Which are the UK’s top 10 pets?

Dogs sit at the top of the chain, with a population of 12 million, with 31% of British households having at least one pooch. Compared to the previous year, there are 1 million fewer dogs. 

Cat populations also dropped to 11 million from 12 million in 2022, according to the latest data from UK Pet Food. However, cats are still the second largest owned pet in the country, with 26% of households owning 1 or more felines.

The rising costs of living are forcing owners to rethink pet parenting and, in some cases, relinquish their furry friends.

Rabbit population skyrockets

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, with a population of 1.5 million in 2023. In just one year, their presence doubled in British households. 

Pet rabbits overtook indoor birds and domestic fowls, climbing into the top 3. 

Indoor birds perch at number 4 with a population of 1.3 million, dropping by 300,000 against 2022.

400,000 fewer fowls 

Domestic fowl and Guinea pig populations settled at 1 million each this year, coming in at 5 and 6, respectively, among the most-owned pets in the UK. 

Approximately 1.3% and 1.8% of households in the UK today own one of these animals. In 2022, the UK had 1.4 million domestic fowls as pets and around 900,000 Guinea pigs. 

Hamsters and turtles, both with a population of 900,000, lizards (800,000), and snakes (700,000) close the ranking.