What you need to know
The popularity of pets has resulted in a$64.2 billion dollar industry that is expected to grow 16% through 2020. This growth will be led primarily by the veterinary services and pet food categories, though innovative services such as in-home veterinary care also have a part to play. Premium offerings should do especially well because the majority of pet owners see pets as part of the family and want to pamper them. Recommendations from others will also influence the choices of pet owners, many of whom seek out advice from veterinarians and read reviews online.
Definition
This report analyzes pet owners’ perceptions and attitudes toward pet ownership and related behaviors when shopping for pet products or services. While owners of all types of household pets are considered, the focus is primarily on owners of dogs and cats, as these pets make up the majority of household pets. For the purposes of this report, Mintel has defined the pet market to include the following five segments:
| Pet food | Dry, semi-moist, wet, refrigerated/frozen dog and cat food; cat snacks; dog biscuits and treats; food for animals other than dogs and cats |
| Pet supplies | Litter/deodorant, rawhide dog chews, dog/cat supplies (ie grooming, collars, leashes, toys, bedding, feeding equipment, nutritional supplements, and over-the-counter flea and tick treatments), and non-dog/cat supplies (ie indoor aquariums and aquarium accessories, bird cages) |
| Veterinary services | Routine exams, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, lab services, etc.; includes only services provided by veterinarians who predominantly or exclusively treat companion animals |
| Pet services | Grooming, boarding, training, etc., including pet-service revenues at veterinary offices and pet stores in addition to businesses primarily offering pet services |
| Pet purchases | Expenditures for the purchase of household pets, including cats, dogs, small animals (eg hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs), fish, reptiles, and birds |
Pet vitamins and supplements are excluded from the market size.
Though pet food and pet supplies are mentioned throughout the report, a greater emphasis is placed on pet services. Those interested in learning about pet food and pet supplies in greater detail may be interested in the following Mintel reports:
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Pet Supplies – US, June 2015
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Pet Food – US, May 2015
Value figures throughout this report are at rsp (retail selling prices) excluding sales tax unless otherwise stated.
