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.

• AUCTION: Many of the stud males and intact females, as well as other dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, are bought and sold through organized auctions. NOTE: Minnesota has not been known for auctions that sell dogs and cats, but there are rural auctions where some animals and displayed and sold along with farm equipment, flowers, and other items.

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.

• VETERINARIANS: Licensed breeders and brokers are required to hire ‘attending veterinarians’ to examine the animals, monitor their health, and prepare the veterinary care plan. Veterinarians are also required to examine the animal prior to transport (to check for infectious, contagious or communicable disease) and prior to selling (see Pet Lemon Law). As in any industry, the values, beliefs and skills of each veterinarian varies — some work with large-scale commercial breeders because it's income and they support the industry; some work only with small-scale breeders; others work with animal rescues and shelters and do not support the production industry.
• REGISTRIES: Registry companies register the animals for pedigreed, giving a ‘stamp of approval.' Registry fees generate money. These registry papers have been known to be falsified, misleading consumers.
• BROKERS: Brokers (small businesses and large corporations) buy the puppies and kittens to sell to pet stores, dealers or other companies. Brokers are also referred to as dealers, or 'the middle-man.'
• BREEDER: Commercial breeders produce the puppies or kittens, keeping a few or hundreds of adult intact animals in their kennels. Size and conditions vary. As this is 'business (for profit),' key goal is to generate sales and income.
• PET STORES/ONLINE SALES: Pet stores, the Internet and local newspapers (through classifieds) advertise the animals for sale, and generate profit from each sale.
• CARRIERS: Carrier companies transport the animals within and across State lines or to other countries. Often, breeders and brokers may drive a truck themselves with the puppies on board. This involves interstate commerce.
• CONSUMERS: Consumers buy. Often consumers are not aware of where the puppy or kitten was born or the condition of the adult dogs/cats or kennels.
• NOTE: SHELTERS/RESCUES: If the dog or cat is no longer wanted or abandoned by the consumer (or by breeders), animal shelters and rescue organizations assume the care, treatment, housing and e-homing of the animal — with no financial assistance from the pet trade industry.

A growing industry

• Per American Pet Products Association 2023-2024, 86.9 million US households own a pet, which accounts for 66% compared to 62% in 2022 and 56% in 1988. - posted on Animal World Foundation

• Every year, "over 6.5 million dogs and cats, and other household pets are surrendered to animal shelters. Sadly just over 4 million find a home every year, leaving an ever-increasing number of animals in the shelter population." - World Animal Foundation

• 690,000 shelter animals were euthanized in 2023. - World Animal Foundation

• The U.S. Census 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 65.1 million households own a dog and 46.5 million households own a cat in the United States (per APPA - American Pet Products Association).

*Source: World Animal Foundation

Other pet ownership facts: 

• By 2030, it is estimated that the pet industry will be $275 billion (Morgan Stanley Forecasts. In 2012, actual expenditures were $53.33 billion and in 1994, $17 billion. (Source: APPA Survey and 2024 State of the Industry Report, APPA.)
• Per APPA 2023-2024 survey: Basic annual expenses for dog and cat owners include: $458 (for dogs) and $201 (for cats) for surgical vet visits; $242 (for dogs) and $178 (for cats) for routine vet visits; $287 (for dogs) and $254 (for cats) for food. (Source: APPA). For further statistics, see World Animal Foundation source above.
• An average of $30-$200 monthly is spent for pet insurance in 2023. At the end of 2023, U.S. pet insurance premiums reached up to $3.913 billion, as per NAPHIA (North American Pet Health Association). (Source: World Animal Foundation)
• PetSmart shifted its mission from being “the top seller of pet food to helping consumers become better pet parents.” (Source: The Pet Economy)

Americans love their pets. When the public buys, however, they’re often not aware of how and where these animals are being ‘produced’.