Modern pet ownership

Pet parents are here to stay

With almost 60% of consumers worldwide now pet owners, modern pet ownership has become a key, cross-industry topic in society. A drastic change in the role of pets within our lives has occurred over the last decades. Due to major changes in society, culture, and economy, pets have become full family members in many households as their owners’ relationship with them has evolved into a parenting role.

Many pet owners have become ‘pet parents’. Now beyond a trend, ‘pet parenting’ is a global element in modern pet ownership that is here to stay. In addition, increased pet ownership is supported by a growing body of scientific evidence about the physiological and psychological benefits of keeping a pet. For pet product manufacturers, from food to care and accessories, as well as many previously unrelated human sectors, such as public services, there are many opportunities in this changing market, which has tangible benefits for owners and pets.

Today’s pet owners

A recent survey conducted by global market research specialists, GfK, has indicated that 57% of consumers worldwide own a pet of some kind.

With some significant regional differences, pet ownership is particularly high in South American countries of Argentina (82%), Mexico (81%) and Brazil (76%), the latter of which had the highest rates of overall pet ownership of the 22 countries surveyed, with dogs the most popular pet. The US ranked fifth highest in overall pet ownership, with almost three quarters (70%) of US consumers owning at least one pet. The research indicated great similarities in pet ownership between men and women in many countries. From the survey, Asian countries reported the lowest percentages of pet ownership – South Korea (31%), Hong Kong (35%) and Japan (37%).

However, while the survey figures are lower for these countries, GfK identifies China and India, as well as Latin America, as the regional markets to watch