LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In Michigan, about 62.4% of households proudly call themselves pet owners – that’s roughly six in every ten Michiganders living with a tail-wagger or whisker-twitcher at home. Dogs are the top choice with 41.9% of homes owning a pup, and cats aren’t far behind at 31.2% of households claiming a feline friend.

These stats come from the website dogster.com, a dog-focused website who says what many of us already see in the state: whether it’s a Golden Retriever greeting you at the door or a tuxedo cat staking claim to the sunny spot on the couch, pets are everywhere in the Great Lakes State.

MORE NEWS: Slotkin Says ‘Michiganders See Themselves’ In Minneapolis Protests

Dog ownership has climbed over the years, and many Michigan dog owners even joke that their pups have more playdates and Facebook “likes” than they do. Meanwhile, cat ownership has stayed steady.

The most popular dog breed in Michigan is the Labrador Retriever, followed by the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Beagle and Siberian Husky.

What are the most popular pet names? According to U.S. News & World Report, they are Luna, Bella, Charlie and Max. In Michigan, it’s Bella, Luna and Cooper.

And Michigan pet families don’t just love their animals – they spend a lot of money on them. From premium food to vet visits and toys galore, according to USA Today the average dog owner in the United States spends about $2,524 per year on pet care and the average cat owner spends about $1,499. In 2025, they report that pet spending in the United States soared past $150 billion. That’s a lot of kibble and chew toys.

In Michigan, and the rest of the country, it appears that pet ownership isn’t just common – it’s a conscious lifestyle choice. Families willingly budget for food, vet care, and the everyday comforts that keep their animals healthy and happy, are treating those costs as part of the deal rather than a burden. Whether it’s a dog along for the ride up north or a cat ruling the living room, pets have firmly earned their place as full-fledged members of the household across the Great Lakes State.