Exclusive: UK households owning a pet drops by 1.2 million in 2023

As many as 16.2 million British households (57% of the total) are owning 38 million pets this year, according to data released by UK Pet Food. 

Despite a 9% rise in the pet population against 2022, the proportion of British households owning an animal fell. In 2021, the number of households with a pet reached 17.4 million (+5%).

“Throughout the pandemic, we saw an increase in people adding a pet to their family as they sought the amazing companionship a pet can bring. Today, owners are clearly impacted by the cost of living, and sadly relinquishment figures are high,” admitted UK Pet Food’s Deputy Chief Executive Nicole Paley.

According to the figures, 29% of respondents considered the cost when recently acquiring a pet. A possible sign of this is that dog and cat populations in the UK decreased by 6%, standing at 12 million and 11 million, respectively. 

Small animals on the rise

The research concluded the ownership of small animals in the UK increased by 50% in a year. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters account for 3.5 million pets this year, 6.7% of the total pet population in Great Britain. In 2022, small animals accounted for 1.7 million.

Paley admitted this increase suggests that owners believe these animals are more manageable and less expensive. “Although pets bring huge joy to a household, they also come with a huge responsibility, and it is so important to understand the care and cost implications – whatever the size of your pet.”

Relinquished pets 

The survey also pointed out that 13% of UK households admit to relinquishing a pet in 2022, with a higher number (28%) among young pet owners aged 16 to 24. 

Dogs represented the biggest number of relinquished pets (47%), followed by cats (36%), indoor birds (12%), rabbits (8%), and Guinea pigs (6%). 

According to the data, 30% of UK millennials and Gen Z owners admit that the cost-of-living crisis has made them rethink pet ownership.  

UK Pet Food’s survey confirmed that around 20% of owners have had to make cuts on pet insurance, vet visits, and pet food. This percentage rises to over one-quarter among the younger pet parents. Nearly 3 out of 10 parents aged 25 to 34 admit to spending less on pet food. 

Conversely, half of British owners feel that animals support their mental well-being. This percentage rises to almost 60% among older pet parents.