Most Popular Pets in Canada
Quick answer
In Canada, cats and dogs are the most popular pets, with cats slightly more numerous overall. Fish, small mammals, and birds follow, and pet ownership is common across the country's homes.
Pet culture in Canada
Canadians are devoted pet owners, and the majority of households keep at least one. By total numbers, pet cats edge ahead of dogs, partly because cat owners often keep more than one. Dogs remain hugely popular, and many breeds are well suited to Canada's cold winters.
The most popular pets in Canada
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Cats
Slightly more numerous than dogs overall, as many Canadian owners keep more than one cat.
See the top 10 cat breeds -
Dogs
Kept in a large share of homes, with cold-tolerant breeds popular across Canada's winters.
See the top 10 dog breeds -
Fish
Aquarium fish are a common low-maintenance pet in Canadian households.
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Small mammals and birds
Rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, and caged birds are popular family pets.
See the top 10 rabbit breeds
Interesting facts about pets in Canada
- By total population, pet cats slightly outnumber pet dogs in Canada.
- The majority of Canadian households include at least one pet.
- Cold-hardy dog breeds are especially popular in Canada thanks to its long, snowy winters.
Frequently asked questions about pets in Canada
What is the most popular pet in Canada?
Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in Canada. By total numbers, pet cats slightly outnumber pet dogs, partly because many owners keep more than one cat.
Do more Canadians own cats or dogs?
There are slightly more pet cats than pet dogs in Canada overall, although dogs are still kept in a very large share of households.
Are pets common in Canada?
Yes. The majority of Canadian households keep at least one pet, with cats and dogs by far the most popular.