New data from CivicScience has revealed that pet spending has remained steady, despite economic uncertainty. Pet owners are planning to increase spending on pet-related expenses over the next year, with 38% planning an increase of $28.50. Meanwhile, only 10% expect to cut back, while 53% anticipate keeping their spending roughly the same. This trend reflects a wider trend that pets are essential members of the household. Both dog and cat owners are contributing to the rise in pet spending, with 14% of cat owners planning a significant increase in spending compared to 12% of dog owners. Despite this, dog owners continue to contribute to the pet economy, with 56% expecting to maintain current spending levels and a significant portion planning increases. The study also highlighted strong "species loyalty" among current pet owners, with 21% planning for another dog (11%) than to get a cat (21%), while cat owners show a preference for staying within their category.