Washington – October 19, 2026 -- Nearly three in four Americans (74%) now own at least one pet, and 98% of pet owners report at least one health benefit from it, according to a new benchmark survey from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).
Another 15% of Americans plan to get a pet. Multi-pet homes are common: 64% of owners report more than one pet. The survey counted an average of three pets per household across all pet types, and 2.2 when only dogs and cats are counted.
Americans now know 18 health benefits of pets, up from 12 in 2021
Awareness is high. Some 97% of Americans can name at least one research-backed health benefit, and 62% have discussed the topic. The most widely recognized benefits are easing loneliness (92%), reducing depression (89%), reducing stress (88%) and helping people cope with difficult life situations (87%).
Knowing the science leads owners to care more for their pets
Among current owners, 94% say knowing the research makes them more likely to spend time with their pets. Another 91% say it makes them more likely to maintain their pets' health, including regular vet check-ups. Some 88% say it makes them more likely to provide high-quality nutrition.
Bond strength matters too. Owners with the strongest bonds are more likely to have a veterinarian (94% vs. 86%) and to keep up with preventive care such as vaccinations (84% vs. 77%).
Future pet owners want companionship, and most are eyeing a dog
Future owners cite companionship (87%), emotional support (74%), less loneliness (71%), better mental health (68%) and better physical health (55%). Among those planning to get a pet within six months, 73% said someone had recommended a pet for their health. Of all future owners, 79% intend to get a dog and 38% a cat. Among current owners planning another pet, 58% are interested in a dog and 54% in a cat.
Fostering is another route: 50% of all Americans are interested, and 37% of future owners would foster to test whether a specific pet fits.
Housing and cost are the biggest barriers
Some 29% of prospective owners worry about finding pet-friendly housing, and 27% of potential owners who rent cite restrictions as a reason they have no pet. Among current owners who rent, 31% report housing-related challenges and 14% changed housing to get a pet. Cost worries 37% of future owners, while 52% fear the emotional toll of leaving a pet for an extended period.
Public support for pet-friendly policies is broad. Some 83% of Americans say public spaces should be pet friendly, 81% would be more likely to buy from pet-friendly businesses, and 80% want fewer pet restrictions in rental housing.
HABRI President Steven Feldman called the findings evidence of a cultural tipping point. The online survey covered a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 18 and older.