as their own (Pfizer Animal Health/Gallup Organization Dog Owner survey)
59% believe that their pet has a best friend (2001 AAHA pet owner survey)
57% would prefer their pet as their only companion if they were stranded on a desert island (2001/2002 American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) Pet Owner survey)
52% are better at remembering the names of neighbor pets than human neighbors (2001 AAHA survey)
52% believe that their pet listens to them the best (2001 AAHA survey)
44% would spend $3000 or more to save their pet's life (2001 AAHA survey)
21% would travel 1000 miles or more to obtain specialty care for their pet (2001 AAHA survey)
32% allow their dogs to sleep on their beds (11th AAHA survey)