The pet industry in France

One of Europe’s most thriving pet markets can be found in France, a country famed for its love of culture, food and dogs. 

In this article, we will dive into the fascinating world of pets in France, providing the latest statistics, numbers, and trends to give you a comprehensive view of this country’s thriving pet industry.

What is France’s total pet population?

According to the latest recent figures (from 2022), there are now 74 million pets in France,

This figure implies the total pet population has decreased by 1 million pets since 2020.

What are the most popular pets?

The French Federation of Food Manufacturers for Dogs, Cats, Birds and Other Pets (FACCO) has compiled a list of the most popular pets:

• Fish: 29.8 million
• Cats: 16.6 million
• Dogs: 9.9 million
• Farmyard birds: 8.9 million
• Birds: 3.7 million
• Small mammals: 3.7 million
• Terrarium animals: 2.5 million

The FACCO data also reveals that 61% of French households own a pet, and most (55%) have at least a cat or a dog. 

Since 2020, there has been a 5% increase in dog owners and a 4% increase in cat owners who have chosen against getting a pet due to the costs.

France’s pet industry size

The pet food market size in France is estimated at USD 6 billion this year, and is expected to reach USD 7.36 billion by 2029, states a Mordor Intelligence report.

According to the French association PRODAF, total sales in the French pet market were €5.8 billion ($6.27B) in 2022, a 7% growth compared to the year prior. Volume saw a slight dip of 1%, with inflation accounting for this.

Data from the FACCO shows that pet food manufacturers reported a turnover worth €4.2 billion ($4.5B) last year. This is a 7.6% increase from 2021 when they posted €3.9 billion ($4.1B). 

France sold 368,970 tons of wet dog and cat food products and 848,220 tons of dry food products across all animal categories in 2022. 

In 2022, French pet food manufacturers invested €180 million ($193M) in improving their products and production facility technology, an increase from €164 million ($175.8M) in 2021.

French pet industry imports and exports

The French pet industry is, for the most part, self-sufficient: 80% of pet food sold in France is also made in the country. In fact, the majority (53%) of pet food produced in the country is exported.

Germany and the Netherlands are the main destination countries for the 20% of imported pet food.

Looking at the raw materials used in local pet food production, the FACCO reports that 49% of the ingredients used come from France. The EU is the second biggest supplier of pet food ingredients, at 37%. Finally, 14% comes from countries outside the EU.

The French pet retail landscape

Like in most countries, supermarkets are the most dominant sales channel in France. 

In 2022, 71.2% of cat owners and 47.9% of dog owners used supermarkets and hypermarkets as their main purchasing channels.

According to the French pet retailer association JAF, 77% of pet owners visit a pet store at least once a year. The association Prodaf reported that the pet retail channel saw 17% growth in 2022.

On the other hand, specialized pet stores have done well, too, especially with dog owners. 25,6% of dog owners buy their pet food in pet retail stores, while 9% of cat owners do the same. 

The most popular pet retailers include Maxi Zoo, Zoomalia and Animalis.

The third most popular retail channel is online, with 15.9% of dog owners buying dog food online and 11.8% of cat owners. Finally, 4.9% of cat owners and 5.4% of dog owners buy their cat food via their veterinarian’s practice.

Other French pet industry stats 

• France has almost twice as many cats (14.9M) compared to dogs (7.6M)
• According to TGM Research, the most important factors while buying pet food for French consumers are:
  • quality (78%)
  • price (66%)
  • ingredients (58%)
  • that it addresses specific needs or health concerns (48%)
  • commitment to sustainability (13%)
  • and country of production (9%)
• According to a 2020 study by the veterinary schools in Maison-Alfort and Toulouse, 3% of dogs and cats are obese.
• Where do French people buy their pets? According to JAF:
  • 21% of pet owners got them in pet stores or garden centers
  • 25% directly from breeders
  • 20% from shelters