Dogs are called man’s best friend, and they have been since they were domesticated between 19,000 and 32,000 years ago. Domestication began as a means of survival: dogs, which at the time were more genetically close to wolves, were better at chasing down prey than humans, and humans were better at building fires.
According to archaeologists, dogs and humans would hunt together. The dogs would enjoy the warmth from human fires and share the cooked food with their new best friends. Fast forward thousands of years, and dogs are still a huge part of our lives. And they can also be super expensive, depending on the breed.
The pet industry itself has grown in leaps and bounds over the centuries. By 2021, the pet industry in America—consisting of pet toys, medication, food, and all of the things our furry friends need—is expected to reach $72 billion, with stocks like Chewy and Zoetis also seeing potential increases.