If you live in Vermont and you have a pet, you are not alone! Nearly 71
percent of households in Vermont have furry family members, according to a
recent survey by the American Veterinary Medical
Association.
Rounding out the top five states for pet ownership were New Mexico, South Dakota, Oregon, and Maine.
Arkansas topped the list for dog owners, while Vermont led in cats. Of course, I couldn’t help but look to see where my state, New York, landed on the list—it was in the bottom three pet-owning states in the survey, but the numbers were still high, with about half of households owning pets in New York.
The AVMA survey didn’t measure how spoiled these pets are (my little Yorkie’s ears must be ringing!), but a recent survey by Consumer Reports found that half of pet owners give Rover and Garfield holidays gifts, while 30 percent of these lucky pets go on vacation with their owners. The survey also found that women are more likely than men to let their pets cuddle up with them at night and sign their pet’s name on cards (I usually opt for little paw prints on the envelope!).
And, our love for our pets doesn’t just stop at major holidays—12 percent of dog owners and 3 percent of cat owners will buy Valentine’s day gifts for their pets, according to a recent survey from the American Pet Products Association. I think I’ll give my pup something that will benefit both of us—a bath and haircut at her favorite local “salon.” Her haircuts cost more than mine these days, but I want my snuggle buddy to be nice and clean if she’s sleeping on my sheets! I think she would also appreciate a nice walk together at her favorite spot in our neighborhood—free for me and fun for her.
What about you—will you buy something for your pet this Valentine’s Day?
