American Pet Products Association Releases Findings from COVID-19 Pulse Study of Pet Ownership During the Pandemic

(Stamford, CT) – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues unprecedented disruption of everyday life, Steve King, CEO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), announced findings from the new APPA COVID-19 Pulse Study of Pet Ownership During the Pandemic.  Revealing interesting insights into consumer attitudes and behaviors during this time, this ongoing tracker is positioned to measure the impact of COVID-19 on pet ownership, particularly pet product and service consumption. Topics include:

• Current shopping behaviors
• Outlets visited
• Pet products purchased
• General attitudes toward the pandemic, including personal financial impact

“It’s important that we navigate this pandemic with real-time information and our COVID-19 Pulse Study is a way for the pet care community to keep up-to-date on the effects it’s having on various aspects of pet ownership,” said King. 

The study finds pet ownership is holding steady during the pandemic and a majority of pet owners report their spending has not been influenced by the current economy. 

“We know just how much pets mean to us, our mental health and well-being,” said King.  “This initial study reaffirms that pet owners are appreciating the benefits of pet ownership now more than ever, which is incredible to hear.” 

According to the APPA COVID-19 Pulse Study, 72 percent of pet owners agree that spending time with their pet is helping to reduce their stress and increase their sense of well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.  70 percent are spending more time with their pet while they practice social distancing from others and 60 percent say the extra time spent with their pet makes them feel closer/more bonded with their pet. 

APPA is offering the full results of the Study free of charge to anyone interested. Please email marketresearchsupport@americanpetproducts.org for more information. 

###

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958.  APPA membership includes more than 1,100 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises.  APPA's mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet product industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. APPA is also proud to grow and support the industry through the following initiatives: Pets Add Life (PAL), Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Pets and Vets Program, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK), and the Pet Care Trust.  Visit www.americanpetproducts.org for more information.