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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
To many people, pets are an important part of our family lives and everyday lives. In the U.S. as a whole, 57% of households own at least one pet, with dogs more popular in terms of the number of households that keep them and the total population.
Georgia has quite low ownership statistics compared to the country as a whole, with just 51% of households keeping a pet. The vast majority of these pets are dogs and cats, although owners also keep fish, birds, small pets, and exotics like lizards and snakes. However, those owners in the state that do keep pets, tend to keep quite a lot, with the average dog owner keeping 1.8 dogs and the average cat owner keeping 2.1 cats.
Below are statistics related to pet ownership in the state of Georgia, as well as some general pet ownership statistics for the country as a whole.
The 10 Pet Ownership Statistics In Georgia
- 51% of households in Georgia own at least one pet.
- In Georgia, the total search volume for cats is 2,301 per month.
- The most popular puppy in Georgia is the Shih Tzu.
- Pet owners in Georgia spend an average of $1,876 per year on their pets.
- 43.4% of Atlanta residents own at least one pet.
- The dog is the most popular pet in Atlanta, with 33.6% of people owning one.
- Cats are the second most common pet in Atlanta, with 16.7% of residents owning at least one.
- In 2024, Chatham County animal shelters have a combined save-rate of 84%.
- Chatham County shelters combined save-rate increased by 18% over the last 5 years.
- Dogs have a higher save rate than cats, with 77% versus 50%.
General Pet Stats in Georgia
1. 51% of households in Georgia own at least one pet.
(World Population Review)
Just over half, or 51%, of Georgian households, own pets. Approximately 11 million people live in the state of Georgia. Its largest city is Atlanta, which is home to around half a million citizens, with Augusta, Macon, Savannah, Athens, Sandy Springs, and South Fulton being the only other cities in the state with a population of over 100,000 people.
2. In Georgia, the total search volume for cats is 2,301 per month.
(Shane Co 1)
The total search volume shows what topics are being searched for online over a month. And it looks like cats are on the minds of many Georgia residents. Georgia, however, is not the most cat-obsessed state. That award goes to Washington, with a total search volume of 3,875 Rather, the Peach State falls right in the middle of the spectrum.
3. The most popular puppy in Georgia is the Shih Tzu.
(Shane Co 2)
While the French Bulldog ranks superior as the most popular breed overall in the USA, Georgia has given the prize for most popular puppy to the Shih Tzu. This breed can be the most adorable canine version of a Southern Belle when dolled up. However, if you look at the entire southern region of the USA, the two most popular puppy breeds are the Cane Corso and Daschund.
4. Pet owners in Georgia spend an average of $1,876 per year on their pets.
(Mosquito Joe)
While Georgia does come near the bottom of the list for pet-owning states in the U.S., it fares better in a list of states by pet expenditure. The average Georgian pet owner spends $1,876 a year on their pets, which is the 18th highest pet expenditure rate. New Yorkers spend the most—on average $2,913 a year. Kansas has the lowest average spend, with pet owners in the state spending just $1,247 a year. The largest expense faced by pet owners is pet food.
Atlanta Pet Statistics
5. 43.4% of Atlanta residents own at least one pet.
(Atlanta Regional) (KTVZ)
Let’s go, Atlanta! Almost 44% of Atlanta residents own at least one pet, which is over 970,000 households. This is close to a 2% increase in pet ownership over the last two years. When last surveyed, Atlanta ranked 8th in their list of pet ownership in major cities.
6. The dog is the most popular pet in Atlanta, with 33.6% of people owning one.
(Atlanta Regional)
Dogs are definitely the most popular pet in Atlanta, with a third of the population owning at least one. If you look at the percentage of pet owners (which, as stated previously, is 43.4%), over 75% of those people own dogs.
7. Cats are the second most common pet in Atlanta, with 16.7% of residents owning at least one.
(Atlanta Regional)
Cat ownership is half that of dogs, at 16.7%. While this might not sound like a lot (compared to dog ownership), over 38% of pet owners have at least one cat in their lives. Other pets are not as popular; fish, small mammals, and reptiles equal small percentages, at 2.1%, 1.6%, and 1.5%, respectively.
Georgia Pet Shelter Stats
8. In 2024, Chatham County animal shelters have a combined save-rate of 84%.
(Chatham 90)
In mid-2024, Chatham County took in a total of 2,182 animals. Last year, they took in 5,001 pets, so we do expect this number to increase. Right now, the shelters in Chatham County have saved 84% of those intakes. This is already over last year’s intake, which was 80%. However, the final percentage will be adjusted at the start of 2025.
9. Chatham County shelters combined save-rate increased by 18% over the last 5 years.
(Chatham 90)
While it is sad that pets end up in shelters, it is wonderful to read about the efforts Chatham County makes to save as many pets in their care as possible. Each year, their save-rate gets higher and higher. So far this year, Chatham County Animal Services has a save-rate of 71% and the Humane Society for Greater Savannah stands at 97%.
10. Dogs have a higher save rate than cats, with 86.5% versus 73.5%.
(Chatham 90)
More people seem to want to adopt dogs rather than cats. The difference in save rate is more apparent at Chatham County Animal Services (77% for dogs and 50% for cats). The Humane Society for Greater Savannah is higher, with 96% for dogs and 97% for cats. The percentage difference might be due to funding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Ownership In Georgia
What is the most popular dog breed?
Nationally, the French Bulldog wrested the position of top dog from the Labrador Retriever in 2022, putting an end to the Lab’s 31-year reign.
How much does it cost to keep a dog?
On average, Georgia owners spend just under $1,900 a year on their pets but it is possible to spend less than this and still have a happy, healthy, and content dog. Costs will vary according to factors like breed and size of the dog, as well as whether any veterinary treatments are needed. But you should budget around $1,000 a year throughout a small dog’s lifetime to $1,500 a year for a large breed. (AKC)
How much does it cost to keep a cat?
Similarly, the cost of keeping a cat varies according to various factors. The initial costs over the first year will inevitably be more than subsequent years because you need to pay the initial cost to buy the cat as well as items like beds and bowls. Once you have these items, you shouldn’t need to buy new ones for at least a few years. Expect to pay, on average, $500 per year to keep a cat. (Omlet)
Conclusion
There are many potential benefits to owning pets. They provide companionship and can improve both mental and even physical health, depending on the type of pet you get. However, they do cost money to keep and will require some changes in your lifestyle. Georgia has comparatively low pet ownership rates, compared to the rest of the country, but Georgians who do own pets tend to keep more than other pet owners and spend more than average on their pets each year.
- See Also: Pet Ownership Statistics In New York
Featured Image Credit: Olena Yakobchuk, Shutterstock
