This report provides comprehensive and current information and analysis of the pet ownership market including pet ownership market size, anticipated market forecast, relevant market segmentation, and industry trends for the pet industry market in the US.

Current pet ownership market landscape

Inflation is driving sharp increases across pet products and services, but pet owners remain committed to pampering their pets even if it means cutting back in other areas. Category growth is expected through 2027 but at more moderate levels as inflationary pressure eases.

Market share and key industry trends

  • Pet owners pamper their pets, no matter the cost: Despite rising costs due to inflation, pet owners aren’t willing to sacrifice when it comes to the health and happiness of their pets.
  • Pet wellness is a priority: Pet anxiety is on the rise, making mental health a top priority for pet owners. Pet owners will also invest in preventative wellness with a focus on functional health claims not only to support pet longevity but to minimize costly vet visits.
  • Owners want to share experiences with their pet: The pandemic strengthened the pet-owner bond, and as people are eager to resume travel and social activities, they want to share these experiences with their beloved companion. Retailers, foodservice, travel and hospitality brands can all capitalize on owners’ willingness to spend on their pets outside the home.

Future pet ownership market trends, and trends in pet ownership

Opportunity abounds to cater to both pet and owner. Attentive pet owners are looking for premium products and experiences to share with their four-legged companions. Trends in the human market continue to influence the pet category such as sustainability, functional health benefits and premiumization. There are also opportunities for industries outside of the traditional pet care category, including travel and hospitality, to cater to owners looking to share experiences with their pets outside the home.

This Report builds on analysis presented in Mintel’s America’s Pet Owners – US, 2021 report on the pet owners market in the US. Readers may also be interested in Mintel’s Pet Food – US, 2022 and Pet Supplies – US, 2022 Reports. Read on to discover more about the pet ownership consumer market, or take a look at our other Pets research reports.

Quickly understand the US Pet ownership market

  • Sales and market trends across pet food, pet supplies, veterinary services and pet care services.
  • Motivations for acquiring a pet and opportunities to strengthen the pet-owner bond.
  • Utilization of pet services and technology and the impact of anxiety on pets.
  • Attitudes and behaviors toward pet ownership and pet wellbeing.

Covered in this America’s Pet Owners market report

Brands include: Puppyjoy, Lil Bub, Jiminy’s Cricket, Because Animals, Because it’s Better, Farm Hounds, Good Fur, Houndscoop, Super Snouts, SmartBones, PawMedica, Jinx, Made by Nacho, Kindfull, Cesar, iDig, Chewy, Blue Buffalo, Groomit, Meowtel, Wagmo, Trekker’s, Emisha, Purina Beyond, brutus Bone Broth, Solid Gold, Pet Acoustics, Pet Treater.

Expert analysis from a specialist in the pet industry

This report, written by Carol Wong-Li, a leading analyst in the Lifestyles and Leisure sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends in US pet ownership statistics and add expert context to the numbers.

The majority of Americans have pets and are committed to providing the best for their companions, even in the face of sharp price increases across pet products and services. The human market continues to influence trends in pet care including a focus on mental health, holistic wellness and premium experiences. Looking forward, pet owners will demand sustainable and ethical options that are good for their pet and good for the planet.

Carol Wong-Li, Associate Director Lifestyles and Leisure
Carol Wong-Li
Director,  Consumers & Culture

Collapse All
  1. Overview

    • What you need to know
      • This Report looks at the following areas
        • Definitions
          • Market context
          • Executive Summary

              • Top takeaways
                • Market overview
                  • Figure 1: Total US sales and fan chart forecast of pet care products and services, at current prices, 2017-27
                  • Figure 2: Pet product and services outlook, 2022-27
                • Opportunities and challenges
                  • Provide value to stand out in competitive “petscape”
                    • Figure 3: Attitudes toward spending on pets, 2022
                  • Encourage trade-ups through premiumization
                    • Figure 4: Pet medical conditions, 2022
                  • Cater to owners who want to share experiences with their pets
                    • Figure 5: Attitudes toward traveling with pets, 2022
                  • The future of pet care is sustainable
                    • Figure 6: “It’s important to use environmentally friendly pet products” (any agree), by age, 2022
                  • Key consumer insights
                  • Market Size and Forecast

                    • Premiumization and “petflation” propel growth in pet care
                        • Figure 7: Total US sales and fan chart forecast of pet care products and services, at current prices, 2017-27
                        • Figure 8: Total US sales and forecast of pet care products and services, at current prices, 2017-27
                    • Segment Performance

                      • Inflation lifts all segments; pet supplies poised for future gains
                        • Demand for services shows no signs of slowing, despite rising costs
                          • Figure 9: Total US retail sales of pet care products and services, by segment, at current prices, 2020 and 2022
                        • As prices increase, so does household spending
                          • Figure 10: Average annual household spending on pet care products and services, 2017-22 (est)
                      • Market Factors

                        • Pet care is resilient, but owners are looking for ways to save
                          • Figure 11: Disposable personal income change from previous period, 2010-2022
                          • Figure 12: Disposable personal income change from previous period, 2010-2022
                          • Figure 13: PupJoy Instagram post, 2022
                        • Inflation and supply chain constraints force brand switching
                          • Help my pet, help the world
                              • Figure 14: Lil BUB’s Big Fund Instagram post, 2022
                            • Single adults want companionship and connection
                            • Competitive Strategies and Market Opportunities

                              • Pet trends mirror human trends
                                • Leverage sustainability initiatives to drive innovation and value
                                  • Figure 15: Alternative protein pet food, 2022
                                  • Figure 16: Regenerative agriculture pet food, 2022
                                  • Figure 17: Sustainable pet product packaging, 2022
                                • Renovate messaging to focus on functional health benefits
                                  • Figure 18: Calming pet products, 2022
                                  • Figure 19: Pet products that support digestive health, 2022
                                • Lean into premiumization trends to propel growth
                                  • Figure 20: Premium pet services, 2022
                              • The Pet Owner Consumer – Fast Facts

                                • Pet Owner Profiles and Acquisition

                                  • Pet ownership remains steady
                                    • Figure 21: Pet ownership, 2020-22
                                  • Dogs top the list, but cats have more friends
                                    • Figure 22: Number of dogs and cats owned, 2022
                                  • Demographics reveal minimal differences in pet owner profiles
                                    • Figure 23: Pet ownership, by select demographics – Dog and cat owner only, 2022
                                  • The “adopt, don’t shop” mentality drives pet acquisition
                                    • Figure 24: Acquisition sources for dogs and cats, 2022
                                • Pet Owner Motivations

                                  • Desire for companionship motivates ownership
                                    • Figure 25: Motivations for getting a pet, 2022
                                  • Changing work landscape reduces barriers to ownership
                                    • Figure 26: Motivations for getting a pet – Had enough free time, by work from home status, 2022
                                    • Figure 27: iDig Digging Toy by iFetch Instagram post, 2022
                                  • Target innovation to attract pet owners preparing for parenthood
                                    • Figure 28: Motivations for getting a pet – To learn to be a parent, by age, 2022
                                • Pet Services

                                  • Evolve pet healthcare to be more convenient and affordable
                                    • Figure 29: Pet services, 2022
                                    • Figure 30: Chewy Facebook post, 2022
                                  • Services market driven by dog owners
                                    • Figure 31: Pet services, by exclusive dog and cat owner, 2022
                                    • Figure 32: Groomit pet care marketplace Facebook post, 2022
                                  • Renovate messaging to reach cat owners
                                    • Figure 33: Meowtel pet sitting service Facebook post, 2021
                                • Technology and Pets

                                  • Help pet owners find benefits and value in pet tech
                                    • Figure 34: Use of technology, 2022
                                  • Focus on wellness to connect with Millennials
                                    • Figure 35: Use of technology, by generation, 2022
                                    • Figure 36: Wagmo wellness and insurance Instagram Post, 2022
                                • Pet Medical Conditions

                                  • Encourage trade-ups by focusing on pets’ mental health
                                    • Figure 37: Pet medical conditions, 2022
                                    • Figure 38: Calming dog treats, 2022
                                  • A treat a day keeps the vet away
                                    • Figure 39: Functional health food, 2022
                                  • Anxious owners have anxious pets
                                    • Figure 40: Pet medical conditions – Anxiety, by age, 2022
                                  • Fat cats can lead to other health issues
                                    • Figure 41: Select medical conditions, by exclusive dog and cat owner, 2022
                                • Attitudes and Behaviors toward Pet Ownership

                                  • Wellbeing is a priority for pet owners
                                    • Figure 42: Attitudes toward pet wellness, 2022
                                    • Figure 43: Sound therapy for cats, 2022
                                  • Have pet, will travel
                                    • Figure 44: Attitudes toward traveling with pets, 2022
                                  • Leverage social media to help Millennials save and splurge on their pets
                                    • Figure 45: Select attitudes toward spending on pet wellbeing and influence of social media (any agree), by generation, 2022
                                  • Target multi-pet homes with added savings
                                    • Figure 46: “Reducing pet care spending is a good way to save” (any agree), by pet ownership status, 2022
                                    • Figure 47: Pet treat subscription box, 2022
                                • Appendix – Data Sources and Abbreviations

                                  • Data sources
                                    • Sales data
                                      • Forecast
                                        • Consumer survey data
                                          • Abbreviations and terms
                                            • Abbreviations
                                            • Appendix – The Market

                                                • Figure 48: Total US sales and forecast of pet care products and services, at inflation-adjusted prices, 2017-27
                                                • Figure 49: Total US retail sales and forecast of pet care products and services, by segment, at current prices, 2017-27

                                            About the report

                                            Below is a sample report, understand what you are buying.

                                            Please Note: This is a sample report. All of the figures, graphs, and tables have been redacted. Our reports are available to download in PDF and PPT formats.
                                            $4,995 (Excl.Tax)
                                            • Save up to 20% when you purchase multiple reports
                                            Add to cart

                                            Want to know which report is right for you?

                                            Check our pricing page

                                            Pricing

                                            Other Popular Reports

                                            America’s Pet Owners Market Report 2023

                                            $4,995 (Excl.Tax)

                                            Americans remain dedicated to ensuring their pets wellbeing, even in the face of rising prices, prioritizing mental health, wellness and shared experiences. Fiona O'Donnell, Senior Director – Lifestyles,...

                                            Find out more

                                            US Pet Food Market Report 2023

                                            $4,995 (Excl.Tax)

                                            The market is feeling the impact of inflation and economic uncertainty, but pet owners are still committed to feeding their pets the best. John Owen, Associate Director –...

                                            Find out more

                                            The US Recreational Cannabis Consumer Market Report 2023

                                            $4,995 (Excl.Tax)

                                            “The cannabis market has always been distinctive and complex. Usage remained steady in 2022 despite high inflation that is expected to continue in 2023, which further demonstrates its...

                                            Find out more

                                            Lifestyles of Single Americans Consumer Report 2023

                                            $4,995 (Excl.Tax)

                                            Dating and relationships are transforming, accelerated by tech and the pandemic. Understanding these shifts is pivotal for brands to connect with today's singles. Scott Stewart, Associate Director, Lifestyles...

                                            Find out more

                                            US Customs and Traditions Market Report 2023

                                            $4,995 (Excl.Tax)

                                            Brands are already a link to preserving customs and traditions. Celebrations are important buying occasions; particular holidays dictate spending preferences. Stefanie Kundakjian, Research Analyst ...

                                            Find out more

                                            Trusted by global industry leaders

                                            Wincanton logo

                                            “When I’m investigating specific sectors I tend to use Mintel reports for their forecasting, which I’ve always found to be very accurate.

                                            They also offer really broad and deep coverage in their reports. They are very, very detailed. For example, we were able to gain insight across a wide range of business areas from just one report, proving that Mintel is excellent value for money.

                                            So overall, it’s the level of detail and the quality of forecasting that really stand out for me.”

                                            Rebecca Green, Market Insight Manager, Wincanton
                                            Jackman logo

                                            At Jackman, we believe that powerful strategies are based on human insight. Mintel’s leading-edge reports and insights into consumer attitudes and behaviors are an important input as we develop and execute strategy.

                                            Alana Gavin, VP Research and Insights, Jackman
                                            Deutsch logo

                                            “One of the biggest challenges we face is the need to get smart on a business or category real quick.

                                            We are talking to clients who live and breathe their category every day and the expectation is that we will be able to get caught up very quickly, and bring the thinking that can help them.

                                            We need to do that often in a matter of days, so it’s not a small ask. Mintel gives us a very articulate view of category conditions and does so at the speed we need it.”

                                            Jeff White, Business Development Director, Deutsch
                                            Wunderman Thompson logo

                                            “We also use Mintel to inform our thinking and reinforce strategy. If you’re presenting new ideas, it’s essential they are underpinned by robust data and evidence, and clearly rooted in fact.

                                            Mintel gives us all that. It’s a great brand and one that is trusted by clients.”

                                            Marie Stafford, European Director, The Innovation Group, Wunderman Thompson
                                            Tenth Wave logo

                                            “Mintel helps us when we want to know something quickly – it provides fast answers to our questions. If we need to get a view of what’s going on in a particular market it’s very useful.

                                            When carrying out background research, I find Mintel an excellent starting point.

                                            The fact that it covers so many markets is a big plus for me– instead of having to buy specialist products in each area we are interested in, especially when we only require a brief view on a particular market, we can go to Mintel for help as a one-stop shop. I find Mintel a useful and valuable resource.”

                                            Ben Zeidler, Director - Research and Analytics, Tenth Wave

                                            Want to know which report is right for you?

                                            Check our pricing page

                                            Pricing