 Almost as much, she says, as her own grocery budget. He's something I can't cut back on. Because if I do, he's going to suffer. He won't be able to tell me because he says I have a voice. Research shows that 97% of pet owners consider their animals to be family. It helps explain why people continue to buy the best brands for their pets, even when money's tight. Lisa started gardening to spend less on her own vegetables. She has no plans to shift Benny to generic food. Lola Murty, NPR News.