The population of dogs kept as pets in the United Kingdom (UK) was estimated at 13.5 million in 2024, which is an increase of around 1.5 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 23 percent to around 34 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 39,905 registrations in 2020. French Bulldogs were also equally popular with 39,266 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 7.88 billion British pounds in 2020. The annual cost of keeping a pet dog in the UK amounted to an estimated 1,875 GBP as of 2022. Broken down by expense type, boarding for two weeks cost approximately 450 GBP per year and was the costliest part of owning a pet dog, followed by pet insurance estimated at around 330 GBP annually.

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 2023, this figure shrank to 57 percent.

Pet ownership in the UK With more than half of UK households owning at least one pet in 2021/22, dogs and cats were the most common household pets in that year, with an estimated 13 million dogs and 12 million cats living in homes. As of 2020, the United Kingdom was the second highest-ranking European country in terms of its dog population, preceded only 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 almost eight billion British pounds in 2020, 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 almost four billion British pounds in 2020.

According to the most recent pet population survey in 2024, approximately 36 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 22 and 26 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 12 million in 2023. This constitutes a decrease of one million compared to 2022. The majority of British dog owners get their pets from a breeder of one specific breed. Approximately 14 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 2,700 to over 54,000. 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 39,000 in 2020 to over 61,000 in 2021.

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.

In 2023, the dog population in Europe was measured at approximately 106.36 million, an increase from around 104.34 million in the previous year. Overall, the number of pet-owning households in Europe was estimated to be around 166 million in 2023. Pets in the European Union With a pet population reaching almost 78 million in 2022, cats were the most populous animal type in the European Union, followed by dogs and ornamental birds. Other popular pets that year included small mammals, ornamental fish, and pet reptiles. There were approximately 7.3 million pet reptiles in the European Union in 2022. Germany was home to the highest population of pet dogs in the European Union in 2022, at around 10.6 million. Pet retailers in Europe The German pet food company Fressnapf was Europe’s top pet care retailer, with more than 2.1 billion euros in annual turnover in 2019. Fressnapf’s competitors in Europe are prominent pet care retailers such as the United Kingdom’s Pets at Home, the Belgian company Aveve, and the German Futterhaus, amongst others. Pets at Home is the largest pet retailer in the United Kingdom, recording annual revenues exceeding 1.32 billion British pounds in 2022.

The top dog breed in the UK in 2022, as measured by number of registrations, was the Labrador Retriever breed. Some 44,311 retrievers were newly registered in the UK in 2022. French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels rounded out the top three dog breeds in the UK that year.

Surge in UK dog registrations

In 2022, many dog breeds saw a decrease in registrations after large growth in 2021. Over 17 thousand fewer Labrador Retrievers were registered in 2022 than in 2021. Registrations of French Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels also saw significant decreases in the UK that year.

UK pet food market

Europe and North America produce the most pet food worldwide. In 2022, Europe produced about 11.8 million metric tons of pet food. Though less pet food is produced in North America overall, the United States has the highest pet food revenue worldwide by far. The UK has the second highest revenue, reaching over 6.8 billion U.S. dollars that year.

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 9.3 million. Other countries, like Greece and Denmark, had comparatively smaller dog populations of approximately 655,000 and 643,000, 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 92 million in 2021. This positive trend was accompanied by a similar growth in the number of pet-owning households in Europe, which has increased by an estimated 20 million in the period between 2010 and 2021. 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, until increasing in 2021 to about 10.2 million tons of pet food products. The largest pet food manufacturer in Europe was the Belgian company United Petfood Producers, with an annual revenue stream of approximately 800 million U.S. dollars in 2021.

The UK cat population was estimated at 12.5 million in 2024, marking a decrease of around one million from the 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.

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 129 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 2022, 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.

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Animal Transportation Market 2024-2028

The animal transportation market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.07% between 2023 and 2028. The market size is forecast to increase by USD 600.02 million. The growth of the market depends on several factors such as increased demand for animals from slaughterhouses and the dairy industry, growth in the global pet population and decline in fuel prices increasing profit margins of LSPs.

The report offers extensive research analysis on the animal transportation market with a categorization based on Application, including livestock, pets, and others. It further segments the market by Type, encompassing personal and commercial. Additionally, the report provides Geographical segmentation, covering APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America. Market size, historical data (2018-2022), and future projections are presented in terms of value (in USD million) for all the mentioned segments.

What will be the Size of the Animal Transportation Market During the Forecast Period?

Animal Transportation Market Forecast 2024-2028

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Animal Transportation Market Dynamic

Our researchers studied the data for years, with 2023 as the base year and 2024 as the estimated year, and presented the key drivers, trends, and challenges for the market. Although there has been a disruption in the growth of the market during the COVID-19 pandemic, a holistic analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges will help companies refine marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

Driver- Decline in fuel prices increasing profit margins of LSPs

In recent years, there has been a substantial decline in fuel prices globally due to oversupply. Jet fuel prices constitute 35%-45% of the operating cost of airlines; thus, with the reduction in fuel prices, airfares became cheaper, resulting in driving air passenger traffic and profit margins of airlines. In 2019, the net profit margin for the global airline industry was around USD 42.5 billion, which reached around USD 48.2 billion in 2020. The decline in jet fuel prices, the strong performance of the airline industry, and strong economic conditions will boost the market for animal transportation via air.

Also, the decline in fuel prices for trucks will boost the market for animal transportation via road. Since half a decade back, there has been a steady decline in gasoline and diesel fuel prices, prompting shippers and freight forwarders to reduce invoice prices. This reduction benefitted LSPs in terms of better profit margins and prompted LSPs to improve the efficiency of the animal transportation supply chain. Such factors will drive the growth of the global animal transportation market during the forecast period.

Trends- Increasing adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the logistics industry

Some logistics service providers have started adopting the loT for optimal asset utilization, geofencing, fleet management, and smart inventory management. IoT-based technologies help logistics companies with a large fleet in preventing sudden breakdowns. The integration of connected devices, such as electronic log devices (ELD), with the loT, enhances the efficiency of logistics operations. Furthermore, the companies that offer freight and logistics services are increasingly using the IoT in fleet management systems to perform a wide range of functions, such as aircraft maintenance, licensing and compliance, supply chain management, asset transfer, safety management, and fuel management.

Moreover, the next generation of successful supply chain management, known as logistics 4.0, will leverage edge computing and the IoT to yield real-time, automated sense-and-respond feedback mechanisms. In the coming years, there will be an increase in the implementation of the loT in the global animal transportation market, thereby propelling the growth of the global animal transportation market during the forecast period.

Challenge- Shortage of truck drivers and mandates on ELDs

The animal transportation market is highly dependent on the trucking industry for transportation via road for 300-350 miles. At a global level, there is a shortage of skilled truck drivers in the logistics industry, which is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period. A shortage of skilled truck drivers in the global animal transportation market can disrupt the supply chain. Livestock haulers are responsible for driving the truck safely with live load and play a critical role in animal husbandry. ELD implementation requires haulers to stop their vehicles after fixed service hours and unload animals at the nearest facility, as animals or livestock cannot stay in vehicles during rest hours. This poses a challenge for livestock haulers, as it increases the operational cost of animal transportation. European countries such as the UK a

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Veterinary Software Market Size 2024-2028

The veterinary software market size is forecast to increase by USD 164.9 million at a CAGR of 5.41% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. The rising pet population in both developed and developing countries is driving market demand, as the need for efficient and effective veterinary care increases. Additionally, growing awareness about disease prevention and pet insurance is leading to an increased focus on technology solutions to manage veterinary practices. The market encompasses a range of information systems designed to streamline operations and enhance the delivery of quality pet care in hospitals and clinics. In developing countries, the shortage of veterinary clinics is being addressed through the adoption of veterinary software, enabling remote consultations and improved access to veterinary services. These trends are expected to continue shaping the market In the coming years.

What will be the Size of the Veterinary Software Market During the Forecast Period?

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The solutions cater to the unique needs of veterinary practices, offering features such as practice management, billing and invoicing, resource management, inventory control, veterinary imaging, and adherence to health guidelines. The market's growth is driven by the increasing number of companion animals, rising pet insurance coverage, and escalating animal health expenditure. Veterinarians increasingly rely on these systems to manage their practices efficiently, ensuring accurate record-keeping, seamless communication, and improved patient care. Digital imaging systems are also gaining traction, enabling veterinarians to make informed diagnoses and provide better treatment plans. Overall, the market is experiencing growth, offering significant opportunities for innovation and expansion.

How is this Veterinary Software Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Product

  Practice management software
  Imaging software


Deployment

  On-premise
  Cloud-based


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  APAC

    China


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Product Insights

The practice management software segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market growth is driven by the increasing use of information systems in healthcare practices, including veterinary care. In 2023, practice management software (PMS) held the largest market share due to its ability to support and document care protocols, monitor patient health through billing and resource management, and manage inventory and treatment processes. PMS contributes to operational efficacy and profitability by streamlining workflows in veterinary practices. New veterinary software solutions enable direct access to diagnostic lab results, reducing treatment times and enhancing client experience. Key functionalities include appointment booking, patient portals, inventory control, treatment procedure management, patient health condition tracking, and decision-making tools.
Software updates, customization options, data centralization capabilities, interoperability, and storage flexibility are essential features. The market caters to multi-location veterinary hospitals and independent clinics, focusing on small and large animal practices, surgery, imaging, emergency care, and specialized treatments. Veterinary software adoption is influenced by factors such as companion animal ownership, pet insurance, and animal health expenditure. Emerging countries present significant growth opportunities for standard software solutions tailored to their specific requirements.

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The Practice management software segment was valued at USD 242.40 million in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 33% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The North American market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing pet ownership and advancements in veterinary diagnostics. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 85 million families in the US and Canada owned pets in 2019-2020. With over 60 million US households having

Hungary had the highest share of dog-owning households in the European Union, with almost half of the population owning at least one dog in 2023. Other countries, like Poland and Romania, had a little more than a third of households with at least one pet dog. Pet ownership in Europe Germany had the highest pet dog population in Europe, with more than ten million dogs in 2022. In comparison, Romania had approximately 4.2 million dogs in that same year. However, pet dog ownership was more prevalent among Romanian households, where 43 percent of households owned at least one dog in 2022, compared to only 21 percent of German households who were dog owners in that same year. In the last decade, both the number of pet cats and pet dogs increased significantly in Europe. Pet food trade Due to a growing pet population in the European continent, the pet industry flourished, and pet food trade is one indicator of that growth. The import value of cat and dog food more than tripled in the last decade, increasing from 480 million U.S. dollars in 2011 to over 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. European exports of pet food followed a similar trend, reflecting a general expansion in pet food industry and trade in Europe.

Environmental impacts of the livestock sector are proportional to consumption levels. To assess the relative consumption of livestock animals within the diets of dogs, cats and people, this study examined their dietary energy needs within the US in 2020, and globally in 2018. Also studied were US pet food ingredients, and environmental sustainability indicators for plant- and animal-based foods consumed globally. Relative consumptions of average livestock animals were: US: dogs– 17.7%, cats– 2.3%, humans– 80.0%; and globally: dogs– 7.7%, cats– 1.2%, humans– 91.1%. Full transition to nutritionally-sound vegan diets would spare from slaughter the following numbers of terrestrial livestock animals annually (billions): US: dogs– 1.7, cats– 0.2, humans– 7.8, and globally: dogs– 6.0, cats– 0.9, humans– 71.3, as well as billions of aquatic animals in all dietary groups. Very large impact reductions were also associated with land and water use, emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), acidifying and eutrophifying gases, and biocide use, in all dietary groups. If implemented globally, nutritionally-sound vegan diets would free up land larger than the following nations: dogs–Saudi Arabia or Mexico, cats–Japan or Germany, humans–Russia–the world’s largest country–combined with India. Such diets would save freshwater volumes greater than all renewable freshwater in the following nations: dogs–Denmark, cats–Jordan, humans–Cuba. Such diets would reduce GHGs by amounts greater than all GHG emissions from following nations: dogs–South Africa or the UK, cats–Israel or New Zealand, humans–India or the entire EU. The numbers of additional people who could be fed using food energy savings associated with vegan diets exceeded the 2018 human populations of the following nations: dogs–the entire European Union, cats–France or the UK, humans–every single nation or collective region on Earth, as defined by the World Bank. All of these estimates are conservative.

This statistic shows the estimated percentage of households owning indoor fish in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010/11 to 2019/20. According to the pet population survey, five percent of households in the UK owned indoor fish as of 2020.

Pet care is one of UK’s many thriving industries where consistent growth is happening year-on-year. The most recent figures published by the Office for National Statistics revealed that expenditure on pets and related products reached an annual value of 9.89 billion British pounds in 2022, representing a 182 percent increase from the beginning of the survey period in 2005. Dogs are UK households’ best friend The nation’s most popular pets in 2023 were dogs with just under one third of households owning a pet dog. Some 26 percent of households owned a cat in the same year. Pet care With such affection towards pets also comes the need to care for them. Indeed, over the last decade, spending on veterinary services in the UK rose tremendously, particularly in 2022 when veterinary and other pet care related services reached over 5.3 billion British pounds.

This statistic shows the number of Cocker Spaniel dogs registered in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2023. Over the time period observed, the number of Cocker Spaniels registered in the UK remained relatively stable until 2020. As of 2021, registrations of this dog breed shot up to about 38.9 thousand, before decreasing to about 26.2 thousand in 2023.

This statistic shows the number of Golden Retriever dogs registered in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2023. During the given time period, the number of registered Golden Retrievers in the UK peaked in 2021, when about 11.8 thousand dogs were registered.

This statistic shows the number of German Shepherd dogs registered in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2023. During the given time period, the number of registered German Shepherds in the UK peaked in 2011, when almost ten thousand dogs were registered. By 2023, the number of registered German Shepherds dropped to 5,876 dogs.

This statistic shows the estimated number of rabbits kept as pets in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2024. The population of rabbits in the UK was estimated to total approximately 1 million in 2024.

Between 2012 and 2022, the most stolen breed of dog in London was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with 498 dogs of this breed being reported as stolen in the decade. Additionally, 210 Chihuahuas and 149 French Bull Dogs had been reported stolen within the past ten years. In 2022, a total of 398 dog thefts took place in London.

Are dogs the most popular pet in the United Kingdom? The population of pet dogs has grown in the United Kingdom (UK) over the few years. In 2022, 34 percent of households in the UK owned at least one pooch. Dogs were the most common type of pet amongst UK pet owners, accounting for one third of all household animals in 2022, followed by cats, and indoor birds.

How much does the nation spend on pets? Pet care in the UK is a thriving industry with constant year-on-year growth. According to the latest data, spending on pets and associated items reached 9.66 million British pounds in 2021, up by over 16 percent in 2020. Moreover, consumer spending on veterinary services amounted to around four billion British pounds in 2021.