139.3 million pets in the country, with almost 50% in the Southeast region
For the first time, the survey also reveals which regions and states have the highest concentrations of pets, per species.
Cat ownership increased the most, with a growth of more than 8% since 2013.
Instituto Pet Brasil has published updated data on pet numbers across Brazil. According to IBGE data, updated by Instituto Pet Brasil’s commercial intelligence, in 2018 there were 54.2 million dogs in the country; 39.8 million birds; 23.9 million cats; 19.1 million fish and 2.3 million reptiles and small mammals. The total estimate amounts to 139.3 million pets. In 2013, the pet population in Brazil was approximately 132.4 million animals, the latest data available when IBGE conducted the survey.
What stands out is the growth in the number of homes that choose cats as pets. Cat ownership saw the highest increase in the period, with a growth of 8.1% since 2013. After cats, fish had the highest growth in Brazilian homes, with 6.1%. Reptiles and small mammals registered an increase of 5.7%, birds, 5%, and dogs, with a 3.8% growth in numbers. The overall average is 5.2%.
“These new numbers confirm the trend we have identified: more and more people and families are looking for a pet for company and to give and receive affection and attention. However, with the growing number of people living alone, and in smaller spaces, growth is evident for pets whose day-to-day care is simpler, or which require less space. This explains the increase in cats, especially in larger cities,” concludes Nelo Marraccini, Instituto Pet Brasil’s Vice President of Trade and Services.
The survey also mapped pets by states and regions of Brazil (see illustration). In 2018, the highest concentration of pets was in the Southeast region, with 47.4% of the total.
Next is the Northeast region, with 21.4%; the South region, with 17.6%; the Midwest region, with 7.2%; and the North region, with 6.3%.
The explanation for this discrepancy is the lower population density in these states, compared to the states in other regions of the country.
Population density is a determining factor for pet populations. More than a quarter of Brazilian pets are in São Paulo. The states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro are in second and third place, with 10.1% and 8.8% respectively.
Species in each state of the country
It is also possible to determine the concentration of animals per unit and category, between dogs, cats, birds and fish. The highest concentrations of cats in the country are in the states of São Paulo (21.6%), Rio de Janeiro (9.1%), Minas Gerais (7.2%) and Rio Grande do Sul (7.2%). With respect to dogs, the states of São Paulo (with 24.5%) and Minas Gerais (with 10%) have the highest concentrations. The same occurs with the number of birds, which is also higher in these states. The highest concentration of fish is in São Paulo (47.1%), followed by Santa Catarina (9.8%) and Minas Gerais (9%).
“This new data will help the sector in scheduling actions and marketing products for each type of pet,” says Marraccini, “and also for a more focused expansion of the entire retail chain. We believe that with this market intelligence it will also be possible to better supply pet shops, supermarkets and veterinary clinics. This profile also offers entrepreneurs good insight into where to find hidden needs for new markets.”
About Instituto Pet Brasil
Instituto Pet Brasil (IPB) was created in 2013 to stimulate the development of the Pet sector, including the areas of breeding and pet products and services. The entity heads projects to foster knowledge, entrepreneurship and innovation, aimed at professionalizing the entire Pet chain. Our goal is to build a more professional sector and to strengthen the relationship between humans and pets, which is proven to be beneficial to the health and well-being of both.
IPB provides relevant information for the sector, as well as promoting training for Brazilian companies, generating more competitiveness and, consequently, increasingly better services for our best friends.