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Pet ownership at an all-time high

Author Mark Cushing on his book 'PET NATION: The Inside Story of How Companion Animals Are Transforming Our Homes, Culture, and Economy'

  • Merideth Bucher/WITF

 iStock

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The pandemic fueled an interest in pet ownership, emptying animal rescue centers and straining veterinary care facilities. Pet ownership has actually experienced huge growth in the past twenty years, nearly doubling since 1998. 

Pets provide comfort and companionship, as well as an economic impact in excess of $220 billion dollars.

PET NATION: The Inside Story of How Companion Animals Are Transforming Our Homes, Culture, and Economy details how pets have gone from the backyard to sleeping on our beds, and everywhere in between.

Author Mark Cushing appears on Smart Talk Wednesday.

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