The “pets as people” trend isn’t fading: U.S. pet owners are making provisions for pets in their wills, taking care of pets’ medical needs before their own and planning vacations around the comfort and safety of their four-legged friends. That’s according to long-awaited results from the 2009-2010 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association (Greenwich, Conn.).

More than three-quarters of dog, cat, bird, small-animal and equine owners appreciate the companionship, love and company their pets offer. Dogs and cats are likely to be considered members of the family, according to survey results.

“Two decades of trended data show that now, more than ever, people consider pets an important part of the family and are still providing for their faithful companions even in these trying times,” said Bob Vetere, president of APPA. “As pet ownership continues to rise, so has the demand for quality products and services. This has led to an amazing evolution of innovative products and services that truly enhance the experience of owning a pet.”

The APPA survey, frequently quoted in all forms of media, tracks the demographics, buying habits and traits of pet owners in the United States. Here are some key trends from the survey:

• Provisions in wills. Seven percent of survey respondents indicated that they had made financial provisions for their pets in their wills. One in three dog, cat and bird owners and almost half of equine owners have named a caretaker or guardian for their pet in their will.
• Pet health. Dogs visited the veterinarian 2.8 times per year, up 8 percent since 2006, while cat visits remained unchanged at 2.1 visits. Birds went to the veterinarian only two times per year, down 33 percent from three visits in 2006.

If faced with the choice between a large medical expense for themselves and their pet, 15 percent of dog owners said they would attend to their dog’s need before their own. Thirteen percent of cat owners would do the same.

• Pet travel. Pet owners still prefer family or friends to care for their animals while they are on vacation. However, more are taking their pets with them: 21 percent of dog owners take their pet in the car when they travel. These owners take their dogs on an average of five car trips per year. Cat owners bring their feline friends on three car trips per year.

In addition, the 2009-2010 survey for the first time compiled data on pets in the workplace. Three percent took their dog to work—and they averaged 17 canine office visits in the preceding 12 months.

ALL PET SUPPLY USA proudly distributes dog, bird and other pet animal products.