(PRESS RELEASE) MyRightBird, an initiative to encourage responsible pet bird ownership created by the Bird Enjoyment & Advantage Koalition (BEAK), saw the results of a recent survey from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) indicating that pet owners are increasingly showing an interest in pet birds. The APPA’s 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey, a comprehensive annual report exploring trends in pet ownership across the U.S., revealed that 8% of households now have pet birds, with nearly half of new owners stating that their decision to acquire a bird was influenced by the pandemic. Additionally, two-thirds of bird owners are members of Gen Z or Millennials, with Millennials accounting for 45 percent. In light of these trends, MyRightBird is increasing its efforts to provide valuable information for current and potential bird owners alike, including care sheets for different types of birds and a quiz designed to suggest bird species that may be compatible with the user’s lifestyle.
The National Pet Owners Survey highlighted several other interesting statistics regarding bird ownership in the U.S., and pet ownership overall. Notably, pet ownership is on the rise, with 70% of U.S. households having a pet compared to 67% the previous year. In addition, pet owners spent more money on their pets and pet supplies, and increasingly emphasized the many benefits that pets bring to their lives. Regarding pet birds, the Survey also included the following statistics:
- Households that own birds each have an average of 2.46 birds.
- Fifty-nine percent of bird owners reported spending more money on their pets and pet supplies over the past 12 months.
- Bird owners most commonly obtain their pets from a friend or relative, pet superstore, or bird store.
- Compared to the previous year’s survey, all pet owners reported an increase in buying gifts for their pets. Bird owners represented the highest percentage, with 80% saying they buy gifts for their pets and spend an average of $56 per gift.
- Bird owners demonstrated a commitment to their pets’ health: one-fifth said their birds were on special diets – compared to 10% of dog and cat owners – and bird owners had the highest percentage among all pet owners who reported giving their pets vitamins or supplements. One quarter bought bird food from their vets, with 22% taking their birds for regular physical exams.
- Forty-four percent of bird owners said that brand name was very important when buying pet products, with 58% considering themselves “very brand-loyal.”
The trends of acquiring new pets and spending more on their health and well-being may serve as a way for pet owners to show their gratitude for the many benefits that pets bring to their lives – particularly during the pandemic, when many people were in need of companionship and stress relief. Bird owners in particular cited the following as some of the key benefits of having a pet bird: birds are fun to watch and have in the household (50%); they provide happiness and emotional support (56%); companionship and love/affection (45%); and stress relief (62%).
From birds to dogs and cats to fish and reptiles, the APPA National Pet Owners Survey provides fascinating insight into the latest trends in pet ownership, as well as the special relationship between pet owners and their animals. For more highlights from the 2021-2022 Survey or to order a full copy, visit here. To learn more about MyBird and explore its collection of resources for current and potential bird owners, visit here or connect with MyRightBird’s passionate community of nearly 240,000 bird lovers on Facebook.