Pets keep their owners healthy

The human-animal bond phenomenon continues to be a key catalyst for growth in the pet food industry, according to market research firm Packaged Facts in the report Pet Food in the U.S., 12th Edition. In Packaged Facts' National Pet Owner Survey, 79 percent of dog owners and 77 percent of cat owners consider their dogs or cats to be part of the family. This is true especially of older pets.
For instance, Packaged Facts found that most pet owners believe that pets help their health. Survey data shows that 85 percent of dog owners and 82 percent of cat owners agree that their pets have a positive impact on their mental health. Similarly, 80 percent of dog owners and 74 percent of cat owners agree that their pets have a positive impact on their physical health.
Packaged Facts found that 77 percent of dog owners and 68 percent of cat owners enjoy purchasing pet products that pamper their dogs and cats. Some 43 percent of pet owners would even rather spend money on pet toys and other products for their pets over purchasing things for themselves.