Americans love their pets and will do what they can to keep their faithful companions happy and healthy, whatever state the economy is in. That’s what a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association found.

The study revealed that:

•The current economic situation has had little negative impact on their decision to own a pet, according to 70 percent of America’s pet owners.

•More than 80 percent of pet owners report that they have not changed their spending patterns and continue to spend the same on their pet during these times.

•Even 62 percent of horse owners, one of the most costly pets to maintain, report that the economy has not influenced their pet ownership. Five percent of horse owners reported spending more on their pet during this same time.

•Even those households with income levels under $25,000 and between $25,000 and $50,000 report that to a large degree—57 percent and 67 percent, respectively—their ownership levels have remained unchanged despite the economy.

While the pet sector enjoyed a steady stream of spending, American pet owners compensated by reducing spending on other household and leisure items.

Across the board there was a reported decline in spending on activities including movies, plays, museums, sporting events, travel, dining and shopping. These findings suggest that Americans will readily perform an act of self-sacrifice and reallocate their dollars to maintain the quality of life of their pet.

“This information further demonstrates that pet owners will continue to cut back in their personal lives before scaling back on their four-legged friends,” said APPA president Bob Vetere. “This goes to show the strength of the humananimal bond and the joys that can be realized through responsible pet ownership. This is the primary reason that the pet industry continues to remain strong.”

Even in the toughest of times, pet ownership is on the rise.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.