The American pet business began with small shops appearing in eastern cities by the 1840s. The first pet shops specialized in caged birds and their supplies. General dealers in animals appeared in cities by the 1870s. By the end of the century, urban pet dealers also sold a growing array of food, medicines, and equipment. The trade in living animals and pet products began to develop more rapidly by the early 1900s, and accelerated again after World War II, when ordinary people had more money to spend on leisure and hobbies.

Most pet businesses still are neighborhood stores, but large pet-store chains are expanding rapidly. By 2004, Americans spent an estimated $34 billion on pet animals, goods, and services.The pet industry is a small part of the national economy, but it has meaning far beyond the sums spent for grooming, food, medicine, treats and toys. Its goods and services represent changing ideas about animals’ basic needs and the feelings people have for their pets.