Veterinary Notes

Pet ownership statistics 2009 May 3, 2009

According to the pet food manufacturers’ association, in 2009, 50% 0f households in the UK own a pet.

Dogs

Population of 8 million, of which 75% are pedigree dogs.

The most popular breeds in descending order are Labradors, Border collies, Jack Russell terriers, Yorkshire terriers and German Shepherd dogs.

The majority of dogs are homed from Rescue Centres (32%) and from friends (25%).

23% of households own a dog.

"Marley" and lots of you!

Cats

Population of 8 million of which 92% are non-pedigree.

Of the pedigree cats, the most popular breeds are Bengals, British Short Hairs, Burmese, Manx and Siamese.

20% of households own a cat

Bengals most popular pedigree cat breed in UK

Both rabbits and indoor birds each have a population of 1 million.

The most popular pet with a population of 50 million are fish (both indoor and outdoor).

Fish are the most popular pet

The main reason for owning a pet is for companionship (reason for 60% of single people, of whom 40% have replaced their partner with a pet!)