Do you have a trustworthy New York veterinarian to rely on when your pet gets sick? The latest pet health statistics reveal some surprising data about vet care. Find out how much you can expect to spend on veterinary appointments, which conditions are most likely to impact your pet, and how pet ownership trends in New York are evolving.
Whether you already have a pet or are considering adding an animal to your family, this in-depth guide from Hudson Animal Hospital will provide valuable insights.
Pet Population Statistics in New York
While New York is one of the most populated cities in the world, its pet population is somewhat subdued. Forbes reports that about 66% of U.S. households have pets, whereas only 50% of New York City households include a pet. The discrepancy may be due to the number of renters in the area and certain restrictions that landlords impose.
The number of pets per household is also much lower in the Empire State. Data shows that dog ownership in New York averages 1.4 dogs per household, while the average in states like Montana and Mississippi is 2.1. Cat statistics are slightly higher at 1.7 felines per household, though this figure is still near the nationwide low of 1.3 cats per home.
Just because the pet population is slightly lower here, it doesn’t affect the way that pet owners love and care for their animals. One survey found that more than half of local pet owners paid more for their animal’s grooming needs than for their own. It also determined that of all pet-owning households, owners in New York are more likely to spoil their animal companions with treats, toys, outfits, and other loving gestures.
Most Common Pet Diseases in New York
The last thing any pet owner wants is for their four-legged friend to become sick. What do local pet health statistics reveal about common illnesses and ailments? Let’s break it down by the most popular pets: dogs and cats.
Dog Health Issues
Do you board your dog while you go on vacation or spend your day at work? Boarding is a common practice for many dog owners, but they often find themselves seeking canine veterinary care afterward. Respiratory illnesses like the aptly named kennel cough often impact dogs after being in close quarters with others.
Bringing your dog outside on the streets of New York may cause gastrointestinal and heat-related health issues. Curious canines who ingest debris on the street can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
If you take your dog for a walk in the sweltering summer heat, dehydration and heat stroke are real concerns. Plan your walks for cooler times and ensure your pup has enough water. This is especially important for breeds with inherent breathing issues, like flat-faced bulldogs and pugs.
Veterinary professionals recommend that all dogs receive a leptospirosis vaccine. This bacterial infection is most commonly transmitted through rodent urine. If your unvaccinated pup laps up puddles on the street that have any trace of the bacteria, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Renal failure
- Appetite changes
Living in a concrete jungle may make it difficult for dogs to get enough exercise. Don’t let your fur baby fall victim to the steady rise in animal obesity. Pet health statistics from the American Veterinary Medical Association reveal that 59% of dogs are classified as obese, which affects their life expectancy and may necessitate frequent vet care.
Common Cat Illnesses
Cat owners must be aware of common conditions like kidney disease and various cancers. Failing to treat these diseases can drastically shorten a kitty’s life and lead to issues like weight loss, changes in appetite, and different urinary habits. Book veterinary services for cats when you notice any change in your cat’s health to rule out a serious ailment.
When it comes to cat ownership, parasites are one of the biggest threats to a feline’s health. Heartworms and intestinal parasites can wreak havoc on various organs, while fleas can cause skin irritation and itchiness.
Pet health statistics show that rabies remains a concern for all domesticated animals. Professionals urge pet owners across all U.S. households to vaccinate their furry friends to prevent them from contracting rabies.
Average Veterinary Costs in New York
It doesn’t matter if you own dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, or other small animals. You can’t deny your pet proper veterinary care when they need it. However, these expenses can add up quickly.
Even if your pet is in good health, they’ll still need an annual wellness exam. Regular checkups can cost upward of $200, depending on the animal and the services performed, such as routine vaccinations. You may spend several hundred dollars for emergency vet care if your animal is experiencing unexplained digestive problems, joint pain, or other sudden health changes.
Many pet owners elect for dental veterinary care. Dogs and cats, in particular, benefit from regular teeth cleanings under anesthesia to prevent common dental hygiene issues like gum disease. The average cost of this service is $450, though total prices vary by clinic.
Not all pet-owning households have to schedule spay and neuter surgeries, as many shelters take care of these services. However, if you adopt a puppy or kitten who isn’t fixed, it’s in your best interest to schedule a procedure, which may cost around $500.
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to total pet industry expenditures. Pet owners also have to cover the cost of:
- Pet food
- Treats
- Kitty litter
- Boarding
- Grooming
You may incur additional costs if your pet needs medications to treat some type of ailment. Depending on the condition, vets can prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and topical medications.
To relieve the financial burden of veterinary expenses, many New Yorkers opt for pet insurance. Depending on the plan, pet insurance providers will reimburse owners for the largest share of the costs following a covered visit.
New York Dog Bite Statistics and Safety Tips
Some of the most shocking pet-related health statistics involve dog bite injuries. Official data from NYC Health shows that over 6,000 people end up in the emergency room due to dog bites every year, with rates increasing 12% from 2007 to 2014.
Data reveals that children are 1.5 times more likely to visit the emergency room for a dog bite injury. Depending on the severity of the bite, victims experience severe lacerations requiring stitches, sustain bone fractures, or dislocate a joint.
Some of the top reasons why dog bites occur include the animal being without a handler, being startled by loud noises, or reacting to aggressive or taunting behaviors. To stay safe, experts recommend the following tips:
- Always ask a dog owner for permission to pet the animal.
- Let the dog sniff you and become familiar with you before making any sudden moves.
- Avoid approaching a dog without a handler.
- Never taunt or tease a dog by poking or pinching it, even if you’re being playful.
- Monitor interactions between dogs and children, and intervene when necessary.
Pet Adoption and Shelter Statistics
Are you considering pet ownership? Join the millions of people who adopt an animal from a shelter. New York State has nearly 600 rescue organizations taking in animals and putting them up for adoption.
Vet care costs and pet health statistics could put some people on the fence about adopting. The biggest challenge for local shelters is maintaining the highest percentage of adoptions to offset the total number of rescues they take in.
The latest data shows that New York dogs and cats are being adopted at slightly lower rates compared to shelter intakes. The average shelter sees 111 dogs adopted each year, while 119 canines are brought into the organization. Shelters complete roughly 219 cat adoptions each year compared to the 241 felines brought in for care.
You can improve these numbers by bringing home a lovable companion of your own. Although pets are a big responsibility, dogs, cats, and even rabbits and other small animals can provide unconditional love and emotional support. Visit a local shelter or rescue if you want to reap the benefits of pet ownership.
Discover Quality Veterinary Care in New York City
If you’re among the many U.S. households with at least one dog, cat, or other animal, make sure you have a reliable veterinarian. New York residents turn to Hudson Animal Hospital for all of their veterinary needs, including:
- General health and wellness exams
- Microchipping
- Spay and neuter procedures
- Vaccinations
- Animal cancer treatments
- Pet surgeries
We’ll help take the stress out of pet ownership by providing superior care to your four-legged friend. Our team is well versed in the latest pet health statistics and aims to make every animal we treat as healthy as possible. You can also come to us for help understanding local pet laws and registration requirements.
Schedule an appointment today to put your pet in the care of New York City’s most trusted veterinarians. Call our clinic at (212) 706-4088 to book an appointment.