Comfort Pet Supplies reference desk
U.S. Dog Owner Statistics: 2026 Facts & Trends
Six current facts about the people caring for dogs at home, from ownership and grooming to food, veterinary care, and travel routines.
Last updated October 14, 2026. Facts below reflect APPA's 2025 National Pet Owners Survey, published in 2026.
71 million
U.S. households owned a dog in 2025.
That represents 53% of U.S. households, according to APPA's 2026 Dog Report, which draws on its 2025 National Pet Owners Survey.
Source: American Pet Products Association, July 202651%
of dog owners groom their dogs at home.
APPA reports that more than half of dog owners handled grooming at home in 2025, a useful reminder that everyday care routines happen in the household, not only at the salon.
Source: American Pet Products Association, July 202631%
of dog owners most commonly fed premium food.
APPA identified premium food as the most commonly fed option, while also noting that many owners mix premium and budget-friendly choices.
Source: American Pet Products Association, July 20264 in 10
dog owners rely on someone they know for in-home pet care when travelling.
Friends, family, and neighbours are an important part of the everyday support network owners use when they are away.
Source: American Pet Products Association, July 202629%
of dog-owner spending went to veterinary care.
Veterinary care was the largest share of the dog-owner wallet in APPA's 2025 findings.
Source: American Pet Products Association, July 202627%
of dog-owner spending went to food.
Food was described as a protected essential, close behind veterinary care in APPA's breakdown of dog-owner spending.
Source: American Pet Products Association, July 2026What these numbers show
Dog care is built into ordinary life.
From a quick grooming session at home to keeping a favourite bed fresh after a muddy walk, the practical parts of caring for a dog happen every day. For more help with one of those routines, read our simple dog-bed wash guide or use the dog-bed sizing guide when it is time to choose a more comfortable place to settle.
Methodology & sources
How we put this page together.
Every statistic on this page comes from the American Pet Products Association's 2026 Dog Report announcement, published July 22, 2026. The report uses findings from APPA's 2025 National Pet Owners Survey. We selected only figures the source states directly and will review this page when newer primary data is released.
Cite this page
Comfort Pet Supplies. “U.S. Dog Owner Statistics: 2026 Facts & Trends.” Updated October 14, 2026. https://comfortpetsupplies.store/dog-owner-statistics
For a specific figure, link directly to its numbered card above.