Percentage of Pet Ownership Among Total U.S. Households (2002) Own any pet 63% Dogs 39% Cats 34% Freshwater Fish 13% Birds  6% Small Mammals  5% Reptiles  4% Saltwater Fish  4% Source: APMA

The number of U.S. pet owning households is now 64.2 million, up 10 million from 1992, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association's 2003/2004 National Pet Owner's Survey.

The number of U.S. households owning pets has increased to 62 percent, from 56 percent in 1988.

Those pets now include 77.7 million cats, 65 million dogs, 16.8 million small mammals, 17.3 million birds, 8.8 million reptiles, 7 million saltwater fish and 185 million freshwater fish.

Forty-six percent of the U.S. households own more than one type of pet, according to the APPMA.

Among other findings:

• Households that have the most pet birds live in the Southern and Western regions of the United States
• Turtles and tortoises are the most popular reptiles owned by U.S. households with children.
• One-third of small animal owners consider their pets as children or family members.
• Companionship, love, company and affection along with "fun to have in a household" are top benefits associated with pet ownership.