PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — When you walk outside on a beautiful spring day, it can sometimes feel like everyone you see outside is paired with a pet.
If you think you're seeing more pet owners playing in the park or walking their furry friends than ever before, it's because there are actually more pet owners.
Over the past 35 years, Pet ownership rate skyrockets pretty. Carol Erickson, Pennsylvania SPCA animal advocate, said that in 1988, only about 56 percent of households in the United States had a household pet. According to Erickson, by 2024, the percentage of pet owners will have jumped to 70%.
Some people are strictly cat or dog people, while others are simply pet people and keep both dogs and cats under the same roof.
Erickson has some tips to keep in mind if you already have a dog or cat at home and are considering adding a furry friend to your family.
There's nothing wrong with having pets of the same size with the same level of play. Both dogs and cats will always feel comfortable in their own home territory, but they need to build confidence and trust in each other that they can coexist under the same roof.
A good way to introduce both pets initially is: Please let the cat into the room for one's convenience putting the dog on a leash. In this way, the cat knows that it is free to be alert and can leave if necessary. Then, restrain your dog on a leash to prevent it from getting too excited and having the urge to chase.
Erickson said dogs and cats can work together very well. Remember to take your time and take the necessary precautions during introduction to ensure both animals are comfortable in each other's presence.
Pennsylvania SPCA Dog Adoption
Meet Riker!
Riker is a 5-year-old puppy with a brown and white chest. He was very well behaved and was taken to the shelter by the animal law enforcement team. Riker would like to meet you and your older children.
Meet Romeo!
Romeo was about 2 years old and came to the shelter with 5 other puppies and their mother. Romeo is friendly and sweet, he loves learning tricks.
Meet Frappuccino!
Frappuccino is a 2-year-old white and gray puppy brought in by the animal law enforcement team. She had previously been adopted, but she had to be returned because her family lost their home. She is ready to interact with you and your dogs and play with a ball.
If you would like to learn more about these Pawfect friends up for adoption, please contact the PSPCA at Adopts@pspca.org or call 215-426-6300.
You can also watch Erickson's full interview for this week's Pet Project in the video player above. Stay tuned until the end to see Riker, Romeo, and Frappuccino.
