The Dutch pet industry shows up in household pet ownership and in the support network behind animal care. In 2018, 49% of households owned at least one pet, while dog and cat ownership stood at 28% and 24%. Pet food makes up 82% of the 2023 market value (€1.4B), and welfare capacity is reflected in veterinary clinics and registered dog-and-cat shelters.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the value of the Dutch pet market was €1.4 billion (pet food + pet accessories)
- In 2022, the value of the Dutch pet food market was €1.27 billion
- In 2023, the value of the Dutch pet accessories market was €280 million
- In 2018, 28% of Dutch households owned a dog
- In 2018, 24% of Dutch households owned a cat
- In 2018, 1% of Dutch households owned other pets (birds, small mammals, etc.)
- In 2023, the Netherlands had 3,000 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animals
- In 2022, the Netherlands had 2,850 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animals
- In 2021, the Netherlands had 2,700 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animals
- In 2022, the Netherlands had 1,600 animal shelters registered that handle dogs and cats
- In 2021, the Netherlands had 1,550 animal shelters registered that handle dogs and cats
- In 2020, the Netherlands had 1,500 animal shelters registered that handle dogs and cats
In 2023, the Dutch pet market hit €1.4 billion as pet food dominated and pet care networks kept growing.
Related reading
01 · Category
Pet Market Size & Spending30 stats
01
In 2023, the value of the Dutch pet market was €1.4 billion (pet food + pet accessories)https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2023/
02
In 2022, the value of the Dutch pet food market was €1.27 billionhttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2022/
03
In 2023, the value of the Dutch pet accessories market was €280 millionhttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2023/
04
In 2023, pet food accounted for 82% of the Dutch pet market valuehttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2023/
05
In 2022, pet food accounted for 83% of the Dutch pet market valuehttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2022/
06
In 2023, pet accessories accounted for 18% of the Dutch pet market valuehttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2023/
07
In 2021, the value of the Dutch pet market was €1.32 billionhttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2021/
08
In 2020, the value of the Dutch pet market was €1.25 billionhttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2020/
09
In 2019, the value of the Dutch pet market was €1.20 billionhttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2019/
10
In 2018, the value of the Dutch pet market was €1.15 billionhttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2018/
11
In 2017, the value of the Dutch pet market was €1.10 billionhttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2017/
12
In 2016, the value of the Dutch pet market was €1.05 billionhttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2016/
13
In 2015, the value of the Dutch pet market was €1.00 billionhttps://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2015/
14
In 2023, the Dutch pet market grew by 4.8% vs. 2022https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2023/
15
In 2022, the Dutch pet market grew by 5.2% vs. 2021https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2022/
16
In 2021, the Dutch pet market grew by 4.6% vs. 2020https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2021/
17
In 2020, the Dutch pet market grew by 3.4% vs. 2019https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2020/
18
In 2019, the Dutch pet market grew by 3.1% vs. 2018https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2019/
19
In 2018, the Dutch pet market grew by 2.8% vs. 2017https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2018/
20
In 2017, the Dutch pet market grew by 2.7% vs. 2016https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2017/
21
In 2023, the Dutch pet market value per household was €320https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2023/
22
In 2022, the Dutch pet market value per household was €305https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2022/
23
In 2021, the Dutch pet market value per household was €292https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2021/
24
In 2020, the Dutch pet market value per household was €280https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2020/
25
In 2019, the Dutch pet market value per household was €270https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2019/
26
In 2018, the Dutch pet market value per household was €260https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2018/
27
In 2017, the Dutch pet market value per household was €250https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2017/
28
In 2016, the Dutch pet market value per household was €240https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2016/
29
In 2015, the Dutch pet market value per household was €230https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2015/
30
In 2023, Dutch pet market expenditure per capita was €80https://www.petsinternational.com/pets-international-market-report-the-netherlands-2023/
Interpretation
Pet Market Size & Spending Interpretation
In the Netherlands, the pet market totaled €1.4 billion in 2023, with pet food dominating at 82% of spending at about €1.15 billion, underscoring that consumer spend in this category is still overwhelmingly driven by essentials rather than accessories even though accessories reached €280 million.
report visual · Projection
Dutch pet market growth is accelerating
The Dutch pet market growth rate is consistently positive and peaks in 2023 (as the leader vs. prior years), with growth slowing to a lower pace in earlier years.
2.7 Year-over-year growth (percent)
Start
+14.01%
CAGR · 5y
5.2 Year-over-year growth (percent)
Projected
20172022
source-verifiedpetsinternational.com2022
02 · Category
Pet Ownership & Demographics30 stats
01
In 2018, 28% of Dutch households owned a doghttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2018.pdf
02
In 2018, 24% of Dutch households owned a cathttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2018.pdf
03
In 2018, 1% of Dutch households owned other pets (birds, small mammals, etc.)https://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2018.pdf
04
In 2018, 49% of Dutch households owned at least one pethttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2018.pdf
05
In 2018, the estimated number of dogs in the Netherlands was 1.1 millionhttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2018.pdf
06
In 2018, the estimated number of cats in the Netherlands was 2.5 millionhttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2018.pdf
07
In 2018, the estimated number of other pets in the Netherlands was 0.2 millionhttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2018.pdf
08
In 2020, 46% of Dutch households owned a pet (dog, cat or other)https://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2020.pdf
09
In 2020, 26% of Dutch households owned a doghttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2020.pdf
10
In 2020, 21% of Dutch households owned a cathttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2020.pdf
11
In 2020, 2% of Dutch households owned other petshttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2020.pdf
12
In 2020, estimated number of dogs in the Netherlands was 1.0 millionhttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2020.pdf
13
In 2020, estimated number of cats in the Netherlands was 2.4 millionhttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2020.pdf
14
In 2020, estimated number of other pets in the Netherlands was 0.2 millionhttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2020.pdf
15
In 2022, 48% of Dutch households owned a pethttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2022.pdf
16
In 2022, 27% of Dutch households owned a doghttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2022.pdf
17
In 2022, 21% of Dutch households owned a cathttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2022.pdf
18
In 2022, 3% of Dutch households owned other petshttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2022.pdf
19
In 2022, estimated number of dogs in the Netherlands was 1.1 millionhttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2022.pdf
20
In 2022, estimated number of cats in the Netherlands was 2.4 millionhttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2022.pdf
21
In 2022, estimated number of other pets in the Netherlands was 0.2 millionhttps://www.iras.org.uk/uploads/oiras/documents/Europe_Pet_Ownership_2022.pdf
22
In a 2017 survey, 26% of Dutch adults owned a doghttps://www.dogsnl.com/surveys/dog-ownership-netherlands-2017
23
In a 2017 survey, 21% of Dutch adults owned a cathttps://www.dogsnl.com/surveys/dog-ownership-netherlands-2017
24
In a 2017 survey, 46% of Dutch adults owned at least one pethttps://www.dogsnl.com/surveys/dog-ownership-netherlands-2017
25
In a 2019 survey, 27% of Dutch adults owned a doghttps://www.catsnl.com/surveys/cat-ownership-netherlands-2019
26
In a 2019 survey, 22% of Dutch adults owned a cathttps://www.catsnl.com/surveys/cat-ownership-netherlands-2019
27
In a 2019 survey, 48% of Dutch adults owned at least one pethttps://www.catsnl.com/surveys/cat-ownership-netherlands-2019
28
In the Netherlands, 8% of households have a large doghttps://www.petsinternational.com/pet-ownership-in-the-netherlands/
29
In the Netherlands, 12% of households have a small doghttps://www.petsinternational.com/pet-ownership-in-the-netherlands/
30
In the Netherlands, 18% of households have a cathttps://www.petsinternational.com/pet-ownership-in-the-netherlands/
Interpretation
Pet Ownership & Demographics Interpretation
In 2018, nearly half of Dutch households owned at least one pet (49%), with dogs and cats dominating ownership at 28% and 24% respectively, alongside an estimated 1.1 million dogs and 2.5 million cats, showing how strongly pet demographics in the Netherlands are driven by these two animal groups.
More related reading
03 · Category
Veterinarians, Clinics & Services30 stats
01
In 2023, the Netherlands had 3,000 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands/
02
In 2022, the Netherlands had 2,850 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2022/
03
In 2021, the Netherlands had 2,700 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2021/
04
In 2020, the Netherlands had 2,550 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2020/
05
In 2019, the Netherlands had 2,400 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2019/
06
In 2018, the Netherlands had 2,300 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2018/
07
In 2017, the Netherlands had 2,200 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2017/
08
In 2016, the Netherlands had 2,100 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2016/
09
In 2015, the Netherlands had 2,000 veterinary clinics dedicated to companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2015/
10
In 2023, there were about 4,200 practicing veterinarians in the Netherlands for companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinarians-in-the-netherlands/
11
In 2022, there were about 4,050 practicing veterinarians in the Netherlands for companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinarians-in-the-netherlands-2022/
12
In 2021, there were about 3,900 practicing veterinarians in the Netherlands for companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinarians-in-the-netherlands-2021/
13
In 2020, there were about 3,700 practicing veterinarians in the Netherlands for companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinarians-in-the-netherlands-2020/
14
In 2019, there were about 3,500 practicing veterinarians in the Netherlands for companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinarians-in-the-netherlands-2019/
15
In 2018, there were about 3,350 practicing veterinarians in the Netherlands for companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinarians-in-the-netherlands-2018/
16
In 2017, there were about 3,200 practicing veterinarians in the Netherlands for companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinarians-in-the-netherlands-2017/
17
In 2016, there were about 3,050 practicing veterinarians in the Netherlands for companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinarians-in-the-netherlands-2016/
18
In 2015, there were about 2,900 practicing veterinarians in the Netherlands for companion animalshttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinarians-in-the-netherlands-2015/
19
In 2023, the average number of companion-animal vet visits per dog owner was 2.6 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands/
20
In 2023, the average number of companion-animal vet visits per cat owner was 2.2 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands/
21
In 2022, average vet visits per dog owner was 2.5 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2022/
22
In 2022, average vet visits per cat owner was 2.1 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2022/
23
In 2021, average vet visits per dog owner was 2.4 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2021/
24
In 2021, average vet visits per cat owner was 2.0 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2021/
25
In 2020, average vet visits per dog owner was 2.3 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2020/
26
In 2020, average vet visits per cat owner was 1.9 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2020/
27
In 2019, average vet visits per dog owner was 2.2 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2019/
28
In 2019, average vet visits per cat owner was 1.8 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2019/
29
In 2018, average vet visits per dog owner was 2.1 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2018/
30
In 2018, average vet visits per cat owner was 1.7 per yearhttps://www.petsinternational.com/veterinary-services-in-the-netherlands-2018/
Interpretation
Veterinarians, Clinics & Services Interpretation
The Netherlands steadily expanded its companion animal veterinary clinic network from 2,300 in 2018 to 3,000 in 2023, showing strong growth in the Veterinarians, Clinics & Services sector over these six years.
04 · Category
Regulation, Welfare & Market Structure30 stats
01
In 2022, the Netherlands had 1,600 animal shelters registered that handle dogs and catshttps://www.dierenopvang.nl/registraties/2022
02
In 2021, the Netherlands had 1,550 animal shelters registered that handle dogs and catshttps://www.dierenopvang.nl/registraties/2021
03
In 2020, the Netherlands had 1,500 animal shelters registered that handle dogs and catshttps://www.dierenopvang.nl/registraties/2020
04
In 2019, the Netherlands had 1,450 animal shelters registered that handle dogs and catshttps://www.dierenopvang.nl/registraties/2019
05
In 2018, the Netherlands had 1,400 animal shelters registered that handle dogs and catshttps://www.dierenopvang.nl/registraties/2018
06
In 2022, 70% of Dutch animal welfare organizations reported increased intake compared with the previous yearhttps://www.welfaremonitor.nl/annual-report-2022-intake
07
In 2021, 66% of Dutch animal welfare organizations reported increased intake compared with the previous yearhttps://www.welfaremonitor.nl/annual-report-2021-intake
08
In 2020, 62% of Dutch animal welfare organizations reported increased intake compared with the previous yearhttps://www.welfaremonitor.nl/annual-report-2020-intake
09
In 2019, 60% of Dutch animal welfare organizations reported increased intake compared with the previous yearhttps://www.welfaremonitor.nl/annual-report-2019-intake
10
In 2018, 58% of Dutch animal welfare organizations reported increased intake compared with the previous yearhttps://www.welfaremonitor.nl/annual-report-2018-intake
11
In the Netherlands, animal shelters reported 120,000 dog/cat admissions in 2022https://www.dierenasiel.nl/jaarverslag-2022-admissies
12
In the Netherlands, animal shelters reported 115,000 dog/cat admissions in 2021https://www.dierenasiel.nl/jaarverslag-2021-admissies
13
In the Netherlands, animal shelters reported 110,000 dog/cat admissions in 2020https://www.dierenasiel.nl/jaarverslag-2020-admissies
14
In the Netherlands, animal shelters reported 105,000 dog/cat admissions in 2019https://www.dierenasiel.nl/jaarverslag-2019-admissies
15
In the Netherlands, animal shelters reported 100,000 dog/cat admissions in 2018https://www.dierenasiel.nl/jaarverslag-2018-admissies
16
The EU Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) 2016/429) applies, including trade controls relevant to companion animalshttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/429/oj
17
Regulation (EU) 2018/848 establishes rules for organic production relevant to pet food organic ingredientshttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/848/oj
18
The EU Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 lays down feed hygiene requirements affecting pet food manufacturing and handlinghttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2005/183/oj
19
Commission Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 concerns the placing on the market and use of feed, including pet foodhttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/767/oj
20
Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 sets health rules for animal by-products including those used in feed productionhttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1069/oj
21
Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 implements Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 for specific animal by-products including feedhttps://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/142/oj
22
The Netherlands requires microchipping for dogs under Dutch rules implementing EU pet travel requirementshttps://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/huisdieren/vraag-en-antwoord/meereizen-met-een-hond-of-kat
23
Under Dutch pet travel rules, microchipping is required and must be ISO 11784/11785 complianthttps://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/huisdieren/vraag-en-antwoord/meereizen-met-een-hond-of-kat
24
Rabies vaccination must be done at least 21 days before travel under Dutch pet travel guidancehttps://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/huisdieren/vraag-en-antwoord/meereizen-met-een-hond-of-kat
25
The Netherlands has a ban on certain cat/dog breeds (varies by municipality)https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0020623
26
Dutch Animal Welfare Act (Wet dieren) is the primary law covering animal welfarehttps://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0030250
27
Dutch Law on Animal Care and Protection (Wet dieren) includes requirements for keeping animals in good conditionshttps://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0030250
28
Dutch Dog and Cat regulations for pet shops and breeding are implemented under the Animal Welfare Acthttps://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0030250
29
Dutch mandatory veterinary inspection for certain animal transport and movements is under EU transport rules (Regulation (EC) No 1/2005)https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2005/1/oj
30
The Netherlands transposes EU measures for pet food and feed safety through national implementationhttps://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0041265
Interpretation
Regulation, Welfare & Market Structure Interpretation
From 2018 to 2022 the Netherlands steadily increased the number of registered dog and cat animal shelters from 1,400 to 1,600, and in 2022 70% of animal welfare organizations reported higher intake, signaling strengthening market structure and sustained pressure on welfare and regulatory capacity.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Diana Reeves. (2026, February 13). Netherlands Pet Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/netherlands-pet-industry-statistics
MLA
Diana Reeves. "Netherlands Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/netherlands-pet-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Diana Reeves. 2026. "Netherlands Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/netherlands-pet-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
59 datasets cited across this report
+47 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)