The History of Pets in the US: How Our Expectations Have Changed

When you walk through a modern animal rescue facility or scroll past animal videos online, it’s easy to forget how much has changed in just a few decades. The history of pets in the US shows a dramatic shift: animals once seen mainly as workers, protectors, or even pests are now considered beloved family members. Over the last fifty years, social expectations around pet ownership in America have transformed completely — and those changes have shaped how we rescue and care for animals today.

Pets in the Mid-20th Century: Utility Over Companionship

Fifty years ago, the role of pets looked very different. Dogs were often kept for protection or hunting. Cats earned their keep as mousers in barns and basements. Farm animals were valued for productivity, not personality. The idea of an animal as a purely emotional companion wasn’t the norm for most households.

Animal welfare laws were minimal at this time. The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 was the first significant federal law to regulate animal treatment, but its early focus was on research animals, not family pets (source). Meanwhile, shelters were overcrowded and euthanasia was common, reflecting a widespread view of pets as replaceable.

The 1970s–1980s: Companions Take Center Stage

By the late 20th century, the history of pets in the US entered a new chapter. Cultural attitudes shifted, and more families began seeing animals as companions rather than tools. The pet industry exploded — toys, specialty food, grooming services, and veterinary care became booming businesses.

Pet spending grew into the billions, with families investing in their animals’ well-being (source). Dogs and cats were increasingly thought of as part of the family, rather than property. Social scientists began documenting how pets contributed to emotional health, identity, and community (source).

The Last 20 - 30 Years: Pets as Family

In the last few decades, the expectation that animals are family members has become mainstream. Several key developments pushed this shift:

• The No-Kill Movement (1990s onward): Shelters began adopting “no-kill” policies, changing public expectations about animal rescue (source).
• The PETS Act (2006): After Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. passed legislation requiring disaster plans to include pets, acknowledging their place in families (source).
• Pet healthcare boom: From dental cleanings to alternative therapies, pets now receive medical care once reserved only for humans.
• Adoption-first mindset: Ethical adoption campaigns reshaped how people acquire pets, moving away from the idea of animals as disposable commodities.

Why the History of Pets in the US Matters

The history of pets in the US tells us that what we see as “normal” today — pets as family — is actually a recent cultural development. Fifty years ago, many of the animals we now consider beloved companions would have been overlooked, neglected, or euthanized.

For those of us working in rescue, this shift is a reminder of both progress and responsibility. Progress, because more people than ever see animals as valuable lives. Responsibility, because when society’s expectations rise, rescues often carry the weight of making those expectations possible.

The history of pets in the US is really a history of how we see ourselves. In just a few decades, we’ve moved from valuing animals mostly for their work to treasuring them as companions and family. That change didn’t happen overnight, and it isn’t finished — but it shows how deeply animals shape our culture, our choices, and our sense of responsibility. Looking back reminds us how far we’ve come. Looking forward challenges us to keep doing better. 

Foster cat, Emmy