Even in today’s unpredictable economy, Americans aren’t cutting corners when it comes to their pets.
According to a survey from deals and cash back platform CouponCabin, which can help pet owners find coupons at pet stores, pet parents aren’t just spoiling their furry companions—they’re prioritizing them. From spending upwards of $1,000 a year on food, treats and toys, to choosing higher-quality products, even at higher prices, it’s clear that Americans are going all in on their love for animals. Let’s dive into the data.
Pets Over People
In terms of spending priorities, the survey shows that pets are winning hearts and wallets: 44% of survey respondents admit they’re more likely to splurge on their pet than on themselves, family or friends. Furthermore, nearly 35% say they’re more likely to buy a birthday gift for a friend’s pet than for the actual friend. We don’t blame them!
The Cost of Owning an Animal
Pets aren’t cheap, but, for most, they’re worth the price. According to the survey, over half of the consumers surveyed spend between $500 and $1,999 a year on their pets, covering everything from routine vet visits to food, toys and treats…but more than 14% spend between $4,000 and $9,999 a year!
However, while nearly 75% say they opt for a pricier brand of pet food, that doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive brand, suggesting that quality matters, but budgets still play a role. And toys may seem like the occasional treat, but 28% of pet owners buy new ones once or twice every six months. 7% pick up a new toy every single week.
Where Pet Owners Shop for Their Furry Friends
When it comes to where the pet owners we surveyed are buying pet food, Chewy leads the pack, with 39% citing it as their go-to retailer. Petco isn’t far behind at 31%, followed by PetSmart at 29%. And while it carries far more than pet food and toys, Walmart also remains a popular choice for pet parents looking for convenience and competitive pricing.
Regardless of where they shop, pet parents aren’t skimping on food. More than half of those surveyed (54%) have considered switching where they buy their pet’s food, with 55% pointing to quality concerns.
Subscription boxes are also gaining traction, especially for pet owners looking to surprise their furry friends regularly. BarkBox is the most widely used at 49%, followed by BoxDog (38%), PupJoy (31%), Meowbox (24%) and KitNipBox (20%).
Survey Method:
This survey was conducted on behalf of CouponCabin on July 8, 2025, among 1,008 U.S. adults.
