Animal Science II- Small Animal Unit A- The Small Animal Care Industry

Competency 6.00 Interpret the status of the small animal industry today.

Objective Explain how the small animal care industry is important to society

Assignment Title your notes today Small Animal Industry Brainstorm how the Small Animal Industry can benefit society in general. Put a few of your own ideas in you notebook.

Benefits of Small Animals 1. Economic $32 billion to national economy 2. Companions to 60% of American Families 1. Children learn responsibility 2. Improves quality of life for elderly 3. Product testing Develop drugs and vaccines

Entry Questions What do you think is the most common pet? Name one benefit of small animal ownership. Name one use of small animals other than companionship.

Benefits of Small Animals 4. Pet therapy Relieve depression Reduces heart disease 5. Watch dogs, seeing eye dogs 6. Rabbit meat Low in cholesterol, sodium and fat 7. Fur and wool

Benefits of Small Animals 8. Exhibition 9. Rabbits provide multiple benefits Pets Food Clothing Research

Economics 1. Retail pet stores 1. $21 billion in sales 2. Biomedical research 1. Supported by $15 million in taxes million small animals 3. Education 1. 6 million used for dissection

Economics 4. 4 million small animals used in the LD50 test 5. Americans spending on pets $20.3 billion

Economics 6. Veterinary expenses $11 billion annually Dogs cost twice as much as cats 7. Pet food sales $9 billion

Pet Ownership- Dogs There are approximately 65 million owned dogs in the United States Most owners (65%) own one dog 33% of owners own two dogs 12% of owners own three or more dogs Slightly more male dogs are owned than female dogs Eighteen percent of owned dogs were adopted from an animal shelter On average, dog owners spent $263 on veterinary related expenses in the past 12 months Seventy-two percent of owned dogs are spayed or neutered Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) National Pet Owners Survey

Pet Ownership- Cats Approximately 77.6 million owned cats in the United States 34% of U.S. households own at least one cat On average, owners have two cats (2.2) Slightly more female cats are owned than male cats 16% of owned cats were adopted from an animal shelter Cat owners spent an average of $113 on veterinary related expenses in the past 12 months Eighty-four percent of owned cats are spayed or neutered Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) National Pet Owners Survey

Dogs, Cats & The Rest There are 7 million more cats than dogs Most cat owners average two cats Dogs are found in more households than cats Fish Birds Rabbits