The pet industry in Ireland

The pet industry in Ireland

An overview of the pet industry in Ireland in 2024, including the most recent statistics and trends.

From major investments in pet food production to the rise of online shopping for pets, the sector is growing at a rapid pace. Here’s a look at the latest trends shaping the pet industry in Ireland.

They say in Ireland, if you leave your door open too long, a neighbor (or a stray dog) might wander in for a cuppa. And judging by the numbers, the country has plenty of furry visitors!

Pet population in Ireland

According to FEDIAF’s annual report, Ireland has 520,000 dogs and 373,000 cats, driving a strong pet care market. The small mammal population is 170,000, making it the country’s third most popular pet category.

Pet population in Ireland graphic.

The pet industry in Ireland

The sector’s expansion is evident in both domestic growth and Ireland’s significant role in the global pet care supply chain, particularly through exports of high-quality pet and bird food to markets such as Saudi Arabia.

In 2021, Ireland imported €140 million ($145.5M) worth of pet food, primarily from the UK (€40M/$41.6M), Germany (€18M/$18.7M) and other European countries.

Pet food in Ireland (retail value) graphic.

Retail landscape

In Ireland, most pet owners purchase pet food from brick-and-mortar supermarkets like Tesco, SuperValu and Dunnes Stores. These are followed by specialist pet trade outlets such as Maxi Zoo, Petmania and PetWorld, which are expanding their presence. 

While the online market for pet food remains relatively small, with only 14% of pet parents buying through this channel, e-commerce is growing rapidly. 

Online pet food sales in Ireland reached €3.8 million ($4.1M) in 2022 and are expected to exceed €12.4 million ($13.3M) by 2027. Despite the growth of e-commerce, in-store shopping remains crucial for the consumer experience​.

TikTok is set to launch its in-app shopping platform in the country, offering pet brands new retail opportunities to engage with younger audiences. 

Pet companies can now reach more consumers directly via social media through shoppable videos, live shopping and product showcases.

Pet industry in Ireland news updates

  • One of Ireland’s largest pet food manufacturers, Irish Dog Foods, is investing €20 million ($20.8M) to expand its operations. The company will develop a state-of-the-art facility in Kildare, 55 km southwest of Dublin, and double its production capacity to meet growing demand domestically and internationally.
  • C&D Foods, part of ABP Food Group, is also making significant strides. The company is investing €48 million ($50M) at its Edgeworthstown facility in County Longford to increase production capacity by 25%.
    This investment will create over 100 engineering, operations, supply chain management and quality assurance jobs. By late 2024, automated multi-packing and pouch-filling lines were installed to meet the surging demand for pouched pet food.
  • In the pet insurance sector, Agria Insurance has partnered with Quantee to enhance its growth in various markets, including Ireland.
    Quantee’s pricing solutions will allow Agria to offer strategic pricing and achieve profitable growth in these regions.
  • YDOLO, a Belgian natural pet food brand, has secured an exclusive distribution deal with Well Fed Pets to introduce its semi-moist dog food to the Irish market.
    This move reflects increasing demand for natural and premium pet food options.
  • PetSafe, formerly Radio Systems Corporation, continues to strengthen its presence in Ireland, with an estimated 2023 revenue of $300 million (€276.7M).

These developments highlight the ongoing efforts of the pet industry in Ireland to meet the rising consumer demand for quality pet products and services. 

Local investments and international collaborations support the sector’s growth, positioning Ireland as a key player in the global pet market.