Last Updated on August 27, 2024 by Dogster Team
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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
From veterinarian bills to pet therapy, it can feel like there are so many options for spending our money on our pets. They are an integral part of family life in the UK, but how much do owners spend on them? We’ve looked into pet spending in the UK to see exactly where owners in the UK are spending their money and how much. We’ve broken the statistics into these three categories:
(Statista)
It’s now believed there are over 50 million pets in total in the UK, which is a considerable drop since 2013 when the pet population peaked at 73 million. Despite this drop, the UK pet industry is thriving as this value of £9.66 million represents a 270% increase from 2005.
(Modern Retail)
Some people prefer to shop in-store than online, but online sales have helped boost the pet industry’s profits. Owners of large breed dogs spend more every month on supplies than those owning smaller breeds or cats.
(Groom Arts)
Pet owners spend £8 billion on their cats and nearly £200 a year on pet clothes. However, dogs remain the most popular pet in the UK, followed by cats, birds, and fish.
(Modern Retail and the Mirror)
During the Christmas season of 2022, it was estimated that UK owners spent £875 million on their dogs and cats despite the current cost of living crisis.
(PDSA)
27% of adults in the UK own a dog, with an estimated population of 10.2 million dogs, while 24% of adults own a cat, with an estimated population of 11.1 million cats. On average, it will cost an owner at least £11,000 to look after a cat throughout its lifetime, whereas a dog will cost between £5,000–£12,200.
(Pets4Homes)
In May 2020, there were 420 prospective buyers for every puppy available, which means the average price of puppies increased by an incredible amount. In 2019, the average price an owner would expect to pay was £808 compared to 2020, where the price had risen to £1,875.
(Food Manufacture)
The largest markets are dogs at £1.59 billion and cats at £1.27 billion. Following this are outdoor birds at £345 million, fish at £69 million, small mammals at £54 million, and indoor birds at £13 million.
(VentureForge)
Dog and cat food generates revenue worth £11.5 million per month (£138 million per year) on Amazon UK. Pet supply sales have also increased by 79%.
(Statista and Modern Retail)
This value has increased every year since 2007. Most owners buy treats at a pet store (41%) or supermarket (34%), while only 10% of people get theirs online. 23% of people buy treats as part of a weekly shopping trip, while 32% shop for them monthly.
(Retail Times and vegan.com)
With 6% of people investing in vegan cat food, it shows a change in the pet food industry. However, the trend is not supported by most veterinarians, who recommend feeding carnivorous felines a high-protein diet composed primarily of meat.
(Companion Life)
The Dogs Trust states that since July 2021, it has experienced a 100% increase in traffic on its “giving up your dog” page. Training and caring for pets can be overwhelming for some owners, and financial issues are one of the reasons pets are surrendered to shelters.
(Statista)
It might be unsurprising, but the UK consumers with the highest 10% of gross income spend the most on their pets and pet food per week.
(Statista)
Insurance doesn’t cover all costs, so even if you have pet insurance, you will still be expected to cover some costs yourself. Vaccinations and dental work, for example, aren’t generally covered by insurance companies.
(Statista)
Pets at Home operates more than 452 stores in the UK and has seen an increase in revenue over the last decade, going from £517 million in 2011 to £1.14 billion in 2021.
(Retail Times)
As people returned to the office after the lockdown, they worried about its effect on their pet’s mental health. Owners are apparently more willing to pay for therapy to combat their pet’s stress levels than their own therapy.
How Much Is the Pet Industry Worth Worldwide?
In 2021, the pet care market was worth approximately $150.67 billion globally and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2022 to 2030. (Grand View Research)
Has the Cost-of-Living Crisis Forced People to Spend Less on Their Pets?
71% of owners are willing to spend more on their pets than on themselves. It’s estimated that people spend almost £500 annually on luxury items like special treats and toys for their pets. (Retail Times)
Why Do People Own Pets?
According to PDSA, 87% of owners believe their pet has made them mentally healthier. So, while people are arguably feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis, pets are one expense the British public will not give up any time soon. And this is probably for the best because it’s a scientific fact that pets can be good for your physical and mental health! (PDSA)
The pet industry clearly has a strong future ahead of it, as spending increases across the UK despite the cost-of-living crisis. While dogs and cats continue to be a firm favorite, UK pet parents also enjoy caring for the birds and fish in their lives. It’s clear by how much people spend, as people invest in their animals’ mental welfare and diets, that the UK loves its pets, just like the rest of the world.
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Kerry-Ann lives in Scotland and wishes her garden was bigger so she could have her very own Highland cow but thinks her dogs probably wouldn’t like that idea very much. She has a La Chon called Harry who was poorly with a liver shunt when he was a puppy. It wasn’t likely he would make it into adulthood, which was difficult to comprehend, but he beat the odds and is a healthy old man now. She also has a Pug called Maddie who is a big foodie. She’s small, sassy, and every day she finds a new way to wind her brother up. When she isn’t writing you can find Kerry-Ann going for long walks when it isn’t raining, reading, or watching cartoons when she should be tidying her house. She would one day like to be a tourist in her own country and travel through the Highlands with her family.
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