People love their pets and many treat them as part of the family, effectively treating their animals as humans. As a result there is a growing market for toys, stylish accessories and pet beds/housing with added value. In addition, the desire to occupy and ‘treat’ pets is opening up more opportunities for toys and games including technical ones.

Pet health is also high on the agenda for pet owners and there is a growing market for petcare products from health supplements to shampoos. Again, many product developments are reflecting human trends so we are seeing ingredients such as tea tree oil, and niche product developments including supplements for ageing joints.

The market for petcare products is robust and performs well, even during an economic downturn, because most pet owners are unwilling to cut back or compromise when it comes to looking after their pets. But, as consumer spending power picks up, we expect pet owners to spend more, trading up for added value products.

Key themes affecting demand are the humanisation of pets which is affecting styling, adding value and creating a climate in which innovative products are thriving. The market for pet products rose by an estimated 10.4% between 2012 and 2015 to reach £864 million.

Pet accessories are products that are either worn by, played with, treated on or used on pets. We also include pet cages and beds but exclude disposable bedding such as straw. Pet accessories also include animal health and hygiene products including supplements and toiletries. This does not include products sold on prescription for petcare such as prescribed flea and worm treatments. Separate Mintel reports cover pet food and pet insurance. See Pet Food – UK – August 2015, Pet Insurance – UK – August 2015 and Britain’s Pet Owners – UK – August 2015.