Pet Talk: What’s happening with pet populations?

The AVMA Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook has been tracking statistics on dog and cat populations in the United States since 1996. The data show long-term stability and growth in pet populations—a positive sign for the veterinary profession. Join two veterinary economic experts—AVMA’s chief economist and AVMA’s assistant director of statistical and data analysis—to dig into national trends in pet population and pet ownership over the last two decades and debunk myths. Understand what the statistics mean for you as a veterinary professional and how can you use the information to enhance your practice. 

AVMA’s Pet Talk series explores practical insights into pet populations, purchasing behavior, client communications, and other topics with AVMA economists and guest experts. Bringing to life data from AVMA’s Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook, you’ll learn how to use the information to enhance your practice.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand the latest data and insights into U.S. pet owners and pet populations from the AVMA 2024 Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook. 
• Analyze real-time demand for veterinary services with the Veterinary Industry Tracker. This interactive dashboard allows you to view data—updated daily—from thousands of veterinary practices, featuring everything from client visits to product sales.
• Identify free tools that help you stay current on veterinary economic trends and provide practical insight from experts.

Click here to view AVMA's Quarterly economic update: Q1 2025.

Katelyn McCullock is AVMA’s chief economist, responsible for leading the Veterinary Economics Division at the AVMA since 2024. She has over 15 years’ experience working in agricultural economics, with a focus on livestock economics. Before joining AVMA, she ran the Livestock Marketing Information Center, which specializes in livestock marketing economics and commodity forecasting. Other roles have included advocacy and animal welfare work with the American Farm Bureau Federation. McCullock holds a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Colorado State University.  

Maisey Kent is an economist and the assistant director of statistical and data analysis at the AVMA. She ensures the integrity of the statistical and data analyses in AVMA’s Veterinary Economics Division, builds and maintains primary data sources, develops analyses, and creates data-driven visualizations. She holds a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on information systems management from Delta State University.