Which generation buys more pet toys

When it comes to pet toys, ownership preferences vary across generations. A survey by GlobalPETS and Loop of around 2,000 pet parents in France, the UK, the US, Canada, Mexico and Brazil has the data to break it down.

In 2024, Millennials (29-44) and Gen X (45-60) were the groups most willing to spend more on toys, with 16% of each group paying $100 (€85.05) or more on the category last year. On the other hand, Boomers (61-79) are the group with the lowest proportion of large spenders (over $100/€85.05) and the highest proportion of small spenders, with less than $25 (€21.26) in expenses during the year.

Gen Zs (18-28) land in between: while 12% of them spent $100 (€85.05) or more on toys in 2024, 39% spent less than $25 (€21.26).

This year so far, Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X have similar proportions of spending: around 10% have already spent more than $100 (€85.05), and the other 16% to 18% have spent more than $50 (€21.26). Baby Boomers remain the group spending less, with more than half (58%) having spent less than $25 (€21.26).  

Frequency

In 2024, 23% Boomers reportedly never bought any toys for their pets, and only 13% bought once. Meanwhile, the majority of Gen X (30%) bought pet toys 2 to 3 times and 28% bought them more than 6 times.

Similarly, for Millennials, the majority (31%) also bought pet toys 2 to 3 times, and another 28% bought more than 6 times. For Gen Z, 29% bought toys 2 to 3 times that year.

In 2025, boomers purchased the fewest toys so far (17% compared to less than 10% for other age groups).

Owner demographics

Across all age groups, cats remain the most popular pets, followed by dogs. Among Gen Z, 69% own cats and 56% own dogs. For Millennials, 67% own cats and 59% own dogs. Among Gen X, 65% own cats and 60% own dogs. For Baby Boomers, 66% own cats and 59% own dogs.

In Mexico, Gen Z makes up the largest share of pet owners at 47%, followed by Millennials at 39%. In Brazil, 38% of pet owners are Millennials, while in Canada, France and the UK, Millennials account for 36%. In the US, Gen Z leads with 32%.

By gender, most pet owners across all countries are women. Interestingly, among Millennials, men make up the largest share at 38%, while among women, Gen Z leads at 31%.