The share of households owning a pet in the United Kingdom remained relatively stable between 2012 and 2018, hovering around an estimated percentage of 47 to 45 percent. However, pet ownership levels peaked to an unprecedented high of 62 percent in 2022, likely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and increased time spent at home. In 2024, this figure shrank to 60 percent. Pet ownership in the UK With more than half of UK households owning at least one pet in 2024, dogs and cats were the most common household pets in that year, with an estimated 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats living in homes. As of 2023, the United Kingdom was the highest-ranking European country in terms of its dog population, followed by Germany. Consumer spending on pets in the UK As the pet population in the United Kingdom increased in size, so did consumer spending on pet food and pet-related products and services. Spending on pets and related products reached 11.3 billion British pounds in 2023, a notable increase from a mere 2.9 billion British pounds in 2005. Among the most expensive pet-related expenditures are veterinary and pet services, which constituted 7.2 billion British pounds in 2023.

According to a 2024 survey, dogs were the most commonly owned pet in UK households. The share of households reporting dog ownership stood at 36 percent. The second most common house pet among UK households were cats, with around 26 percent of respondents stating their ownership. Pet ownership in the UK In the past year, pet ownership levels in the UK decreased by five percent when compared to 2022. This decrease could be explained by the change in owner's routines since pandemic restrictions have lifted. The share of UK households owning a dog or cat also decreased in comparison to previous years. Happiness, companionship, and man’s best friend A 2020 survey asked dog owners to state their reasons for owning a dog and all linked their ownership to either improving their happiness and/or providing companionship. Happiness was the most common response, with 51 percent stating ‘because they make me happy’. Whereas 47 percent stated their dogs provided ‘love/affection’ and 35 percent stated their dogs provided ‘companionship’. It seems the old saying “man’s best friend” still holds true to this day.

This statistic shows a ranking of the leading pets owned by households in the United Kingdom (UK) between 2016 and 2019, broken down by region. In London, 14 percent of people were cat owners, while 9 percent owned a dog, making this the only region were cats were more popular than dogs.

In total, 45 percent of the UK population own a pet . This figure has increased by five percent since 2016. Over 90 percent of pet owners in the UK say that owning a pet makes them feel happy and 88 percent feel that pet ownership improves their overall quality of life.

With such as high ownership of pets in the United Kingdom, this leads the path for retailers in a growing and dynamic market. Pet food has a key role to play, with dog and cat food alone estimated at 2.5 billion British pounds in 2017.

According to the most recent pet population survey in 2024, approximately ** percent of responding households in the United Kingdom (UK) owned at least one dog. Between 2010 and 2020, the percentage of households who own at least one dog remained between ** and ** percent. In 2021, the survey changed its format from face-to-face to online, meaning that data should not be directly compared with previous years. Pet dogs in the United Kingdom A downward trend is also reflected in the number of pet dogs owned in the UK, which was approximately ** million in 2023. This constitutes a decrease of *** million compared to 2022. The majority of British dog owners get their pets from a breeder of one specific breed. Approximately ** percent get their dog from a rescue or rehoming center/shelter based in the UK. Most popular dog breeds in the United Kingdom The most frequently registered dog breeds in the UK are Labrador Retrievers and French Bulldogs. Since 2011, the number of registered French Bulldogs has increased from approximately ***** to over ******. The number of Labrador Retrievers remained relatively stable between 2011 and 2020. Both breeds saw a notable increase in registrations during the pandemic year of 2021. For example, the number of Labrador Retrievers increased from around ****** in 2020 to over ****** in 2021.

According to an online survey conducted in 2024, it was estimated that 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats were living in UK homes in that year. In addition, the pet population in the United Kingdom also included around 1.3 million indoor birds and 1 million rabbits. Expenditure on pets in the UK In 2021, consumers spent over 9.6 billion British pounds on pets and related products in the United Kingdom, almost double the pet expenditure levels ten years prior, when pet owners in the UK spent a total of 5.13 billion British pounds in 2011. Since dogs and cats were the most common pet animals in UK homes, dog food and cat food were also the most valuable segment in the pet market in the UK. For instance, the UK dry dog food market was valued at 576 million British pounds. Pets at Home Pets at Home is a British pet supplies retailer operating more than 452 stores in the United Kingdom. It is one of the leading pet retailers in Europe, with an annual turnover of 948 million euros in 2019. Pets at Home revenue amounted to more than 1.14 billion British pounds in 2021. Over the last decade, the British pet retailer witnessed its revenues increase every year from a figure of approximately 517 million British pounds generated in 2011.

This dataset is a modelled dataset, describing the mean cat ownership characteristics per household at a postcode district level(e.g. YO41). This dataset gives the mean household owership rate for each district, and was generated as part of the delivery of commissioned research. The data contained within this dataset are modelled figures, based on national estimates for pet population, and available information on Veterinary activity across GB. The data are accurate as of 01/01/2015. The data provided are summarised to the postcode district level. Further information on this research is available in a research publication by James Aegerter, David Fouracre & Graham C. Smith, discussing the structure and density of pet cat and dog populations across Great Britain.

This dataset is a modelled dataset, describing the lower estimate of dog ownership characteristics per household at a postcode district level(e.g. YO41). This dataset gives the mean household owership rate for each district, and was generated as part of the delivery of commissioned research. The data contained within this dataset are modelled figures, based on lower 95th percentile national estimates for pet population, and available information on Veterinary activity across GB. The data are accurate as of 01/01/2015. The data provided are summarised to the postcode district level. Further information on this research is available in a research publication by James Aegerter, David Fouracre & Graham C. Smith, discussing the structure and density of pet cat and dog populations across Great Britain.

The population of dogs kept as pets in the United Kingdom (UK) was estimated at **** million in 2024, which is an increase of around *** million from the previous year. Dog ownership in the UK As the population of dogs grew in the United Kingdom over the last decade, so did the share of dog-owning households in the UK. Between 2019/20 and 2021/22, the share of UK households owning a pet dog jumped from ** percent to around ** percent. This sudden increase could be attributed to the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting government-imposed quarantines that forced people to stay at home. UK households own pet dogs from various breeds. However, Labrador Retrievers were by far the most popular dog breed in the UK, with around ****** registrations in 2020. French Bulldogs were also equally popular with ****** registrations in that year. How much does it cost to own a dog in the UK? Consumer spending on pets and related products went up significantly in the United Kingdom between 2005 and 2020, with expenditure levels peaking at **** billion British pounds in 2020. The annual cost of keeping a pet dog in the UK amounted to an estimated ***** GBP as of 2022. Broken down by expense type, boarding for two weeks cost approximately *** GBP per year and is the costliest part of owning a pet dog, followed by pet insurance estimated at around *** GBP annually.

Online Pet Food and Pet Supply Retailing industry revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 0.8% over the five years through 2025-26. Pet ownership in the UK is surging as Millennials delay starting families due to high child-rearing costs, while retirees seek companionship. This trend is reshaping household demographics and driving strong demand in the pet industry, particularly boosting online pet food sales and expanding revenue opportunities across related sectors. Pet humanisation and premiumisation are rising, translating into higher-value baskets. A growing number of pet owners treat fur babies as part of the family, deserving the very best on offer from clothing, grooming, premium food, treats and toys. Britons want their animals to look and feel good, investing more in special diets and indulgent products that promise a better quality of life, supporting revenue growth. Despite the positive outlook, retailers continue to face numerous challenges in the form of intense competition from supermarkets and generalist retail giants like Amazon, which have entered the pet market. During the cost-of-living crisis, many pet owners cut back on spending on their beloved pets, with some even reconsidering ownership altogether. However, as inflationary pressures ease in 2025-26, pet owners begin feeling more confident and willing to spend more on their pets. This shift is set to drive increased sales for online pet food retailers. In 2025-26, revenue is anticipated to hike 6% to £1.1 billion, and the average profit is expected to reach 5.8%. Over the five years through 2030-31, the online pet food and supplies industry's revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.2% to £1.4 billion. As the levels of pet ownership increase within the UK, the number of e-retailers selling pet foods and supplies will grow. One reason for the growth in pet numbers is that Millennials and Gen Z are delaying having children and are instead turning to pets for companionship. Also, social media drives pet industry trends among Gen Z, who routinely engage with pet content on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, amplifying the impact of pet influencers and directly shaping purchasing habits. Demand for pet essentials remains steady, enabling companies like Pets at Home to boost recurring revenue and customer retention by offering bundled monthly subscription services that address these ongoing needs.

Cats and dogs are European households’ favorite animals to keep, although more unconventional choices such as reptiles and small mammals are chosen as pets in high numbers too. In 2023, the population of pet cats in Europe was over 108 million. Germany and France were the two countries where the number of cats was the highest. What about dogs? The number of dogs in Europe was lower than the number of cats, although dogs are a constant presence for a considerable share of Europeans as well. In 2023, about one in four households in Europe owned at least one pet dog. Dog ownership per household showed a slight increase compared to previous years and the number of dogs in Europe generally increased as well. Pet care in Europe Pets are invaluable companions to us all, but also predictably tied to a valuable industry. Fressnapf, headquartered in Germany, was the leading pet care retailer in Europe based on turnover. UK-based Pets at Home ranked in second place among pet care retailers. Typically, pet care products consist of pet food as well as accessories and veterinary supplies.

The United Kingdom veterinary healthcare market size was USD 1.53 Billion in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 2.80 Billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 6.94% during 2023–2031. The growth of the market is attributed to growing technical developments and public knowledge of zoonotic and foodborne illnesses.



The number of veterinarians employed in the United Kingdom was estimated to be at 27.2 thousand in 2021. As a result of the rising number of veterinarians working in the UK, the number of businesses engaged in veterinary operations has expanded as well. There are 4,058 veterinary businesses in the United Kingdom as of 2018.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) controls veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom. Veterinary medicine may only be practiced by fully certified and licensed practitioners, according to the Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1966.



Pets are a significant part of family life in the United Kingdom, with families spending over five billion British pounds on veterinarian and other pet services in 2018. In 2018, UK families spent an average of 2.5 British pounds per week on pet food and 2.1 British pounds per week on veterinarian and other pet services.



According to the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA), which recently released its yearly pet population numbers for 2021, 3.2 million homes in the United Kingdom have adopted a pet since the epidemic began. Two-thirds (59%) of new pet owners are between the ages of 16 and 34, and 56% of new pet owners have children at home, owing to the influence of Gen Z and Millennials. Despite the fact that 74 percent of respondents said their pet has helped them cope with the epidemic, the survey raises concerns about animal care.



UK has a implemented the Animal Welfare Act 2006 imposes a legal duty of care on their owners or keepers to provide for their animals' welfare needs, which include the five welfare needs of health, diet, environment, behavior, and companionship.



Rising instances of animal diseases on 3^rd November 2021, the virus that causes Covid-19 has been found in a domestic dog in the United Kingdom, according to the country's Chief Veterinary Officer examinations

With over 470 million dogs kept as pets worldwide, dogs came out on top as the leading type of pet in 2018. Within the same year, there were roughly 370 million pet cats in the world.

Pets in the European Union

While dogs were globally speaking the most common type of pet, cats were more common in the European Union in 2018. Roughly 75 million people within this region had a pet cat in 2018, compared to the 65 million pet dogs. That year, Germany had about nine and a half million pet dogs, making it the country with the highest number within the European Union. Other top dog-loving countries included the United Kingdom, Poland, and France.

Other pets in Germany

Besides cats and dogs, Germans had many other household pets in 2018. About five and a half million small pets, such as hamsters and rabbits, were kept by Germans that year. Additionally, about two million households in Germany owned an aquarium and roughly one and a half million households owned a garden pond.

This statistic shows the average weekly household expenditure on pets and pet food in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2022, by age of household reference person. Respondents with a household reference person aged between 65 and 74 spent an average of **** British pounds a week on pets and pet food. The age group who spent the least on pet related items was the group aged 75 years and more, who spent on average *** British pounds per week.

The UK cat population was estimated at **** million in 2024, marking a decrease of around one million from the previous year. 2024 reached the highest recorded figure since the survey began. It is important to note that the survey changed from face-to-face to online in 2021, making it difficult to compare years. Across the UK the share of households owning at least one cat is going strong, if a little behind those who choose the company of canines.  Cats make people happy  Dogs may reign supreme in the nation, but cats are still a popular choice for pets in the UK, and for the sweetest reasons too. It is safe to say that UK cat owners have strong emotional ties with their furry friends, with majority of people viewing cats not just as pets but as reliable sources for love, affection, and happiness.    EU loves cats more than UK   When compared with the rest of the EU, the United Kingdom fares relatively behind in pet ownership. In 2019, the share of UK households with at least one pet cat placed the country in the lower ranks. In contrast, Central European countries such as Romania, Latvia, and Hungary had the highest share of households with cats.

In 2023, Germany had the highest pet dog population in the European Union, with more than 10 million dogs. Spain ranked second with a dog population of 9.5 million. Other countries, like Greece and Denmark, had comparatively smaller dog populations of approximately 652,000 and 641,000, respectively. Pet dogs in Europe The number of pet dogs in Europe has witnessed a notable increase since 2010, increasing from around 73 million in 2010 to more than 106 million in 2023. This positive trend was accompanied by a similar growth in the number of pet-owning households in Europe, which has increased by nearly double in the period between 2010 and 2023. Pet food industry in Europe Despite a marked increase in the dog population along with the number of pet-owning households in Europe, this has not been translated in a similarly significant increase in pet food sales in the continent. The annual sales volume of pet food products remained relatively stable in the last decade, reaching about 9.9 million tons of pet food products in 2023. The largest pet food manufacturer in Europe was the Belgian company United Petfood Producers, with an annual revenue stream of approximately 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2024.

This statistic shows the estimated percentage of households owning cats in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2024. According to the most recent pet population survey, it was estimated that ** percent of households in the UK owned at least one cat.

In 2023, the annual turnover of pet-related products and services in Europe had an estimated value of **** billion euros. This includes pet accessories products and services, such as pet grooming and veterinarians. Pet-related expenses in Europe Many people in European countries own pets and spend significant amounts of their income on products and services related to their beloved animals. In France, pet owners spend an average of ***** euros each year on their pets. Expenses on food make up the largest share of the budget, followed by hygiene and beauty. Households in the United Kingdom (UK) spend an average of **** British pounds a week on their pets. The average expenditure on products for pets of Danish households was approximately ***** Danish Kroner. Pet product industry in Germany Most pet food sales in Germany are generated from cat and dog food. In 2021, sales from cat food amounted to approximately *** billion euros, whereas dog food sales were about *** billion euros. Broken down by type of feed, wet food generates by far the largest share of cat food revenue, followed by dry food and snacks, respectively. By contrast, snacks generate the highest amounts of revenue for dog food, followed by wet and dry food, respectively. Approximately **** billion euros of food and animal feed are imported to Germany. During the last decade, imports have constantly increased.

This statistic shows the average weekly household expenditure on pets and pet food in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2022, by region. Households in the South East of England spent the most on average, at **** British pounds. This is in contrast with the capital, where the average household's expenditure on pets and pet food was **** British pounds per week.

In 2024, the total number of employed and self-employed veterinarians in the UK was approximately **** thousand. This number has been fluctuating in the recorded period with an upward trend. The practice of veterinary medicine is regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the United Kingdom. Veterinary medicine can only be performed by fully qualified and regulated professionals as subject to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. In the United Kingdom, pets make up an important aspect of family life with households spending *** billion British pounds a year in 2022 on veterinary and other pet services. In 2022, UK households spent an average of *** British pounds on pet food and a further *** British pounds on veterinary and other services for pets every week.