A recent study conducted by the insurance company Ingosstrakh and the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation explored pet ownership across 37 of Russia’s largest cities. The results show that a large share of Russians living in apartments keep at least one pet, totaling 71.1 percent, while 82.2 percent of residents in private houses report pet ownership. Ingosstrakh reported these findings through its press service.
The survey confirms that cats and dogs remain the most popular companions. Specifically, 58.8 percent of respondents own cats and 41.5 percent own dogs. In third place are small mammals such as rats, mice, hamsters, or guinea pigs, with a combined share of 3.8 percent. Birds like parrots and ornamental birds account for about 3.2 percent of pet owners. Aquariums with fish are kept by 1.9 percent, and turtles or other reptiles are kept by 0.9 percent of participants.
The study also examined monthly pet-related expenditures. It found that nearly half of the respondents, 49 percent, allocate between 500 and 800 rubles per month for their pets. About a quarter of owners spend up to 500 rubles, while roughly one in ten spend more than 800 rubles each month. These figures suggest that the cost of maintaining a pet is manageable for many households in the sample.
Geographic trends emerged regarding the distribution of cat and dog ownership. A notable share of dog lovers resides in Yaroslavl (59 percent), Voronezh (55 percent), Yekaterinburg (54 percent), and Ryazan (53 percent). For cat lovers, the highest shares are in Kirov (81 percent), Moscow (78 percent), Nizhny Novgorod (75 percent), Togliatti (75 percent), Izhevsk (74 percent), Yekaterinburg (73 percent), and Yaroslavl (72 percent). The data highlight regional preferences that reflect cultural and urban living patterns across Russia.
Psychologists noted a correlation between pet ownership and family harmony. The presence of dogs or cats in a household appears to be associated with closer family bonds and enhanced daily interaction among members, underscoring the role pets can play in domestic life. The study authors emphasized that responsibility and regular care are central to the positive impact pets have on family dynamics. Overall, the findings contribute to a growing understanding of how pet ownership intersects with urban living, financial planning, and social well-being in contemporary Russia.