22.6 million: pet ownership in the Netherlands increased slightly last year

According to a new survey of 4,572 Dutch citizens by the Dutch Pet Association (NVG) and the Dutch Pet Trade Association (Dibevo), as many as 86% have a pet or have had 1 in the past.

In 2023, 22.6 million animals were kept as pets in Dutch households, an increase of 500,000 compared to 2022. Cats are the most popular pets, with 3 million felines living in 23% of Dutch households. Dogs follow, with 1.8 million living in 18% of households nationwide.

Aquarium fish increased in 2023 to 6.7 million from 5.6 million in 2022. The population of pond fish slightly decreased from 7.1 million in 2022 to 6.8 million last year.

According to the latest data from NVG and Dibevo, the population of other animals, such as birds (1.4 million), reptiles (500,000), rabbits (400,000), and rodents (300,000), remained largely stable.

Spending habits

Despite inflation, spending remained resilient in 2023. More than 7 out 10 (74%) Dutch pet parents said inflation has not affected their spending.

Dutch pet parents spend an average of €56.9 ($61) on pet food and €15 ($16) on pet supplies monthly. Horse or pony owners are the highest spenders, followed by reptile owners.

Preference for dry kibble

Dry kibble is the preferred type of food for most pet owners across the country, with specialized pet stores and e-commerce being the most preferred retail channels for purchasing pet food.

Over a third (36%) feed their dogs a special snack daily, though almost 20% of cats and 40% of dogs receive snacks intended for humans.

A quarter of Dutch pet owners purchase alternative foods, including insect ingredients or vegetarian options, though the frequency is limited to a single purchase annually.

Reasons for ownership

‘Conviviality’ and ‘unconditional friendship’ were the top reasons for keeping a pet in the Netherlands. Owners were also motivated to adopt them because they were “interesting or beautiful animals” and because they enjoyed caring for them.

Over half of Dutch pet owners (55%) admitted that pets, especially dogs, helped them maintain physical fitness.

The most common reasons for households to no longer have a pet were linked to the death of an animal (23%) and being away from home too much to care for a pet (11%).

The NVG and Dibevo research reveals that pet owners are increasingly taking dogs on holiday instead of boarding them in animal boarding facilities or keeping them with family, friends or neighbors.