According to recent research released by Roy Morgan has revealed that 50% of Aussies live in a household with at least one cat or/and dog in it, whereas 35% share their household with at least one child aged under 16. The research also revealed that Dogs are more popular than cats: 38% of the population lives in a household with a canine companion, compared with 23% who cohabit with a feline friend. Folks in households with at least one cat and one dog account for 12% of the population.
Norman Morris, Industry Communications Director, Roy Morgan Research explained that across the country Tasmania is the state with the highest incidence of pet-ownership, with 44% of its residents living with at least one dog, 34% living with at least one cat, and 16% living with at least one of each. New South Wales (including ACT) lags behind the rest of the country for cats (19%), dogs (35%) and both (9%).
Mr. Morris went on to point out that while 20% Australian dog-owners and 14% of cat owners pay for pet-care services in an average four weeks, this can vary noticeably between states (particularly when it comes to dogs). For example, while 22% of dog-owners in Queensland pay for pet-care services in an average four weeks, only 16% of Tasmanian dog-owners do the same. Morris added that although NSW has the lowest rate of cat ownership in Australia, the residents who do own cats (16%) are slightly more likely than those in other states (all 14%) to shell out for pet-care services.
“Considering how high maintenance dogs are compared with their more independent feline counterparts, it is not surprising to learn that dog-owners are more likely than cat-owners to pay for pet-care services in any given four-week period. In general, dog owners also pay more than cat owners for pet supplies.” Mr. Morris commented.
The research also revealed that the average amount spent on pet-care services and food in a four week period is $90 for dogs and $87 for cats, but this too appears to depend on state of residence. Mr. Morris explained that paying an average of $118 for dogs and $131 for cats in an average four week period, South Aussie pet owners pay the most for pet supplies. In contrast, Tasmanian pet owners pay an average of $70 for dogs and $56 for cats, the lowest in the country.