A survey by the Companion Animal Council shows New Zealand has a higher level of pet ownership than Australia, Britain and the United States.
The survey found 68% of households in New Zealand own a pet, compared with 63% in Australia, 62% in the United States and 47% in Britain.
It shows New Zealand households have 1.41 million cats, about 700,000 dogs and 1.67 million pet fish.
The national president of the SPCA, Bob Kerridge, says survey data revealing New Zealanders spend $766 million each year on pet food demonstrates most animal owners here are responsible.
Mr Kerridge says an increasing number of people are buying premium quality pet food despite the tough economic times.