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.

***** and ***** are the top two answers among UK consumers in our survey on the subject of "Household pets".The survey was conducted online among 26,710 respondents in the UK, in 2025. Looking to gain valuable insights about pet owners worldwide? Check out our reports about pet owners across the globe. These reports provide readers with a detailed understanding into pet owners, highlighting their demographics, preferences, opinions, and ways to engage with them effectively.

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.

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 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 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.

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Pet Sitting Market Size 2024-2028

The pet sitting market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.57 billion at a CAGR of 9.87% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. First, the rising trend of pet humanization has led to increased pet ownership and spending on pets. Pet types encompass a wide range, from small mammals and birds to freshwater fish, smart pet livestock, and exotic pets. As pet owners prioritize their pets' wellbeing, they seek professional pet sitting services for care visits during their absence. Service types include regular check-ins, feeding, administering medication, and playtime. Compliance with stringent regulations and certifications is essential for pet sitting businesses to ensure the highest level of care and safety for pets. These factors collectively contribute to the market's growth and ongoing demand for professional services.

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The pet sitting market is thriving as more pet owners seek reliable care for their furry companions. With the return-to-work trend, many retired people and students are turning to pet sitting services to accommodate their busy lifestyles. This growing demand has led to increased spending of consumers on quality pet care. In particular, the pet care cost associated with hiring a service provider can vary, but it ensures pets are well cared for while owners travel or work. Furthermore, societal shifts in pet acceptance have made pets a central part of many households, leading to a rise in the need for professional care. Ultimately, the pet sitting market reflects the evolving relationship between humans and their animal companions, providing peace of mind for pet owners.

Market Segmentation

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

Type

  Dogs
  Cats


Service

  Care visits
  Drop-in visits


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Type Insights

The dogs segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market experiences significant growth due to the increasing popularity of dogs as pets and the resulting demand for pet care services. Dogs, the most commonly owned pets worldwide, are sought after for their ability to alleviate feelings of loneliness, reduce anxiety, stress, and depression, and promote physical activity and cardiovascular health. Additionally, dogs serve as valuable companions for children and the elderly, instilling responsibility, kindness, and empathy.

Additionally, pet owners require pet sitting services, including daycare visits and dog walking, when they are unable to be at home. Animal-borne disorders, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, can necessitate the need for pet sitting services, further driving market growth. The rise of e-commerce platforms has also made it easier for pet owners to access a wide range of pet grooming products and services online, contributing to market expansion. Furthermore, legislation and regulations governing pet care and pet sitting services may vary by region, segmenting the market by pet type and location.

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The dogs segment was valued at USD 1.31 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America is estimated to contribute 41% 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 market, a significant sector within the pet care industry, experiences substantial growth, particularly in North America. With the US, Canada, and Mexico leading the way, this region hosts the largest number of pets and pet-sitting services worldwide. Factors such as the affordability of these services and the availability of experienced, full-time providers contribute significantly to the market's expansion in North America.

Additionally, increasing awareness among pet owners regarding various pet sitting options, including daycare visits and dog walking, further fuels market growth. Animal-borne disorders like abdominal pain and diarrhea necessitate the need for professional pet care services, leading to increased demand for pet sitting. Legislation mandating proper care for pets during their owners' absences also supports the market's growth.

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of driver

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.

UK households spent an average of *** British pounds a week on pets in 2024. This was comprised of *** British pounds spent on pet food, *** pounds on pet purchases and accessories, and a further *** pounds on veterinary and other services for pets.

This dataset is a modelled dataset, describing the upper estimate of 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 upper 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.

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. Attribution statement: ©Crown Copyright, APHA 2016

United Kingdom Pet Food Market was valued at USD 3.65 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.16 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2026 to 2032.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Pet Ownership and Humanization Trend: Rising pet ownership in the UK, with 17.4 million households (62%) owning pets, is driving up demand for premium pet food. This growth, particularly in dog (29%) and cat (24%) ownership, can be attributed to the humanization tendency, in which pets are viewed as family.

Increased Focus on Pet Health and Nutrition: A rising focus on pet health and nutrition is propelling market growth in the United Kingdom, with 68% of pet owners now more likely to invest in specialty diets, according to a 2022 Royal Veterinary College survey. This trend is being driven by greater awareness of the link between nutrition and pet health, driving owners to seek out personalized feeding solutions for weight control, breed-specific requirements, and age-related concerns.

Over the five years through 2025-26, the Garden Centres and Pet Shops industry's revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 3.3% to reach £6.8 billion. In 2025-26, revenue is slated to expand by 2.6%. Pet ownership picked up after the COVID-19 outbreak. Still, as people returned to work and inflationary pressures ate into disposable incomes, many people started putting their pets up for adoption, hurting demand for pet supplies. However, the continuation of hybrid working, allowing younger working adults to spend more time at home, is boosting pet ownership. There’s also a growing emphasis on pet welfare, with households increasingly treating their pets as beloved family members. This shift has heightened spending on premium “human-worthy” pet foods and accessories, driving revenue and profit growth.

Increasing competition from DIY home improvement stores and supermarkets that sell garden and pet-related supplies, plants and flowers has forced garden centres and pet shops to adopt new strategies to compete with external threats. By investing in knowledgeable employees, a wide range of products to cater to various niches, convenient, fast delivery and click-and-collect services through an enhanced online presence, garden centres and pet shops have been able to combat external competition. For example, pet retailer Jollyes teamed up with Uber Eats in August 2025 to offer a rapid delivery service of pet food, accessories and toy ranges, with items arriving as quickly as 30 minutes.

Garden centres and pet shops' revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 4.1% over the five years through 2030-31 to reach £8.4 billion. Pet owners are increasingly indulging their furry friends with premium and luxury products, showing a willingness to invest in high-quality items that prioritise comfort and wellbeing. As more luxurious options complement essential purchases like toys and food, sales of upscale pet items are poised for growth. Social media has significantly ramped up demand for plants among young individuals, lifting houseplant sales. Pet food companies are evolving to meet the sustainability needs of consumers, with companies like Meatly producing and selling lab-grown meat for pet food.

According to a survey carried out in the summer of 2021, almost ** percent of surveyed cat and dog owners in the United Kingdom stated that their pet is best described as a family member. Some *** percent of cat owners and *** percent of dog owners perceived their animals as just a pet.

Between 2013 and 2017, Roland Kays et al. convinced hundreds of volunteers in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand to strap GPS sensors on their pet cats. The aforelinked datasets include each cat's characteristics (such as age, sex, neuter status, hunting habits) and time-stamped GPS pings.

When using this dataset, please cite the original article.

Kays R, Dunn RR, Parsons AW, Mcdonald B, Perkins T, Powers S, Shell L, McDonald JL, Cole H, Kikillus H, Woods L, Tindle H, Roetman P (2020) The small home ranges and large local ecological impacts of pet cats. Animal Conservation. doi:10.1111/acv.12563

Additionally, please cite the Movebank data package:

McDonald JL, Cole H (2020) Data from: The small home ranges and large local ecological impacts of pet cats [United Kingdom]. Movebank Data Repository. doi:10.5441/001/1.pf315732

This data file is published by the Movebank Data Repository (www.datarepository.movebank.org). As of the time of publication, a version of this published animal tracking dataset can be viewed on Movebank (www.movebank.org) in the study "Pet Cats Australia" (Movebank Study ID 64283289). Individual attributes in the data files are defined below, in the NERC Vocabulary Server at http://vocab.nerc.ac.uk/collection/MVB and in the Movebank Attribute Dictionary at www.movebank.org/node/2381. Metadata describing this data package are maintained at https://datacite.org.

This data package includes the following data files: Pet Cats Australia.csv Pet Cats Australia-reference-data.csv

Data package citation: Roetman P, Tindle H (2020) Data from: The small home ranges and large local ecological impacts of pet cats [Australia]. Movebank Data Repository. https://doi.org/10.5441/001/1.289p5s77

These data are described in the following written publication: Kays R, Dunn RR, Parsons AW, Mcdonald B, Perkins T, Powers S, Shell L, McDonald JL, Cole H, Kikillus H, Woods L, Tindle H, Roetman P (2020) The small home ranges and large local ecological impacts of pet cats. Animal Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12563

Terms of Use This data file is licensed by the Creative Commons Zero (CC0 1.0) license. The intent of this license is to facilitate the re-use of works. The Creative Commons Zero license is a "no rights reserved" license that allows copyright holders to opt out of copyright protections automatically extended by copyright and other laws, thus placing works in the public domain with as little legal restriction as possible. However, works published with this license must still be appropriately cited following professional and ethical standards for academic citation.

We highly recommend that you contact the data creator if possible if you will be re-using or re-analyzing data in this file. Researchers will likely be interested in learning about new uses of their data, might also have important insights about how to properly analyze and interpret their data, and/or might have additional data they would be willing to contribute to your project. Feel free to contact us at support@movebank.org if you need assistance contacting data owners.

See here for the full description of this license http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0

Data Attributes These definitions come from the Movebank Attribute Dictionary, available at http://vocab.nerc.ac.uk/collection/MVB and www.movebank.org/node/2381.

algorithm marked outlier: Identifies events marked as outliers using a user-selected filter algorithm in Movebank. Outliers have the value TRUE. units: none entity described: event

animal comments: Additional information about the animal that is not described by other reference data terms. example: sibling of #1423 units: none entity described: individual

animal ID: An individual identifier for the animal, provided by the data owner. If the data owner does not provide an Animal ID, an internal Movebank animal identifier is sometimes shown. example: 91876A, Gary units: none entity described: individual same as: individual local identifier

animal life stage: The age class or life stage of the animal at the beginning of the deployment. Can be years or months of age or terms such as 'adult', 'subadult' and 'juvenile'. Best practice is to define units in the values if needed (e.g. '2 years'). example: juvenile, adult units: not defined entity described: deployment

animal reproductive condition: The reproductive condition of the animal at the beginning of the deployment. example: lactating units: none entity described: deployment

animal sex: The sex of the animal. Allowed values are m = male f = female format: controlled list entity described: individual

animal taxon: The scientific name of the species on which the tag was deployed, as defined by the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS, www.itis.gov). If the species name can not be provided, this should be the lowest level taxonomic rank that can be determined and that is used in the ITIS taxonomy. Additional information can be provided using the term 'taxon detail'. example: Buteo swainsoni format: controlled list entity described: individual same as: individual taxon canonical name

attachment type: The way a tag is attached to an animal. Values are chosen from a controlled list: collar = The tag is attached by a collar around the animal's neck glue = The tag is attached to the animal using glue harness = The tag is attached to the animal using a harness implant = The tag is placed under the skin of the animal tape = The tag is attached to the animal using tape other = user specified format: controlled list entity described: deployment

comments: Additional information about events that is not described by other event data terms. ...

Europe’s Veterinary Services industry’s revenue is anticipated to expand at a compound annual rate of 1.3% to €34.9 billion over the five years through 2025. Revenue expansion has been driven by a surge in pet ownership since the COVID-19 outbreak, growing awareness of animal health and the growing availability of advanced surgical and diagnostic procedures for animals. As individuals spent prolonged periods at home during lockdowns, many were driven to purchase pets. In turn, demand for veterinary services for insurance and health checks climbed. The industry has undergone sizeable consolidation activity over the past decade, driven by private equity-backed veterinary companies achieving significant expansion into emerging sectors and regions by acquiring small practices. High agricultural income, rising pet ownership and improving consumer sentiment have strongly contributed to steady revenue growth since 2020. The expansion in prices and pet products has led to vet service providers lifting their prices, contributing to revenue growth of an estimated 2.3% in 2025. Revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 5.9% over the five years through 2030 to €46.5 billion. Pet owners typically view spending on their pet's veterinary care as essential, so spending is generally resilient to fluctuations in income. As pet ownership rates continue to climb, along with rising rates of obesity and related health issues for pets, demand for Veterinary Services will follow suit. Technological progress in human healthcare will trickle down and enhance veterinary services, fostering further growth. Wearable health monitoring devices for livestock and companion animals are gaining traction across Europe, facilitating real-time health tracking and predictive analytics. This innovation is expected to boost the industry's profitability by preventing disease outbreaks and optimising herd management for livestock.

Complete list of all 1053 Pets at Home store POI locations in the UK with name, geo-coded address, city, email, phone number etc for download in CSV format or via the API.