The U.S. (pop. 313.9 million+) spent an all-time high of $55.7 billion on their pets in 2013 and is on track to spend close to $60 billion this year according to a report from AP:
[The U.S.]spent an all-time high of $55.7 billion on their pets in last year and spending will creep close to $60 billion this year, the president and CEO of the American Pet Products Association told buyers and exhibitors at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Fla. Overall pet spending has not dipped since record-keeping started, according to APPA, based in Greeenwich, Conn.
The biggest part of spending in 2013 — $21.57 billion — went for food — a lot of it more expensive, healthier grub. The not-for-profit trade association has been tracking industry figures since 1996, when total pet spending was just $21 billion. Adjusted for inflation, that’s $31.3 billion.
The humanization of our pets started about 20 years ago, Vetere said in a telephone interview. As people made pets more important parts of their families, manufacturers introduced products that, in the beginning, helped the animals make their move from the backyard to the front room.
Discuss.