Pets influence Americans’ financial decisions, AICPA survey finds

A recent AICPA survey found that pet owners often budget for their animals, prioritize pet spending and include pets in their estate planning.

Almost all — 95% — of the 57% of Americans who have a dog and the 40% who have a cat consider their pets to be family members, according to the survey conducted by The Harris Poll in mid-July.

Of those dog and cat owners, 62% have a budget for spending on their pets. And 69% say they’re more likely to cut spending on themselves than on their pets.

Older pet owners in particular are willing to cut spending on themselves to pay for food, veterinary visits and other pet necessities, the survey showed. See more findings.