Americans love their dogs. But how do they deal with the costs associated with their furry friends during an unpredictable economy?
According to a survey from deals and cash back platform CouponCabin, which can help pet owners find coupons at pet stores, Americans aren’t cutting corners when it comes to their pets.
In fact, dog moms and dog dads aren’t just spoiling their furry companions—they’re prioritizing them.
Pets Over People
When it comes to financial priorities, the survey data shows that pets are winning hearts and wallets: 44% of survey respondents admit they’re more likely to splurge on their pet than on themselves, family, or friends.
Furthermore, nearly 35% say they’re more likely to buy a birthday gift for a friend’s pet than for the actual friend. Talk about loyalty!
The Cost of Owning an Animal
Dog ownership isn’t cheap, but it turns out that cuddles and licks are worth the price.
According to the survey, over half of the consumers surveyed spend between $500 and $1,999 a year on their pets, covering everything from routine vet visits to food, toys, and treats…but more than 14% spend between $4,000 and $9,999 a year!
However, while nearly 75% say they opt for a pricier brand of pet food, they’re not buying the most expensive brand, either. Even puppy love has a price!
And while toys may seem like the occasional treat to some, it turns out that 28% of pet owners buy new toys once or twice every six months…although a dedicated few (7%) pick up a new toy every single week!
Where Pet Owners Shop for Their Furry Friends
As any dog parent knows, not all dog food is created equal. When it comes to where pet owners buy their furry friend their food, Chewy leads the pack, with 39% citing it as their go-to retailer.
Petco isn’t far behind at 31%, followed by PetSmart at 29%. And while it carries far more than pet food and toys, Walmart also remains a popular choice for pet parents looking for convenience and competitive pricing.
Regardless of where they get their pet food, pet parents are making sure their furry friends eat well. More than half of those surveyed (54%) have considered switching where they buy their pet’s food, with 55% pointing to quality concerns.
Subscription boxes, a relatively new novelty for pet owners, are also gaining traction—especially for those looking for fresh entertainment for their pups. BarkBox is the most widely used at 49%, followed by BoxDog (38%) and PupJoy (31%).
Survey Method:
This survey was conducted on behalf of CouponCabin on July 8, 2025, among 1,008 U.S. adults.
