A recent survey of 1,250 U.S. pet owners found that more than 80% of pet parents consider their pets to be part of their family. This finding is consistent with a 2023 study by the American Psychiatric Association, which reported that 88% of Americans feel the same way about their pets.

Pets and Family Life

The bond between pets and their owners is deepening, with many pet parents viewing their pets as akin to children. In fact, over 55% of respondents in the survey said they view their pet like a child, regardless of whether they have human children in the home.

Pets have become an integral part of American family life, with nearly 95 million households in the U.S. having at least one pet. The survey data highlights the significant impact pets have on their owners’ lives, influencing stress levels, mental health, and sense of purpose.

Pet Health and Well-being

More than 78% of pet parents prioritize their pet’s health and well-being, often going to great lengths to ensure their pet receives proper care. However, financial constraints can make it difficult for pet parents to access the care they want to provide for their pets, with over 41% of respondents having delayed or skipped veterinary care due to financial pressures.

Despite these challenges, pet parents are seeking ways to better care for their pets, with over 70% expressing interest in using digital tools to track their pet’s health and behavior between veterinary visits. The desire for more confidence in caring for their pets is driving pet parents to consider innovative solutions, such as artificial intelligence-powered pet health monitoring tools.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.