Why Pets Are Like Family in the U.S. and Europe
When it comes to loving pets, Americans and Europeans go all out. If we had to sum it up in one line: They really do treat pets like family. Whether it’s day-to-day care or holiday surprises, pets get the full VIP treatment. And that genuine emotional bond? It's the driving force behind the booming pet economy across the West. The U.S. Pet Market Is Massive In the U.S., over 67% of households have at least one pet—a number that blows past most other countries. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA) , Americans spent a whopping $123.6 billion on their pets in one year. Of that, $34.3 billion went to vet visits and health-related care alone. Here’s the thing: in the U.S., people might avoid going to the doctor for themselves, but if their dog sneezes? Straight to the vet. No questions asked. Shopping for pet stuff is super convenient, too. There are big-name stores like PetSmart and Petco , plus chains like Walmart that stock everything from pet food to sque...