Pet ownership has spiked despite cost of living pressures, according to the most recent national survey by Animal Medicines Australia.
The estimated pet population has reached 31.6 million, with the survey data showing that 7.7 million households owned a pet, equating to 73 per cent of all households and marking a significant increase from previous years.
Animal Medicines Australia Chief Executive Officer, Ben Stapley said the increase in pet ownership is due to COVID-19.
“We saw something of a pet boom during the COVID-19 pandemic and that was mainly due to changes in people’s working arrangements,” he said.
“Workers had the ability to work from home and that led to a surge in pet ownership.
“That has not subsided since we came out of the pandemic, with pet numbers continuing their upward trend.”
Even in the face of financially turbulent times, pets remained a constant source of comfort for Australians with 86 per cent of owners believing that their pet had positively impacted their lives.
Australians spent an estimated $21.3 billion to feed and look after their pets over the last year.
“Australians clearly value the relationships they have with their pets, and are happy to spend what they can to ensure their pets live their best lives,” Mr Stapley said.
According to Assistance Dogs Australia, the top six reasons for getting a dog are unconditional love, companionship, health benefits, protection, learning responsibility and family bonding.
RSPCA NSW spokesperson Emilio Lapitan said pets bring their owners numerous benefits both physically and mentally.
“Pets can help us feel calm, provide us with company, a sense of community and can even keep us active,” he said.
“Caring for an animal companion is also tied to several positive health outcomes, including reduced stress and anxiety, more consistent and healthy routines, as well as reduced feelings of loneliness.”
Despite financial strain, Australians are unwilling to cut back on their animals, driving increasing spending and ownership.
Additional reporting by: Sarah Pawson
