North America
United States
A nation of dog and cat lovers
Top pets: dogs, cats, fish .
See pets in United StatesMost popular pets around the world
The pets people keep say a lot about where they live. Dogs rule many countries, cats reign across much of Europe and Japan, and some nations are famous for their pet birds or ornamental fish. Pick a country to see its most-kept pets and the stories behind them.
Europe
United Kingdom
Famous as a nation of animal lovers
Top pets: dogs, cats, rabbits .
See pets in United Kingdom
Asia
Japan
Where cats edged ahead of dogs
Top pets: cats, dogs, fish .
See pets in Japan
Asia
China
Home of the goldfish and a booming pet market
Top pets: dogs, cats, fish .
See pets in China
Europe
Germany
Cats lead in Europe's largest pet market
Top pets: cats, dogs, small mammals .
See pets in Germany
Europe
France
A country that adores its cats
Top pets: cats, dogs, fish .
See pets in France
South America
Brazil
One of the world's largest pet populations
Top pets: dogs, cats, birds .
See pets in Brazil
Asia
India
A fast-growing pet-loving nation
Top pets: dogs, cats, fish .
See pets in India
Oceania
Australia
High pet ownership and a native pet bird
Top pets: dogs, cats, fish .
See pets in Australia
Europe and Asia
Russia
Where cats reign supreme
Top pets: cats, dogs, fish .
See pets in Russia
North America
Canada
Cats edge ahead by the numbers
Top pets: cats, dogs, fish .
See pets in Canada
Europe
Italy
Where street cats are protected by law
Top pets: cats, dogs, birds .
See pets in ItalyPopular pets around the world: FAQs
What is the most popular pet in the world?
Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the world overall. By sheer number of individual animals, however, aquarium fish often top the count, because a single tank can hold many fish at once.
Which countries prefer cats over dogs?
Cats are the number one pet in several countries, including Germany, France, Russia, Italy, and Japan, where they outnumber or have overtaken dogs. In many other countries, such as the United States, Brazil, and India, dogs are kept in more homes.
Which country has the most pets?
Countries with very large pet populations include the United States, Brazil, and China. The United States and Brazil are home to enormous numbers of dogs, cats, and birds, while China has one of the world's fastest-growing pet markets.
Are dogs the most popular pet everywhere?
No. While dogs are the most popular pet in many countries, cats lead in much of Europe and in Japan, and some nations are especially known for pet birds or ornamental fish.