: A deepening human-animal bond is driving the "humanization" of pets, where they are treated as full family members.
: Major research reports, such as the Banfield State of Pet Health , utilize data from millions of annual visits to track the top health issues and wellness trends across the U.S.. 3. Welfare and Shelter Data Dogs and cats
: Approximately 4.4 million pets enter U.S. shelters annually. As of 2025, there has been a slight 3% decrease in the number of pets successfully returned to their owners. : A deepening human-animal bond is driving the