We Spent $52 Billion on Our Pets Last Year

Last year, Americans spent an estimated $52 billion on our pets—more than on both coffee and bottled water combined, according to a report issued by the American Pet Products Association.

Data stretching back to 1994 shows a clear trend: Americans are spending more on their pets than ever before. Even during the recession, spending leveled rather than dropped, a sign of just how much millions of Americans love their fury friends. If the past is any predictor of the future, that spending will only continue to rise in years to come.

The Atlantic breaks down the billions into its component parts and tracks how our wallets’ love for pets has grown over the years:

It’s clear that most of our money goes into food and health care. But The Atlantic points out that grooming and treats should not be taken lightly. The $6.2 billion we spent on those two categories represents more money than Facebook made in advertising revenue last year.

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Rachel Nuwer | | READ MORE

Rachel Nuwer is a freelance science writer based in Brooklyn.