GITNUXREPORT 2025

Marketing In The Pet Industry Statistics

Pet industry marketing thrives with digital, influencer, and eco-friendly strategies.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

67% of U.S. households, which equates to about 86 million homes, own a pet as of 2023

Statistic 2

80% of pet owners consider their pets as part of the family, influencing their purchasing decisions

Statistic 3

48% of pet owners in the U.S. have purchased pet products online in 2023, indicating a strong e-commerce trend

Statistic 4

Videos are the most effective marketing content for the pet industry, with 72% of pet companies reporting higher engagement levels with video content

Statistic 5

58% of pet owners are willing to pay more for premium or organic pet food products, reflecting a trend toward health-conscious consumption

Statistic 6

Nearly 50% of pet owners subscribe to pet-related newsletters or email marketing campaigns, indicating high engagement with email marketing

Statistic 7

45% of pet owners have purchased a pet product after seeing an influencer review or unboxing video, showing influencer impact on purchasing decisions

Statistic 8

The most popular types of pet products purchased online are food, toys, and grooming supplies, with over 70% of online pet purchases being these categories

Statistic 9

Approximately 25% of pet owners in the U.S. have used virtual vet consultations during the pandemic, with an increased trend toward telemedicine post-pandemic

Statistic 10

52% of pet owners use social media to research pet products or services before making a purchase, highlighting the importance of social proof

Statistic 11

The average age of first-time pet owners in the U.S. is declining, with more Millennials and Gen Z purchasing pets before age 35, impacting marketing strategies

Statistic 12

The majority of pet brands are now integrating eco-labels and sustainability claims into their marketing to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, with 78% using such claims in 2023

Statistic 13

Customer reviews influence approximately 70% of online pet product sales decisions, demonstrating the power of peer feedback and social proof

Statistic 14

Pet owners are 50% more likely to purchase products from brands that actively engage with them on social media, emphasizing the importance of social media engagement

Statistic 15

The number of pet-related mobile searches increased by 25% in 2023, marking a rise in mobile-centric marketing efforts

Statistic 16

The percentage of pet owners using subscription services for pet food or supplies was 30% in 2023, reflecting growing consumer preference for convenience

Statistic 17

60% of pet owners in the U.S. are willing to share personal data to receive personalized marketing offers, indicating trust and data-driven marketing opportunities

Statistic 18

72% of pet owners prefer brands that demonstrate transparency in sourcing and manufacturing processes, emphasizing consumer demand for ethical practices

Statistic 19

The most effective visual marketing content in the pet industry is user-generated photos and videos, with 65% of consumers trusting UGC more than brand-produced content

Statistic 20

A significant 85% of pet owners are influenced by the packaging design of products when making purchasing decisions, highlighting packaging's role in marketing

Statistic 21

33% of pet owners have attended pet-related events or expos in 2023 as a marketing engagement activity, reflecting the importance of experiential marketing

Statistic 22

More than 60% of pet owners use social media platforms for pet health and wellness advice, emphasizing the importance of credible social content

Statistic 23

70% of pet owners prefer shopping from brands with a clear corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile, reflecting consumer preferences for ethical brands

Statistic 24

Digital wallets and contactless payments accounted for 65% of online pet purchases in 2023, streamlining the customer checkout process

Statistic 25

The percentage of pet owners seeking sustainable and biodegradable toys increased by 30% in 2023, indicating a shift towards eco-friendly play products

Statistic 26

Instagram is the top social media platform for pet brands, with 65% of pet industry marketers prioritizing it for advertising efforts in 2023

Statistic 27

Pet-related mobile app downloads increased by 30% in 2023, highlighting the importance of mobile marketing in the pet industry

Statistic 28

The adoption of AI and chatbot technology in pet retail websites increased by 25% in 2023, improving customer service and engagement

Statistic 29

In 2023, 62% of pet brands invested in influencer marketing campaigns to reach younger consumers, especially on TikTok and Instagram

Statistic 30

Advanced personalization techniques, such as AI-based product recommendations, are used by 55% of pet e-commerce sites in 2023 to boost conversion rates

Statistic 31

In 2023, the pet industry saw a 22% rise in digital ad spend, reaching over $2 billion in the U.S. alone, showcasing a shift toward digital channels

Statistic 32

The use of augmented reality (AR) in pet product marketing increased by 15% in 2023, allowing consumers to virtually try products before buying

Statistic 33

The use of chatbots for customer service in pet retail increased by 35% in 2023, helping brands handle high-volume inquiries efficiently

Statistic 34

Organic growth through SEO efforts accounts for 60% of traffic to pet e-commerce websites in 2023, underlining the importance of search engine visibility

Statistic 35

In 2023, 40% of pet brands used augmented reality features on their websites or apps to enhance the shopping experience, boosting customer interaction and satisfaction

Statistic 36

55% of pet brands planned to increase their investment in social media advertising in 2024 to capitalize on shifting consumer preferences

Statistic 37

65% of pet companies increased their marketing budgets in 2023, emphasizing growth strategies and increased competition

Statistic 38

Pet owner brand loyalty remains high, with 70% of consumers sticking with brands they trust over newer entrants, highlighting importance of brand reputation

Statistic 39

The percentage of repeat purchases from loyal pet customers is approximately 65%, indicating high brand loyalty in the industry

Statistic 40

Approximately 55% of pet owners engage with brands via loyalty programs, showing the effectiveness of reward-based marketing in the pet industry

Statistic 41

The global pet care market size was valued at approximately $261.9 billion in 2022, projected to reach $468.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.4%

Statistic 42

The pet food segment accounted for over 50% of the total pet industry revenue in 2023

Statistic 43

In 2023, digital marketing expenditure in the pet industry reached approximately $1.2 billion in the U.S., representing a 15% increase year-over-year

Statistic 44

Millennials make up the largest demographic group of pet owners in the U.S., accounting for 35% of the pet-owning population in 2023

Statistic 45

The average spending per pet on veterinary care in the U.S. is $345 annually, reflecting ongoing care needs

Statistic 46

The number of new pet startups in the industry increased by 20% in 2023, indicating broadening market competition and innovation

Statistic 47

Pet subscription box services grew by 40% in 2023, reaching a total market value of approximately $1 billion globally

Statistic 48

Eco-friendly and sustainable pet products saw a 35% increase in sales in 2023, reflecting consumer trends toward sustainability

Statistic 49

The pet supplement market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2026, reaching $1.3 billion in sales, indicating a booming health and wellness segment

Statistic 50

In 2023, pet brands spent approximately $5 billion globally on advertising, indicating substantial investment in brand awareness and customer acquisition

Statistic 51

The cat segment accounted for the highest growth rate in pet product sales in 2023, with an 18% increase over the previous year, reflecting rising feline popularity

Statistic 52

Pet uberization services, such as pet walking and sitting apps, grew by 25% worldwide in 2023, opening new marketing channels for pet service providers

Statistic 53

The adoption of eco-friendly packaging in pet product manufacturing increased by 50% in 2023, aligning with the sustainability marketing trend

Statistic 54

The pet health segment is expected to grow at an 8% CAGR from 2023 to 2028, reaching a global market valuation of over $22 billion

Statistic 55

The online pet accessories market experienced a 35% growth in 2023, driven by customization and personalized products

Statistic 56

The use of virtual reality (VR) for pet training products increased by 12% in 2023, providing immersive experiences for pet owners

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Key Highlights

The global pet care market size was valued at approximately $261.9 billion in 2022, projected to reach $468.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.4%
67% of U.S. households, which equates to about 86 million homes, own a pet as of 2023
The pet food segment accounted for over 50% of the total pet industry revenue in 2023
80% of pet owners consider their pets as part of the family, influencing their purchasing decisions
In 2023, digital marketing expenditure in the pet industry reached approximately $1.2 billion in the U.S., representing a 15% increase year-over-year
48% of pet owners in the U.S. have purchased pet products online in 2023, indicating a strong e-commerce trend
Videos are the most effective marketing content for the pet industry, with 72% of pet companies reporting higher engagement levels with video content
Instagram is the top social media platform for pet brands, with 65% of pet industry marketers prioritizing it for advertising efforts in 2023
Millennials make up the largest demographic group of pet owners in the U.S., accounting for 35% of the pet-owning population in 2023
58% of pet owners are willing to pay more for premium or organic pet food products, reflecting a trend toward health-conscious consumption
The average spending per pet on veterinary care in the U.S. is $345 annually, reflecting ongoing care needs
Pet-related mobile app downloads increased by 30% in 2023, highlighting the importance of mobile marketing in the pet industry
Nearly 50% of pet owners subscribe to pet-related newsletters or email marketing campaigns, indicating high engagement with email marketing

With the pet industry projected to soar to nearly half a trillion dollars by 2030, savvy brands are embracing innovative digital marketing strategies—ranging from influencer campaigns and immersive AR experiences to personalized content—to tap into the hearts of over 86 million American households that consider pets part of the family.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

67% of U.S. households, which equates to about 86 million homes, own a pet as of 2023
80% of pet owners consider their pets as part of the family, influencing their purchasing decisions
48% of pet owners in the U.S. have purchased pet products online in 2023, indicating a strong e-commerce trend
Videos are the most effective marketing content for the pet industry, with 72% of pet companies reporting higher engagement levels with video content
58% of pet owners are willing to pay more for premium or organic pet food products, reflecting a trend toward health-conscious consumption
Nearly 50% of pet owners subscribe to pet-related newsletters or email marketing campaigns, indicating high engagement with email marketing
45% of pet owners have purchased a pet product after seeing an influencer review or unboxing video, showing influencer impact on purchasing decisions
The most popular types of pet products purchased online are food, toys, and grooming supplies, with over 70% of online pet purchases being these categories
Approximately 25% of pet owners in the U.S. have used virtual vet consultations during the pandemic, with an increased trend toward telemedicine post-pandemic
52% of pet owners use social media to research pet products or services before making a purchase, highlighting the importance of social proof
The average age of first-time pet owners in the U.S. is declining, with more Millennials and Gen Z purchasing pets before age 35, impacting marketing strategies
The majority of pet brands are now integrating eco-labels and sustainability claims into their marketing to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, with 78% using such claims in 2023
Customer reviews influence approximately 70% of online pet product sales decisions, demonstrating the power of peer feedback and social proof
Pet owners are 50% more likely to purchase products from brands that actively engage with them on social media, emphasizing the importance of social media engagement
The number of pet-related mobile searches increased by 25% in 2023, marking a rise in mobile-centric marketing efforts
The percentage of pet owners using subscription services for pet food or supplies was 30% in 2023, reflecting growing consumer preference for convenience
60% of pet owners in the U.S. are willing to share personal data to receive personalized marketing offers, indicating trust and data-driven marketing opportunities
72% of pet owners prefer brands that demonstrate transparency in sourcing and manufacturing processes, emphasizing consumer demand for ethical practices
The most effective visual marketing content in the pet industry is user-generated photos and videos, with 65% of consumers trusting UGC more than brand-produced content
A significant 85% of pet owners are influenced by the packaging design of products when making purchasing decisions, highlighting packaging's role in marketing
33% of pet owners have attended pet-related events or expos in 2023 as a marketing engagement activity, reflecting the importance of experiential marketing
More than 60% of pet owners use social media platforms for pet health and wellness advice, emphasizing the importance of credible social content
70% of pet owners prefer shopping from brands with a clear corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile, reflecting consumer preferences for ethical brands
Digital wallets and contactless payments accounted for 65% of online pet purchases in 2023, streamlining the customer checkout process
The percentage of pet owners seeking sustainable and biodegradable toys increased by 30% in 2023, indicating a shift towards eco-friendly play products

Consumer Behavior and Preferences Interpretation

With over two-thirds of U.S. households owning pets—more than a million homes considering their furry friends family—industry marketers must now master the art of winning over health-conscious, socially engaged consumers through authentic videos, eco-friendly packaging, and personalized digital experiences, all while navigating the surge in online shopping and telemedicine that reflects pets’ growing role as beloved family members.

Digital Marketing and Technology Adoption

Instagram is the top social media platform for pet brands, with 65% of pet industry marketers prioritizing it for advertising efforts in 2023
Pet-related mobile app downloads increased by 30% in 2023, highlighting the importance of mobile marketing in the pet industry
The adoption of AI and chatbot technology in pet retail websites increased by 25% in 2023, improving customer service and engagement
In 2023, 62% of pet brands invested in influencer marketing campaigns to reach younger consumers, especially on TikTok and Instagram
Advanced personalization techniques, such as AI-based product recommendations, are used by 55% of pet e-commerce sites in 2023 to boost conversion rates
In 2023, the pet industry saw a 22% rise in digital ad spend, reaching over $2 billion in the U.S. alone, showcasing a shift toward digital channels
The use of augmented reality (AR) in pet product marketing increased by 15% in 2023, allowing consumers to virtually try products before buying
The use of chatbots for customer service in pet retail increased by 35% in 2023, helping brands handle high-volume inquiries efficiently
Organic growth through SEO efforts accounts for 60% of traffic to pet e-commerce websites in 2023, underlining the importance of search engine visibility
In 2023, 40% of pet brands used augmented reality features on their websites or apps to enhance the shopping experience, boosting customer interaction and satisfaction
55% of pet brands planned to increase their investment in social media advertising in 2024 to capitalize on shifting consumer preferences

Digital Marketing and Technology Adoption Interpretation

In 2023, pet brands barked loudly with a 22% surge in digital ad spend—bursting at the seams with innovative tech—from AR try-ons to AI-powered personalization—proving that in the pet industry, where loyalty runs deep, going digital is the only leash to success.

Industry Dynamics and Loyalty

65% of pet companies increased their marketing budgets in 2023, emphasizing growth strategies and increased competition
Pet owner brand loyalty remains high, with 70% of consumers sticking with brands they trust over newer entrants, highlighting importance of brand reputation
The percentage of repeat purchases from loyal pet customers is approximately 65%, indicating high brand loyalty in the industry
Approximately 55% of pet owners engage with brands via loyalty programs, showing the effectiveness of reward-based marketing in the pet industry

Industry Dynamics and Loyalty Interpretation

As the pet industry’s marketing budgets swell and brand loyalty remains steadfast, savvy companies are increasingly leveraging reward programs to turn fickle consumers into lifelong fans in a fiercely competitive landscape.

Market Size and Growth

The global pet care market size was valued at approximately $261.9 billion in 2022, projected to reach $468.9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.4%
The pet food segment accounted for over 50% of the total pet industry revenue in 2023
In 2023, digital marketing expenditure in the pet industry reached approximately $1.2 billion in the U.S., representing a 15% increase year-over-year
Millennials make up the largest demographic group of pet owners in the U.S., accounting for 35% of the pet-owning population in 2023
The average spending per pet on veterinary care in the U.S. is $345 annually, reflecting ongoing care needs
The number of new pet startups in the industry increased by 20% in 2023, indicating broadening market competition and innovation
Pet subscription box services grew by 40% in 2023, reaching a total market value of approximately $1 billion globally
Eco-friendly and sustainable pet products saw a 35% increase in sales in 2023, reflecting consumer trends toward sustainability
The pet supplement market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% through 2026, reaching $1.3 billion in sales, indicating a booming health and wellness segment
In 2023, pet brands spent approximately $5 billion globally on advertising, indicating substantial investment in brand awareness and customer acquisition
The cat segment accounted for the highest growth rate in pet product sales in 2023, with an 18% increase over the previous year, reflecting rising feline popularity
Pet uberization services, such as pet walking and sitting apps, grew by 25% worldwide in 2023, opening new marketing channels for pet service providers
The adoption of eco-friendly packaging in pet product manufacturing increased by 50% in 2023, aligning with the sustainability marketing trend
The pet health segment is expected to grow at an 8% CAGR from 2023 to 2028, reaching a global market valuation of over $22 billion
The online pet accessories market experienced a 35% growth in 2023, driven by customization and personalized products
The use of virtual reality (VR) for pet training products increased by 12% in 2023, providing immersive experiences for pet owners

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

With the pet industry’s booming valuation expected to nearly double by 2030, escalating digital investments, rising demands for tailored wellness and eco-friendly products, and innovative marketing channels like pet Uberization and VR, brands must now treat pet lovers not just as customers, but as fervent advocates in a fiercely competitive, ever-expanding pet paradise.