Fur-ever Friends: What's Behind the Surge in Pet Ownership Across the World
Global Pet Ownership Trends
7-Feb-2023
How many people own a pet
Over the past few years, the ownership of cats and dogs has been on the rise globally, including in emerging economies. The number of households with pets in the US, Brazil, the EU, and China alone has exceeded half a billion. Additionally, more than half of the world’s population is estimated to have a pet at home.
The increase in pet ownership is most evident in countries with expanding middle classes, where attitudes are shifting and a new pet culture is emerging. This culture is based on the growing humanisation of pets and an increased number of pets kept purely for companionship.
In China, the number of pets owned has increased significantly because of a relaxation of pet ownership regulations and a declining birth rate. Between 2014 and 2019, pet ownership increased by 113%, and experts predict that by 2024, China will have the most pets in the world.
Meanwhile, in South Korea, pet ownership has grown from 5 million to 7.5 million between 2014 and 2018, a 50% increase. South Korean society has also become more accepting of pets, which has led to the rise of pet-friendly cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
AWSITIVE TREND:
PET POPULATION SOARS WORLDWIDE
DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES, RISING INCOME LEVELS AND
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAVE DRIVEN MORE PEOPLE TO ADOPT PETS
2 MILLION PEOPLE
ADOPTED A PET DURING
THE Covid Lockdown in UK
The Covid-19 pandemic, changing demographics, and increasing income levels have all contributed to a surge in pet adoptions around the world. In the UK alone, over two million people adopted pets during the country’s pandemic lockdowns. Similarly, Australia saw over a million pets adopted at the peak of the pandemic.
One key factor driving the rise in pet ownership is the growing level of disposable income in many countries. As people’s incomes rise, they are increasingly spending their money on acquiring and caring for pets. This trend is particularly evident in rapidly developing countries such as those in Asia and Eastern Europe, where we can expect to see further increases in pet ownership in the future.
Pets are playing an increasingly important role in households around the world, particularly in single-person households, families without children, and couples whose children have grown up and left home. For many people, pets provide much-needed companionship and emotional support, especially during times of social isolation, such as during the pandemic lockdowns.
WHAT AGE GROUPS ARE DRIVING
PET POPULATION GROWTH?
IN THE UNITED STATES
MILLENNIALS NOW ACCOUNT
FOR A THIRD OF ALL PET OWNERS
Adults between their early 20s and late 30s, are an expanding group of pet owners. This is partly because they are more likely to have children later in life, work from home or in hybrid formats, and have a higher income and level of education. As a result, they have the time, resources, and desire to take on the responsibility of pet ownership.
However, it’s not just millennials who are becoming pet owners. Older age groups are also increasingly likely to have pets, as they recognise the companionship and health benefits that companion animals can provide. Pets can provide emotional support, encourage physical activity and help reduce stress levels, all of which are especially important for older people.
Moreover, early analysis shows that Generation Z, despite their young age, is a growing segment of pet owners. In the United States, 14% of Gen Z-ers are pet owners.
WHAT CHALLENGES CAN
THE GROWING PET POPULATION CREATE?
The growing pet population brings animal health issues to the forefront. As pets age, they may require regular veterinary check-ups and medical treatments, which can put a strain on pet owners financially.
The rise in pet ownership has also led to an increase in pet abandonments. In the United States alone, up to eight million animals enter rescue shelters each year, with about half of them eventually euthanized. While this is a concerning trend, fears of a ‘pet abandonment’ crisis following the pandemic pet boom have not come to fruition, according to industry data.
There is also a risk of irresponsible breeding practices to increase the supply of pets. Unscrupulous breeders may prioritize quantity over quality, leading to health problems in animals and contributing to the already overwhelming number of abandoned pets.
PET OWNERSHIP PROVIDES A RANGE OF
THERAPEUTIC, PHYSIOLOGICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND
PSYCHOSOCIAL BENEFITS TO OWNERS, THESE INCLUDE:
Numerous studies have confirmed that owning a pet can have a positive impact on one’s health. In the United States, pet ownership has been linked to reduced healthcare costs, which leads to fewer doctor visits and improved overall health. Research shows that the health benefits of pet ownership persist even when adjusting for factors such as demographics, socioeconomics, education, and medication use.
Apart from the physical health benefits, pet ownership also has a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being. Pets can provide companionship, reduce stress, and improve mood. Studies have shown that pet owners have a higher sense of self-esteem, are less likely to feel lonely or depressed, and experience less anxiety.
Source: HealthforAnimals
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