The pet industry in the UK

A snapshot of the pet industry in the UK in 2024, featuring the most recent statistics and trends.
With changes in legislation, new trade agreements and ongoing industry adaptations, the pet industry in the UK is positioning itself for continued growth and innovation.
UK pet ownership and attitudes in 2024
In 2024, 60% of British households owned non-aquatic pets, totaling 17.2 million homes and 36 million pets. London led pet ownership, with 46% of homes having a dog and 44% a cat.
A report revealed the UK’s pet population includes 13.5 million dogs, 12.5 million cats, 1.5 million indoor birds, 1.3 million domestic fowl and 1 million rabbits. Other popular pets include 700,000 tortoises, ponies, hamsters, and snakes.
A survey of 2,041 dog owners found that nearly 70% support workplace rights similar to those of parents, including the right to take leave for sick pets.
Over half (54%) favor bereavement leave for pet loss, with the highest support in Scotland at 66%. These insights highlight the growing recognition of pets’ emotional importance in UK households.
Pet industry in the UK – economics
A survey by Explorer reveals that 58% of British pet owners shop online to save on trips to the shops and access better prices. Economic challenges, including Brexit and inflation, have impacted consumer spending, with 8% of pet owners cutting back on pet expenses.
- Economic Relief: UK inflation dropped to 2% in June 2024, significantly easing the pressure on household budgets.
- Pet Care Inflation declined from a peak of 15.4% in April 2023 to just 3.6% by June 2024, offering pet owners a reprieve.
Trends in pet food preferences
- Fresh and Raw Diets: 16% of dog owners and 12% of cat owners now opt for fresh pet food.
- Subscription Models are gaining popularity, with 17% of dog owners and 13% of cat owners embracing these services.
- Home-Prepared Meals: Many owners are supplementing commercial pet food with homemade options as spending on treats levels off.
Competitive e-commerce landscape in the UK
- Market leaders:
- Pets at Home remains the largest UK online pet retailer, with 1.8 million users, despite a 33% drop in web traffic.
- Purina achieved a 50% year-on-year increase in traffic.
- Zooplus grew by 10%.
- YuMOVE & Hill’s Pet Nutrition both recorded notable gains.
- Declines: Platforms like VioVet and Pet Planet struggled due to search algorithm changes and reduced focus.
The market’s focus on affordability and convenience continues to drive growth, with specialized platforms dominating the sector.
Retailers in the pet industry in the UK are navigating changing consumer preferences, economic recovery and increased demand for online services, positioning itself for growth amidst challenges.
UK pet industry updates: 2024 legislative changes
Animal welfare
As the new Secretary of State for Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), Steve Reed has prioritized animal welfare and food security.
His initiatives include combating puppy smuggling and improving trade agreements to benefit animal welfare and business clarity.
UK Pet Food has welcomed collaboration with his administration, emphasizing sustainable practices.
Cat microchipping now mandatory
Since June, microchipping all cats in England is required, with fines of up to £500 ($637.82/€605.80) for non-compliance.
- Costs: Range from £23.10 ($29.46/€27.99) in Liverpool to £39.71 ($49.96/€48.11) in London.
- Awareness: 18% of cat owners were unaware of the law; 56% didn’t know about fines.
- Impact: 60% of veterinarians report increased microchipping appointments.
Concerns over cost and pain remain barriers for 20% of cat owners.
New renters’ rights for pet owners
A renters’ rights bill will allow tenants to request permission to keep pets and require landlords to provide written responses.
The law aims to balance renters’ rights with landlord concerns and promote responsible pet ownership.
Need for regulation in animal training
The UK animal training and behavior sector lacks a governing body, leaving standards unregulated.
- Current Issues: Over 30 organizations exist, but many practitioners remain unqualified.
- Proposed Solutions: The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) advocates for formalized standards, accountability and ethical practices through a national register.