Americans have an uncanny love for all types of animals! They make for great companions, are interesting to be around, and are always there for our lonely days. Seventy percent of U.S. households or about 90.5 million families own a pet and it’s no surprise. Popular pets like dogs and cats have been a man’s best friend for as long as we can remember, so here’s a list of the top 5 most common pets in the US and why!

1. Dogs 

The reason is simple: they are fun and great for families! It is estimated that there are over 76 million pet dogs in the country that are cared for by 48 million households. This means each household has an average of 1.5 dogs between them.

1. Cats 

Cats are a close second to dogs. Cats are generally favored by most animal lovers because of their innate curiosity, cuteness, and playfulness. There are about 31 million households in America with cats, with over 58 million total felines between them all.

1. Fish 

Fish are the third most popular pets in the United States, and nearly 12% of all American households have at least one. Their aquariums are lovely home decors and are fairly easy to care for and maintain. Overall they are great for families that are busy or someone who doesn’t have the time to play with puppies/cats. 

1. Birds 

They are not quite as popular as fish, or cats, but they are just as fun! 2.8% of most American households have birds as pets. Cockatiels, parrots, and other birds with some capacity to mimic human speech are particularly popular among bird owners.

1. Reptiles 

They are particularly loved by millennials and favored because they have a somewhat exotic flair and aesthetic to them. Reptiles, of course, make for popular companions and can be exciting to care for. There are 9.4 million reptile pets across the United States, with each pet household housing a reptile or two.