Pet Industry Statistics and Market Trends

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a pet store.

Who wrote this content?

The Dojo Business Team

A team of financial experts, consultants, and writers

We're a team of finance experts, consultants, market analysts, and specialized writers dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs launch their businesses. We help you avoid costly mistakes by providing detailed business plans, accurate market studies, and reliable financial forecasts to maximize your chances of success from day one—especially in the pet store market.

What is the current global market size of the pet industry and how has it grown over the past five years?

The global pet industry is valued at $243.5 billion in 2025, representing substantial growth from approximately $160-170 billion in 2020.

Over the past five years, the pet industry has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10% globally. This expansion has been fueled by increased pet ownership rates, particularly accelerated during the pandemic years, and the growing trend of pet humanization where owners treat their pets as family members.

The U.S. market alone has grown from roughly $100 billion in 2020 to $150 billion in 2025, maintaining its position as the world's largest pet market. Europe has also seen steady growth, reaching approximately $131 billion in 2025, while emerging markets in Asia, particularly China and Southeast Asia, have demonstrated even faster growth rates.

Pet food remains the dominant segment, accounting for 50-60% of total industry revenue, followed by veterinary care and pet services. The premium segment within pet food has outpaced overall market growth, reflecting consumers' willingness to spend more on high-quality, specialized nutrition for their pets.

For pet store owners, this consistent growth trajectory indicates a stable and expanding market with significant opportunities across multiple product categories and service offerings.

Which regions represent the largest and fastest-growing pet markets right now?

The U.S. dominates the global pet industry with a 40% market share, valued at $150 billion in 2025, while Asia-Pacific regions show the fastest growth rates.

What are the projected annual growth rates for the pet industry over the next five to ten years?

The global pet industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 7.1% from 2025 to 2035, reaching $483.5 billion by 2035.

Over the next five years (2025-2030), the industry is expected to surpass $500 billion, representing over 45% total growth. The U.S. market specifically is projected to grow at 6.5% CAGR, reaching close to $200 billion by 2030, while maintaining its leadership position in the global pet industry.

China's pet market shows strong momentum with a projected 6-7% CAGR through 2030, expected to reach $49 billion. Southeast Asian markets, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, are forecasted to experience the highest growth rates at 8-10% annually through the next decade, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing attitudes toward pet ownership.

Within specific segments, pet wellness services are expected to nearly double from $54 billion in 2025 to $96 billion by 2035, while the pet food segment is projected to grow 36% by 2030. Premium and functional pet food categories are anticipated to outpace overall market growth, with particular strength in organic, personalized, and health-focused nutrition products.

For pet store entrepreneurs, these growth projections indicate sustained demand and expansion opportunities, particularly in premium product categories, wellness services, and emerging markets.

You'll find detailed market insights in our pet store business plan, updated every quarter.

Which pet categories account for the highest spending and growth in the pet store market?

Dogs account for 45-52% of total pet industry spending globally, representing the largest category, while cats are experiencing faster growth in ownership rates.

Dog owners spend significantly more per pet annually compared to other pet categories, driven by higher costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and accessories. The average dog owner in developed markets spends between $1,500-$2,500 annually per dog, depending on size and breed. Premium dog food, specialized health supplements, and luxury accessories drive substantial revenue in this segment.

Cat ownership is growing rapidly, particularly among younger consumers and urban dwellers who appreciate their lower maintenance requirements and suitability for apartment living. While per-pet spending on cats is lower than dogs (typically $800-$1,200 annually), the expanding cat population is creating significant market opportunities, especially for premium cat food, litter innovations, and health-focused products.

Fish, birds, and small animals (rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs) collectively represent approximately 10-15% of total pet spending. These categories show steady but slower growth compared to dogs and cats. Fish keeping has gained popularity among hobbyists willing to invest in sophisticated aquarium setups, while small mammals appeal to families with children and space-constrained households.

Reptiles and exotic pets remain niche categories but demonstrate growing interest among specialty enthusiasts, particularly younger demographics seeking unique pets. For pet store owners, focusing on dogs and cats while maintaining specialized offerings for other categories provides the best balance of market size and growth potential.

What share of spending goes toward pet food, healthcare, services, and accessories?

Pet food dominates industry spending at 50-60% of total revenue, followed by veterinary care, pet services, and accessories.

What are the most significant consumer behavior trends shaping the pet industry right now?

Pet humanization and premiumization are the dominant trends, with consumers increasingly treating pets as family members and prioritizing their health and wellbeing.

The humanization trend manifests in several ways: owners are purchasing higher-quality food with human-grade ingredients, investing in advanced healthcare including preventive care and specialized treatments, and seeking premium services like luxury boarding and spa treatments. This behavioral shift has created substantial demand for organic pet food, grain-free formulations, and products with functional benefits like joint support, digestive health, and anxiety relief.

Millennials and Gen Z consumers are driving significant changes in purchasing patterns. These younger pet owners prioritize transparency in ingredient sourcing, prefer brands with strong ethical and sustainability credentials, and actively seek tech-enabled solutions for pet care. They are more likely to purchase pet insurance, use telehealth services, and invest in wearable technology to monitor their pets' health and activity levels.

Convenience has become a critical factor, with consumers increasingly turning to subscription services for regular deliveries of food and supplies, using mobile apps for booking services, and preferring one-stop shopping experiences. The demand for personalized products is rising, including customized nutrition plans based on breed, age, and health conditions, as well as DNA testing services to understand genetic predispositions.

Sustainability concerns are influencing purchase decisions, with approximately 70% of pet owners now valuing environmentally sustainable products. This includes demand for recyclable packaging, sustainable protein sources in pet food, and ethically sourced materials in accessories and toys. Pet store owners must adapt to these trends by curating product selections that emphasize quality, transparency, and environmental responsibility.

This is one of the strategies explained in our pet store business plan.

How has e-commerce impacted pet product sales compared to traditional retail channels?

E-commerce has become a crucial sales channel for pet products, rapidly growing and complementing traditional retail while expanding consumer access and customization options.

Online pet product sales have accelerated significantly, particularly following the pandemic, with e-commerce now representing an estimated 30-40% of total pet product sales in developed markets. The convenience of home delivery, especially for heavy items like pet food and litter, combined with competitive pricing and wider product selection, has driven this shift. Subscription-based models for recurring purchases have gained substantial traction, providing steady revenue streams for online retailers.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands have disrupted traditional distribution models by leveraging e-commerce to reach customers without intermediary retailers. These brands often emphasize premium positioning, personalized nutrition, and direct relationships with pet owners through digital engagement. Companies offering customized meal plans, fresh or frozen food delivery, and specialized dietary solutions have found particular success in the online channel.

Traditional brick-and-mortar pet stores have responded by developing omnichannel strategies, integrating online ordering with in-store pickup, offering exclusive in-store services like grooming and training, and creating experiential retail environments that cannot be replicated online. Physical stores maintain advantages in providing immediate product availability, personalized advice from knowledgeable staff, and services that require in-person interaction.

The competitive landscape now favors retailers who can seamlessly integrate both channels, offering customers flexibility in how they shop while building loyalty through multiple touchpoints. For new pet store owners, developing a strong online presence alongside a physical location is increasingly essential for capturing the full market opportunity.

What role do premiumization and humanization of pets play in driving market growth?

Premiumization and humanization are the primary drivers of market growth, with consumers willing to pay significantly more for high-quality products that enhance their pets' health and happiness.

The humanization trend reflects a fundamental shift in how people view their pets—no longer just animals but beloved family members deserving the best care possible. This mindset change translates directly into spending behavior: pet owners are investing in premium food with human-grade ingredients, advanced medical treatments including specialized surgeries and chronic disease management, luxury grooming services, and even pet-friendly travel accommodations.

Premium pet food growth outpaces the overall food segment, with consumers actively seeking products labeled as natural, organic, grain-free, or containing novel proteins like venison, duck, or salmon. Functional foods addressing specific health concerns—joint health, digestive wellness, skin and coat condition, weight management—command premium prices and show strong demand. Fresh and frozen pet food delivered directly to homes represents the fastest-growing premium category.

The humanization trend extends beyond products to services: pet daycare facilities now offer webcam monitoring, enrichment activities, and socialization programs; boarding facilities provide private suites with raised beds and television; and grooming salons offer spa treatments including massages and aromatherapy. Pet birthday parties, professional photography sessions, and pet-friendly events have become normalized consumer behaviors.

This willingness to spend premium prices creates significant margin opportunities for pet store owners who position themselves in the premium segment, curate high-quality product selections, and provide exceptional customer service with knowledgeable staff who can educate consumers about product benefits and help them make informed decisions for their pets' specific needs.

Which innovations or emerging technologies are disrupting the pet industry?

AI-powered personalized nutrition, health wearables, telehealth platforms, and smart pet care devices are the leading technological innovations transforming the pet industry.

• AI-Powered Personalized Nutrition: Advanced algorithms analyze pet breed, age, weight, activity level, and health conditions to create customized meal plans and recommend specific nutritional formulations. Companies are using machine learning to optimize ingredient combinations and predict pets' evolving nutritional needs based on life stage changes.
• Health Wearables and Activity Trackers: GPS-enabled collars and fitness trackers monitor pets' location, activity levels, sleep patterns, and vital signs. These devices connect to smartphone apps providing owners with real-time data and alerts about unusual behavior patterns that might indicate health issues, enabling early veterinary intervention.
• Telehealth and Virtual Veterinary Consultations: Digital health platforms connect pet owners with veterinarians for remote consultations, reducing the need for in-person visits for minor concerns, prescription refills, and behavioral advice. These services have expanded significantly, offering convenient access to professional guidance and ongoing wellness monitoring.
• Smart Feeding and Monitoring Systems: Automated feeders with portion control, scheduling capabilities, and smartphone connectivity allow owners to manage feeding remotely. Advanced systems include cameras for visual monitoring and two-way audio communication. Smart water fountains track hydration levels, while automated litter boxes monitor elimination patterns to detect potential health issues.
• DNA Testing and Genetic Analysis: Consumer genetic testing services for pets identify breed composition, genetic health predispositions, and trait markers. This information helps owners make informed decisions about preventive care, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to their pet's genetic profile.
• Sustainable Protein Innovations: Companies are developing alternative protein sources including insect-based proteins, lab-grown meat, and plant-based formulations to address environmental concerns while maintaining nutritional quality. These innovations appeal to environmentally conscious consumers seeking sustainable pet food options.
• Blockchain for Transparency: Some premium brands are implementing blockchain technology to provide complete traceability of ingredients from source to finished product, enhancing transparency and building consumer trust in product quality and ethical sourcing practices.

We cover this exact topic in the pet store business plan.

What demographic shifts are most influencing pet ownership and spending in the pet store market?

Aging populations, single-person households, younger generations treating pets as family members, and urban lifestyle changes are the key demographic shifts driving pet ownership and spending patterns.

Millennials and Gen Z now represent the largest segments of new pet owners, bringing distinct preferences and behaviors to the market. These younger consumers delay traditional life milestones like marriage and parenthood, often choosing pet ownership as a precursor or alternative to raising children. They demonstrate higher willingness to spend on premium products, prioritize ethical and sustainable brands, embrace technology in pet care, and actively engage with pet-focused social media content. Their digital-first approach influences how they research products, make purchases, and interact with pet brands.

The rise of single-person households, particularly in urban areas, has significantly increased pet ownership as people seek companionship. Single pet owners often have deeper emotional bonds with their pets and higher per-pet spending, especially on services, entertainment, and premium products. This demographic shift is particularly pronounced in developed markets and rapidly urbanizing Asian cities.

Aging populations in developed markets maintain high pet ownership rates, with seniors increasingly adopting pets for companionship and emotional wellbeing. Older pet owners prioritize health-focused products, veterinary care, and services that simplify pet care responsibilities. They tend to favor smaller, lower-maintenance pets suited to their lifestyle and physical capabilities, creating demand for senior-friendly pet products and services.

Urbanization continues reshaping pet ownership patterns, with apartment living favoring smaller pets like cats, small dogs, and fish. Urban pet owners face space constraints but often have higher disposable incomes, driving demand for premium compact products, space-efficient solutions, and convenient services like dog walking, daycare, and mobile grooming.

Higher disposable incomes among middle-class consumers in emerging markets, particularly China, India, and Southeast Asia, are fueling rapid pet ownership growth. These new pet owners are quickly adopting premium products and services as status symbols and expressions of care, often leapfrogging traditional product categories to embrace premium and tech-enabled options from the start of their pet ownership journey.

How are sustainability and ethical considerations affecting consumer choices and brand strategies?

Approximately 70% of pet owners now value environmentally sustainable products, fundamentally reshaping how brands develop products and communicate their values.

Sustainability concerns are influencing pet product purchasing across multiple dimensions. Consumers actively seek products with recyclable or biodegradable packaging, prefer brands using sustainably sourced ingredients with transparent supply chains, and favor companies demonstrating genuine commitment to environmental responsibility beyond marketing claims. This shift is particularly strong among younger consumers who view sustainability as a non-negotiable brand attribute rather than a nice-to-have feature.

In pet food specifically, environmental impact has become a decision factor, driving interest in alternative protein sources with lower carbon footprints. Insect-based proteins, plant-based formulations, and sustainably caught fish are gaining market share among environmentally conscious consumers. Brands highlighting their carbon neutrality, water conservation efforts, and ethical sourcing practices gain competitive advantages.

Ethical animal welfare concerns extend beyond pets themselves to the broader production process. Consumers increasingly reject products tested on animals, demand cruelty-free certifications, and prefer brands supporting animal welfare initiatives. This ethical lens also applies to ingredient sourcing, with consumers questioning the origins of animal proteins in pet food and favoring humanely raised, free-range, or wild-caught options.

Transparency has become essential, with successful brands providing detailed information about ingredient sources, manufacturing processes, and quality control measures. Companies using blockchain technology, publishing sustainability reports, and engaging in third-party certifications build stronger consumer trust and loyalty. For pet store owners, partnering with brands demonstrating authentic sustainability commitments and clearly communicating these values helps attract and retain ethically conscious customers who increasingly base purchase decisions on alignment with their values.

It's a key part of what we outline in the pet store business plan.

Who are the major players in the pet market, and how is the competitive landscape changing?

Mars Petcare Inc., Nestlé Purina PetCare, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Blue Buffalo, and Cargill dominate the global pet industry, but the competitive landscape is evolving rapidly with new entrants and business models.

The competitive landscape is shifting with direct-to-consumer brands disrupting traditional distribution models, specialty retailers expanding service offerings to compete with e-commerce, and technology companies entering the market with data-driven health and nutrition solutions.

Conclusion

The global pet industry presents exceptional opportunities for entrepreneurs entering the market in 2025, with the sector valued at $243.5 billion and projected to reach $483.5 billion by 2035.

For aspiring pet store owners, success depends on understanding and adapting to key market dynamics: the dominance of dog and cat spending, the critical importance of premium products and services, the integration of digital and physical retail channels, and the growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. The industry's 7.1% projected CAGR indicates sustained demand growth, while demographic shifts toward younger, urban, and single-person households create evolving customer profiles with distinct preferences and higher spending capacity.

Pet humanization and premiumization are not temporary trends but fundamental shifts in consumer behavior that will continue driving market expansion. Entrepreneurs who position their businesses to serve these evolving consumer values—offering high-quality products, transparent sourcing, personalized service, and technology-enabled solutions—will capture the greatest opportunities. The competitive landscape favors agile operators who can balance the advantages of physical retail presence with robust e-commerce capabilities, while delivering the expertise and service quality that builds customer loyalty in an increasingly crowded market.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Pet Food Industry - Global Pet Economy
2. Global Pet Industry - Future of the Global Pet Sector
3. Future Market Insights - Global Pet Care Market
4. Pet Food Industry - Global Pet Food Market
5. Future Market Insights - Pet Market
6. Clarkston Consulting - 2025 Pet Care Industry Trends
7. MarketWatch - Pet Ownership Statistics
8. World Animal Foundation - Pet Spending Statistics
9. Pet Fair Southeast Asia - Thailand Pet Market
10. Made in China Insights - Pet Industry Analysis