The pet health market is undergoing a major transformation as consumers increasingly view pets as integral family members. This humanization trend is reshaping the industry, prompting consumers to invest significantly…
US
Pets
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US Pet Health Market Report 2025
"Pet owners are humanizing their companions, leading them to critically seek trusted validation for health decisions. Brands face a clear mandate: educate and empower consumers to directly influence purchasing outcomes."
David Hamlette, Research Analyst - Health and Wellbeing
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
What you need to know
Market predictions
What consumers want and why
Opportunities
MARKET DYNAMICS
Market context
Annual inflation held steady in July, but the full impact has yet to be captured
Graph 1: headline CPI and core CPI, 2021-25
Retail sales remain strong, but tariff-driven price hikes will test the spending resilience of consumers amid the incoming holiday season
Graph 2: retail sales, 2024-25
Consumer sentiment dipped as near-term inflation expectations worsen
Graph 3: Consumer sentiment index, 2022-23
Market drivers
Tariffs could impact vet bills in the long run
Rise in holistic health and wellness priorities extending to pets
Graph 4: current health goals, 2025
Graph 5: change in pet health priorities, 2024
As traditional family structures evolve, many find pets are taking on the role of children
Single consumers prioritizing pets’ health over their own
CONSUMER INSIGHTS
Consumer fast facts
Pet ownership
Dogs still reign as man’s best friend, but so do cats
Graph 6: pet ownership, by gender, 2025
Temptation centers around “Cat Dads” to break pet stereotypes
Target the pet-as-child market for growth in younger and queer consumers
Graph 7: pet ownership, by age and LGBTQ+ identity, 2025
The rise of DINK-WADs
Location of pet purchased
Create bundles for consumers willing to take a trip to the shelter
Graph 8: pet purchase location, 2025
Partner with adoption centers to make an even greater impact
Build confidence in non-traditional pet retailers
Graph 9: Select pet purchase location – cat owners, by age and experience
Graph 10: select pet purchase location – dog owners, by age and experience
Build confidence in non-traditional pet retailers
Ailments of pet(s)
Focus on prevention by combining routine care with quick-relief solutions
Graph 11: pet ailments experienced, 2025
Allergy and immunity supplements ensure pets are healthy inside and out
Functional treats target digestive health
Pet skin health sees a BPC crossover with skin care for dogs
Highlight products that address both current health issues and future preventative care
Graph 12: pet ailments experienced, by age of dog, 2025
Focus joint health marketing on larger dog breeds
Cats range in ailments based on age, with weight management being an opportunity for those with kittens
Graph 13: pet ailments experienced, by age of cat, 2025
The growing trend of weight management tools expand into pet health, offering solutions beyond dieting
Frequency of pet visits
Consumers are recognizing the importance of vet visits, even if they might be costly
Appeal to younger pet owners by highlighting hassle-free vet visits
Graph 14: frequency of pet visits, by age, 2025
Expand access to pet care: telehealth for rural communities
White space opportunity: middle-income consumers willing to spend more to save more in the long run
Urgency of vet visit when sick
Highlight symptom relief as large dog owners are more comfortable waiting…
Graph 15: select urgency of vet visit when sick, by size of dog, 2025
…while the same is true with more experienced pet owners
Graph 16: select urgency of vet visit when sick, by experience, 2025
VEG ER reassures younger pet owners that the vet isn’t a scary place
Pet health products usage and interest
Look into NPD for innovative health products as usage is low, but interest is growing
Graph 17: usage and interest in pet health products, 2025
Experienced pet owners are not using products, but showing the most interest
Graph 18: interest in pet health products, by experience, 2025
Find ways to push lower-income pet parents from interest to usage
Graph 19: usage and interest in pet health products, by age and income, 2025
Format preferences
Soft chews, functional treats and liquid drops are leading formats
Graph 20: preferred formats for pet health products, 2025
Offer flexible product lines for multi-pet households
Graph 21: preferred formats for pet health products, by pet ownership, 2025
Aid younger dog owners figure out what works best for their pets
Graph 22: preferred formats for pet health products, by age, 2025
From lickables to functional drinks, formats are no longer confined to merely swallowable solutions
Purchase influencers
Tap into key purchase drivers: focus on older pets and larger breeds
Graph 23: purchase influencers for pet health, by dog and cat age and size, 2025
Target younger pet owners by emphasizing the sustainable, local and organic sourcing of pet products
Graph 24: select purchase influencers for pet health, by age, 2025
Highlight vet-recommended and ease of administration for those willing to invest more
Graph 25: select purchase influencers for pet health, by income, 2025
Barriers to pet care
High vet bills serve as a barrier across all incomes
Graph 26: select barrier to pet health – high cost of vet bills, by income, 2025
Consumers need help deciding what is best for their fur babies…
…especially newer male pet owners, to overcome the emotional stress of responsibility
Graph 27: select barriers to pet health, by age and gender, 2025
Hill’s motivates consumers that you are still human even when not taking care of one
Innovation in pet health products
Boost retention: bundle tech, subscriptions and personalized pet nutrition
Graph 28: select innovations in pet health products, 2025
Prioritize affordable, healthy meal options over supplements for lower-income consumers
Graph 29: select innovations in pet health products – fresh/refrigerated pet meals, by financial status, 2025
The Farmer’s Dog pairs refrigerated meals with hyper-personalization
Attitudes and behaviors in pet health
Pet owners are prioritizing their pets’ holistic health and taking steps to ensure they thrive
Graph 30: attitudes and behaviors around pet health, 2025
Empower new pet parents with tech for confident health choices
Graph 31: select attitudes and behaviors around pet health- use technology to monitor my pet’s health, by age and experience, 2025
Helping alleviate lack of confidence in newer pet owners
LG shows how tech can benefit the pet and the home
Leverage calming supplements for those pets with separation anxiety
Graph 32: select attitudes and behaviors around pet health – my pet’s mental health is important to me, by work-from-home status, 2025
Brands promote calmness as a priority to overall wellbeing
APPENDIX
Market definition
Consumer research questions
Consumer research questions (cont)
Consumer research methodology
Generations
Pet ownership
Graph 33: pet ownership, 2025
Future pet ownership
Graph 34: pet ownership, 2025
Number of dogs owned
Graph 35: current number of dogs owned, 2025
Number of cats owned
Graph 36: current number of cats owned, 2025
Current and future pet ownership
Graph 37: current and future pet ownership, 2025
Amount of time dog has been in the family
Graph 38: amount of time dog has been in family, 2025
Size of dog breed
Graph 39: size of dog breed, 2025
Age of dog
Graph 40: current age of dog, 2025
Age of cat
Graph 41: current age of cat, 2025
Urgency of vet visit when sick
Graph 42: urgency of vet visit when sick, 2025
Birth rates
US Pet Health Market – Trends and Insights
The pet health market is undergoing a major transformation as consumers increasingly view pets as integral family members.
The humanization trend is reshaping the industry, prompting consumers to invest significantly in their pets’ wellbeing. Remarkably, 36% of consumers identify high veterinary costs as a primary barrier to adequately managing their pet’s health, creating a clear demand for affordable OTC solutions.
Despite the persistent barrier of high veterinary costs, savvy consumers are actively seeking cost-effective alternatives. Brands must seize this opportunity by delivering innovative products that effectively address pet health needs while maintaining affordability.
The industry’s future will be decisively shaped by evolving pet ownership demographics and the growing integration of technology in the health management of their pets.
Brands must focus on developing solutions that resonate with these shifting consumer preferences and position themselves as leaders in this burgeoning market.
This Report Looks at the Following Areas:
Insights into pet health product usage and consumer interest
Analysis of barriers to pet care, including high vet costs
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