Pet Care Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 380 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 650 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 11.33% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
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Pet Care Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The pet care market size reached USD 380 billion in 2025 and is projected to climb to USD 650 billion by 2030, advancing at an 11.33% CAGR. Dogs remain the dominant companion animal, and owners continue to channel household budgets toward premium nutrition, health care, and technology-enabled services. Younger demographics led by Millennials and Gen Z are accelerating spend per pet, while the rapid uptake of online subscriptions and direct-to-consumer platforms is expanding product reach. Rising urbanization in Asia-Pacific is adding fresh demand layers, and functional nutrition backed by deeper science is reinforcing pricing power. At the same time, cost inflation, regulatory changes, and ingredient-sourcing pressure test manufacturers’ agility and margin discipline.
Key Report Takeaways
- By pet type, Dogs captured 59% of the pet care market share in 2024, and cats are forecast to expand at a 7.8% CAGR through 2030.
- By product type, Pet food led with 40.5% revenue share in 2024, and fresh and refrigerated food is projected to grow at a 19.5% CAGR to 2030.
- By price tier, Mass products held 63% of the pet care market size in 2024, and the super-premium tier is advancing at a 15.2% CAGR.
- By distribution channel, Offline retail accounted for 60% of the pet care market size in 2024, and online subscription services are rising at an 18% CAGR.
- By geography, North America commanded a 42.5% revenue share in 2024, and Asia-Pacific records the fastest trajectory with a 12% CAGR.
Global Pet Care Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising global pet ownership among Millennials and Gen Z | +2.1% | North America, Europe | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Humanization of pets driving premium spend | +2.8% | Developed markets worldwide | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| E-commerce and direct-to-consumer subscriptions are expanding access | +1.9% | Global with emphasis on Asia-Pacific | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Advances in nutrition science are enabling functional and personalized diets | +1.4% | North America and Europe | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Regulatory harmonization lowers cross-border compliance friction | +0.8% | EU and US alignment | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| AI-enabled pet tele-health ecosystems linked to smart devices | +1.2% | North America, Europe, and growing in Asia-Pacific are growing | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Rising Global Pet Ownership among Millennials and Gen Z
Gen Z households owning pets jumped 43.5% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 18.8 million US households. Nearly all of these owners consider the animal a family member, and they regularly reprioritize discretionary spending to protect pet budgets. Similar patterns appear in China, where the urban pet population topped 120 million in 2024. Physical retailers note the shift, Gen Z store visits at PetSmart rose 1.3% over five years, while Millennial traffic dipped, signaling a fresh cohort with distinct channel preferences. Over the medium term, sustained cohort replacement is anticipated to lock in elevated demand.
Humanization of Pets Driving Premium Spend
In the United States, premium dog food already accounts for 30% of category sales, and owners pay up to USD 150 monthly for human-grade formulations. Fresh food has shown more than 30% annual growth since 2019 and now delivers 31.7% of premium sales. Supplements and pet insurance uptake underscore willingness to invest in preventive health, with dog insurance penetration reaching 45% in 2024, as brands position products as functional wellness rather than basic nutrition, the margin headroom increases.
E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Subscriptions Are Expanding Access
US e-commerce pet food revenue is set to exceed USD 21 billion in 2024, already accounting for 40% of domestic dog and cat food sales. Chewy reports that 53% of Goody Box subscribers materially cut store visits, suggesting a durable behavior shift. Globally, online pet supplies penetration is anticipated to move from 6.4% in 2023 to 8% by 2028. Data-rich digital models enable personalized recommendations and predictive replenishment, improving customer lifetime value and lowering churn.
Advances in Nutrition Science Enabling Functional and Personalized Diets
Brands such as Hill’s Pet Nutrition leverage microbiome-focused ActivBiome+ blends to improve digestive health. Alternative proteins are moving toward scale; Ÿnsect secured AAFCO approval for dried mealworm inclusion in US recipes, offering high digestibility and a smaller environmental footprint.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflation-driven price sensitivity for premium SKUs | -1.8% | Emerging markets and value-focused households worldwide | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Stringent product-safety regulations raising compliance costs | -1.2% | EU and North America | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Protein-sourcing sustainability scrutiny compressing ingredient options | -0.9% | Europe and North America | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Climate-linked supply-chain fragility for specialty ingredients | -1.1% | Global agricultural hotspots | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Inflation-Driven Price Sensitivity for Premium SKUs
Fifty-eight percent of owners believe pet items have risen faster in price than other categories, and the median monthly dog ownership cost increased to USD 260 in 2024. Private-label share has reached 34% in Europe’s USD 11.7 billion retail pet food market as households seek savings. Despite the pullback, many owners preserve core nutrition spend by reducing outlays elsewhere, mitigating volume risk for essential products.
Stringent Product-Safety Regulations Raising Compliance Costs
FDA’s AFIC framework demands exhaustive safety files for novel ingredients, stretching smaller firms’ budgets[1]Source: Federal Register, “Animal Food Ingredient Consultation Program Launch,” federalregister.gov. AAFCO’s revised labels and testing protocols require line-by-line updates, and European novel-food assessments lengthen lead times. Enhanced pathogen testing for raw formats after recent HPAI incidents has further elevated quality assurance expenditure.
Segment Analysis
By Pet Type: Dominance of Dogs with Rapid Cat Upside
Dogs accounted for 59% of the pet care market share in 2024, reflecting wider product portfolios and higher spending per animal. Cats are projected to log a 7.8% CAGR through 2030, propelled by urban living and feline-specific innovation. The dog segment benefits from advanced health formulations, with premium dog food making up 30% of category sales. Cats are experiencing a “cat economy” surge in China as apartments favor smaller pets. Continued humanization keeps premium canine diets at the forefront of new launches. Meanwhile, cat-oriented snack and functional treat rollouts aim to close the historical spending gap. The rising count of single-person households worldwide further underpins cat adoption and associated accessory sales.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Product Type: Food Base with Fresh Acceleration
Pet food represented 40.5% of the pet care market size in 2024, validating its foundational status in household budgets. Fresh and refrigerated formulations are expanding at a 19.5% CAGR, supported by consumer demand for minimally processed fare. The wider portfolio includes healthcare items, grooming, accessories, and services, each capturing share as owners duplicate human lifestyle purchases for animals. Subscription revenue models are reshaping replenishment frequency, especially in wet and fresh food. Smart feeders and connected water fountains integrate seamlessly with these premium menu options, bolstering ecosystem stickiness.
By Price Tier: Mass Volume with Super-Premium Momentum
Mass-tier goods delivered 63% of 2024 revenue, delivering value and high velocity. The super-premium band is forecast to post a 15.2% CAGR, driven by functional claims and targeted life-stage nutrition. Allergy relief and digestive health labels command price premiums up to 200% over mass kibbles[2]Source: Phys.org Science Desk, “Health-Claim Premiums in Pet Food,” phys.org. Inflation is widening the value-premium divide. Retailers are bolstering private-label quality to defend shopper share, but sustained interest in science-backed products keeps the top-end vibrant. Manufacturers that communicate clinical substantiation preserve elasticity even in volatile macrocycles.
By Distribution Channel: Store Strength with Digital Disruption
Offline outlets retained 60% of 2024 sales, aided by immediate product availability and in-person advice. Online subscription services are on track for an 18% CAGR as personalized logistics and auto-replenishment models resonate, especially among Gen Z. Veterinarian-dispensed lines add professional credibility and capture diagnosis-linked upsell. Omnichannel strategies blending curbside pickup, same-day delivery, and in-store clinics are becoming the baseline. Firms that merge digital data insights with physical experience improve retention and average basket size.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
North America commanded a 42.5% revenue share of the pet care market in 2024. Mature premium positioning, high outpatient veterinary spending, and industry-leading e-commerce penetration sustain growth despite market maturity. Asia-Pacific contributes strong incremental volume as urban households in China, India, and Southeast Asia embrace companion animals. The region’s 12% forecast CAGR exceeds every other geography, supported by income rises and digital commerce leapfrogging. Asia-Pacific is pacing at a 12% CAGR to 2030, buoyed by income gains and cultural shifts toward pet companionship. China’s market value reached USD 41.9 billion in 2024, with food representing 52.8% of spend[3]Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, “China Pet Food Market Report 2024,” usda.gov.
Europe maintains a balanced structure characterized by stringent safety standards and growing interest in alternative proteins. Sustainability narratives resonate, giving plant-based and insect-based innovations favorable traction under the EU’s green transition policies.
South America, the Middle East, and Africa remain smaller in absolute revenue but yield double-digit growth potential. Supply-side challenges such as cold-chain infrastructure and price sensitivity necessitate localized product formats. Nonetheless, middle-class expansion in Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE is opening space for mid-tier and premium offers, especially online, where physical distribution lags. Multinational brands mitigate logistics hurdles by partnering with regional co-packers and emphasizing ambient or freeze-dried formulations that bypass refrigeration needs. Growing smartphone penetration is accelerating direct-to-consumer deliveries, giving new entrants a cost-effective path to market without large brick-and-mortar footprints. Regulatory alignment within blocs like Mercosur and the Gulf Cooperation Council is gradually easing labeling and customs friction, although tariffs on specialty inputs still weigh on shelf prices. Companies that adapt pack sizes, flavor profiles, and promotional cadences to local spending patterns are already securing first-mover advantage while infrastructure continues to mature.
Note: Segment share of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Competitive Landscape
Competitive intensity is high, with the five largest firms combining for just 14.7% of revenue. Mars Inc. leads, followed by Nestlé Purina. Colgate-Palmolive’s Hill’s Pet Nutrition, J.M. Smucker’s Big Heart Pet Brands, and General Mills’ Blue Buffalo round out the top cohort. Their modest combined weight leaves vast territory for regional champions, specialty formulators, and digitally native startups.
Industry leaders continue acquiring capabilities to lock in growth. Mars paid USD 120 per share for diagnostics group Heska, and Colgate-Palmolive bought Prime100 to secure a foothold in fresh-format pet food. General Mills absorbed Whitebridge Pet Brands for USD 1.45 billion, bolstering its presence in treats and cat specialties. These plays illustrate a tilt toward vertical integration, premium adjacency, and international channel leverage.
Technology is now a core differentiator. Mars’ USD 1 billion digital budget backs AI dental checks and connected-care platforms. Nestlé Purina plans over 100 new microbiome-focused SKUs, while Ÿnsect’s ingredient approval accelerates alternative protein pipelines. Smaller brands exploit clear niches, ranging from freeze-dried raw diets to probiotic chews, then often become acquisition targets once revenue scales.
Pet Care Industry Leaders
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Mars Inc.
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Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Colgate-Palmolive)
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General Mills Inc.
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J.M. Smucker Co.
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Nestlé Purina
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- May 2025: Mars Petcare rolled out AI-based GREENIES Canine Dental Check globally, supported by a USD 1 billion digital investment plan.
- February 2025: Ÿnsect secured AAFCO approval for dried mealworm meal, the first insect-protein clearance for US pet food.
- November 2024: General Mills completed the USD 1.45 billion purchase of Whitebridge Pet Brands, expanding Blue Buffalo’s treat catalog.
- October 2024: Hill’s Pet Nutrition inaugurated a 365,000 sq ft smart factory in Kansas to double wet-food output.
Research Methodology Framework and Report Scope
Market Definitions and Key Coverage
Our study views the pet care market as all revenue generated from products and services that keep companion animals fed, healthy, groomed, entertained, and insured. This includes packaged food, treats, veterinary medicines, routine veterinary services, grooming and hygiene products, training and boarding services, smart accessories, and pet insurance sold across physical and digital channels worldwide.
Scope Exclusions: livestock feed, equine sports nutrition, and laboratory-animal supplies remain outside this boundary.
Segmentation Overview
- By Pet Type
- Dog
- Cat
- Fish
- Other (Birds, Small Mammals, Reptiles)
- By Product Type
- Pet Food
- Dry
- Wet
- Fresh / Refrigerated
- Functional / Therapeutic
- Pet Healthcare
- Veterinary Diets
- Probiotics and Supplements
- Tele-health Services
- Grooming and Hygiene
- Shampoos and Conditioners
- Brushes and Combs
- Clippers and Scissors
- Accessories and Smart Devices
- Smart Collars and Trackers
- Interactive Toys
- Feeding and Litter Automation
- Services
- Veterinary Clinics
- Pet Insurance
- Boarding, Day-Care, and Training
- Pet Food
- By Price Tier
- Mass
- Premium
- Super-Premium
- By Distribution Channel
- Offline Retail Stores
- Online Retail Stores
- Subscription Platforms
- By Geography
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America
- South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of South America
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Australia
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Middle East
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Rest of Middle East
- Africa
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Rest of Africa
- North America
Detailed Research Methodology and Data Validation
Primary Research
Mordor analysts interviewed veterinarians, specialty retailers, online subscription platforms, and regional distributors across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. The conversations tested adoption curves for premium food, tele-health uptake, and average service tickets, which helped us validate secondary numbers and fine-tune model assumptions.
Desk Research
We first gathered baseline figures from public sources such as the American Pet Products Association expenditure survey, USDA animal ownership files, FEDIAF pet population dashboards, Eurostat household spend data, and Japan Pet Food Association statistics, complemented by news archives in Dow Jones Factiva and company 10-K filings. These provided pet population counts, spend per pet, channel splits, and cost indices that anchor the demand pool. D&B Hoovers supplied revenue breakouts that guided price tiers and category shares. The sources listed illustrate our approach and are not exhaustive; many additional datasets were reviewed to confirm trends and fill gaps.
Market-Sizing & Forecasting
A top-down construct converts country pet populations into spend pools through average outlay per dog, cat, fish, or small mammal, which are then reconciled with supplier roll-ups and sampled online ASP × volume checks before finalizing totals. Key variables include pet adoption rates, disposable income per capita, inflation-adjusted product prices, veterinary cost index, and e-commerce share of specialty pet goods. Five-year forecasts rely on exponential smoothing supported by multivariate regression for price and population drivers that our expert panel endorsed. Where channel data were incomplete, sampled retailer panels bridged the gap.
Data Validation & Update Cycle
Outputs move through variance scans against historical spend curves, peer benchmarks, and currency checks, followed by senior analyst review. We refresh every twelve months and trigger interim reruns when mergers, disease outbreaks, or regulatory shifts materially alter demand.
Why Mordor's Pet Care Baseline Earns Trust
Published figures differ because firms pick varied product mixes, channels, and update cadences.
Our disciplined scope, iterative cross-checks, and annual refresh give decision-makers a stable yet timely anchor.
Benchmark comparison
| Market Size | Anonymized source | Primary gap driver |
|---|---|---|
| USD 380 B (2025) | Mordor Intelligence | - |
| USD 273.42 B (2025) | Global Consultancy A | Omits grooming devices and most insurance lines and applies slower premiumization growth |
| USD 200 B (2024) | Trade Journal B | Captures only retail food and accessories, excludes veterinary and services revenue |
| USD 159.1 B (2022) | Industry Association C | Early base year and limited country set with no online channel inflation adjustment |
These contrasts show that when scope narrows or price updates lag, totals swing widely. By capturing the full commercial chain and re-validating every year, Mordor Intelligence delivers a balanced, transparent baseline that planners can replicate and defend.
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the pet care market?
The pet care market stands at USD 380 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 650 billion by 2030.
Which segment holds the largest share of the pet care market?
Pet food leads with a 40.5% revenue share in 2024, confirming its central role in household pet spending.
Which channel is growing the fastest for pet product sales?
Online subscription services are expanding at an 18% CAGR between 2025 and 2030 as owners favor convenience and automatic replenishment.
How fast is the Asia-Pacific pet care market growing?
Asia-Pacific is projected to post a 12% CAGR through 2030, the fastest among all regions.
Who are the leading companies in global pet care?
Mars Inc. and Nestlé Purina top the list, but together with three other multinationals, they represent only 14.7% of total sales, reflecting an open competitive field.
What is driving premiumization in pet care products?
Humanization trends, functional nutrition science, and willingness to pay for health outcomes are lifting super-premium products, which are set to grow at a 15.2% CAGR.
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