Understanding the behavior and opinions of Mexican pet parents

A 2022 study by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) revealed that 69.8% of Mexican households had a pet, 54.7% of which were dogs (43.8 million), 20.2% of which were cats (16.2 million) and 25% of which were other animals (20 million). And, as pet parents become more responsible, the economic effects are being felt both in the family and the wider economy.

Pet parents’ quarterly expenses

New research from the Universidad del Valle de México (UVM) concludes that 43% of pet parents allocate up to MX$999 ($55.46/€50.94) each quarter to buying food for their animals, while 41% spend between MX$1,000 ($55.52/€50.99) and MX$2,999 ($166.51/€152.93).

An additional 1 out of 10 respondents admit to assigning between MX$3,000 ($166.56/€152.98) and MX$4,999 ($277.55/€254.91) of their budgets to their pets every 3 months.

Dog food production in the country is believed to have doubled in the last decade, from 600,000 tons in 2013 to more than 1.2 million tons in 2022, accounting for over MX$25 million ($1.4M/€1.3M).

Hygiene and accessories

Pet hygiene and cleaning products represent a large part of Mexican pet parents’ quarterly expenditures. Most (71%) spend up to MX$999 ($55.46/€50.94) per quarter, while 18% of respondents shell out up to MX$2,999 ($166.51/€152.93). Only 3% of owners are believed to spend up to MX$4,999 ($277.55/€254.91) per quarter on their pets’ hygiene.

The amount spent on clothing, toys and accessories has increased by more than 300% in the last decade. A 2015 UVM survey concluded that the average expenditure in this category was MX$264 ($14.66/€13.46), while this year, as many as 65% of pet parents spent up to MX$999 ($55.46/€50.94).

In 2015, the maximum monthly expenditure in this category was MX$2,000 ($111.04/€101.99). In 2024, it is MX$3,000 ($166.56/€152.98).

Increase in local economy

The rising popularity of pet ownership across the country has led to a surge in businesses and professionals responding to the demand for products and services. According to UVM’s latest survey, as many as 72% of respondents agree that recently “some or many” pet food and supply stores have appeared in their neighborhoods.

Nearly 6 out of 10 also noticed an increase in new veterinary clinics and grooming salons in their cities and towns.

Pet hotels and pet walking services are yet to become commonplace, but they are gaining popularity in some areas of the country.

When asked about the professionalism of local vet businesses, 70% of survey respondents believe they are “somewhat or very” professional. Veterinarians are also the primary source of advice for 69% of owners, followed by the internet (48%), videos (33%) and scientific articles (15%).

Living in a pet society

As companion animals have generated awareness and visibility, the situation demands public policy action to promote animal protection and welfare, with attention on adoption, access, mobility and health issues.

According to the survey, most Mexican pet parents agree that public funds should be allocated to rescuing exotic species from illegal markets (96% strongly agree or agree), providing public resources for health initiatives such as sterilization campaigns (94%) and vaccinations (93%) and creating public veterinary hospitals (93%).

Owning or not owning an animal is a deciding factor in whether someone agrees with public initiatives such as dogs accompanying owners to shopping centers or restaurants, which find greater support among young pet parents (18-24 years old), followed by those aged between 35 and 44.

Cremation options

The number of pet parents who are open to using cremation services for their pets has increased in recent years. In 2015, UVM’s survey concluded that 24% of pet parents who lost their companion animals decided to cremate them. Today, this figure has increased to 62%.

In 2024, professional options continue to compete with traditional choices of burying animals in parks or gardens. The survey concluded that 70% of pet parents in Mexico support interring their pets’ ashes in a designated pet cemetery.