There are about 184 million dogs and cats in the US; two-thirds of all US households include an animal, popularly known as “pets”. But animal advocates regard that term as demeaning, and prefer “companion animal”. In fact, in many homes, dogs or cats are regarded as members of the family. They are provided with everything they might need or enjoy, and much else besides, including fancy treats and clothing.
Spending on companion animals in the US alone has been growing rapidly, rising from an already very substantial US$43Ownership of dogs and cats in China, for example, was estimated at 100 million in 2015, and rising.
