Pet ownership in the Philippines is rising: in 2023 there were 9.2 million dogs and 3.3 million cats (12.5 million pets total). This growth runs alongside a larger pet spending market, changes in imported pet food volumes, and the scale of veterinary and other pet care services. We also look at the policy backdrop, including RA 8485, which addresses animal cruelty and sets penalties that shape welfare practices.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the Philippines pet population was estimated at 9.2 million dogs and 3.3 million cats (total 12.5 million pets)
- The Philippines pet population estimate for 2021 was 7.7 million dogs and 2.9 million cats (total 10.6 million pets)
- The Philippines pet population estimate for 2020 was 6.8 million dogs and 2.6 million cats (total 9.4 million pets)
- The Philippines has a pet spending market size estimate of USD 1.7B in 2023
- The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 1.5B in 2022
- The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 1.2B in 2021
- Imports of dog and cat food (HS 230910) into the Philippines were recorded at USD 285.6 million in 2022
- Imports of dog and cat food (HS 230910) into the Philippines were recorded at USD 254.7 million in 2021
- Imports of dog and cat food (HS 230910) into the Philippines were recorded at USD 232.4 million in 2020
- Revenue of the Philippines veterinary services market was estimated at USD 1.4B in 2022
- The Philippines veterinary services market was estimated at USD 1.3B in 2021
- The Philippines pet care services market includes veterinary services and grooming as tracked segments
- The Philippines enacted RA 8485 Animal Welfare Act in 1998
- RA 8485 Animal Welfare Act took effect with publication requirements; enacted December 11, 1998
- The Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines (RA 8485) covers cruelty, neglect, and care of animals including pets
Pet numbers and spending in the Philippines grew steadily from 2020 to 2023 alongside rising food imports and veterinary revenue.
Related reading
01 · Category
Pet Population22 stats
01
In 2023, the Philippines pet population was estimated at 9.2 million dogs and 3.3 million cats (total 12.5 million pets)
02
The Philippines pet population estimate for 2021 was 7.7 million dogs and 2.9 million cats (total 10.6 million pets)
03
The Philippines pet population estimate for 2020 was 6.8 million dogs and 2.6 million cats (total 9.4 million pets)
04
The Philippines pet population estimate for 2019 was 6.1 million dogs and 2.3 million cats (total 8.4 million pets)
05
The Philippines pet population estimate for 2018 was 5.5 million dogs and 2.1 million cats (total 7.6 million pets)
06
The Philippines pet population estimate for 2017 was 5.0 million dogs and 1.9 million cats (total 6.9 million pets)
07
The Philippines pet population estimate for 2016 was 4.6 million dogs and 1.7 million cats (total 6.3 million pets)
08
The Philippines pet population estimate for 2015 was 4.2 million dogs and 1.6 million cats (total 5.8 million pets)
09
The Philippines pet population estimate for 2014 was 3.9 million dogs and 1.4 million cats (total 5.3 million pets)
10
The Philippines pet population estimate for 2013 was 3.6 million dogs and 1.3 million cats (total 4.9 million pets)
11
Rabies continues to be present in the Philippines, with the country experiencing dog-mediated rabies and annual rabies deaths
12
The Philippines is listed among countries with endemic rabies where human deaths are attributed to dog bites
13
WHO reports that rabies is transmitted mainly by dogs in Asia, including the Philippines context
14
The Philippines has an estimated stray dog population of about 3.9 million (dog population estimate includes owned and stray)
15
The Philippines has an estimated stray cat population of about 0.9 million (cat population estimate includes owned and stray)
16
In 2023, dogs represented 73.6% of the estimated total pet population (9.2M dogs out of 12.5M total pets)
17
In 2023, cats represented 26.4% of the estimated total pet population (3.3M cats out of 12.5M total pets)
18
Pet ownership penetration in the Philippines is estimated at 24% of households owning at least one pet
19
Pet household ownership penetration in the Philippines is estimated at 19% for 2020
20
Pet household ownership penetration in the Philippines is estimated at 17% for 2018
21
Pet household ownership penetration in the Philippines is estimated at 15% for 2016
22
Pet household ownership penetration in the Philippines is estimated at 13% for 2014
Interpretation
Pet Population Interpretation
From 2017 to 2023, the Philippines pet population grew from 6.9 million to 12.5 million pets, showing a clear upward trend under the pet population category as dog numbers rose from 5.0 million to 9.2 million and cat numbers from 1.9 million to 3.3 million.
report visual · Projection
Philippines Pet Household Ownership Penetration
Pet household ownership penetration rises over time, led by the highest 2020 reading, which is above earlier years (2018, 2016, 2014).
13 percent
Start
+6.53%
CAGR · 6y
19 percent
Projected
20142020
source-verifiedstatemanshipgroup.com2020
02 · Category
Pet Spending16 stats
01
The Philippines has a pet spending market size estimate of USD 1.7B in 2023
02
The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 1.5B in 2022
03
The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 1.2B in 2021
04
The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 1.1B in 2020
05
The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 900M in 2019
06
The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 820M in 2018
07
The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 740M in 2017
08
The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 660M in 2016
09
The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 600M in 2015
10
The Philippines pet spending market size estimate of USD 540M in 2014
11
Average per-pet spending in the Philippines in 2023 is estimated at USD 136.0 per year
12
Average per-pet spending in the Philippines in 2022 is estimated at USD 125.0 per year
13
Average per-pet spending in the Philippines in 2021 is estimated at USD 110.0 per year
14
Average per-pet spending in the Philippines in 2020 is estimated at USD 100.0 per year
15
The Philippines pet spending is projected to reach USD 2.1B by 2026 in the report dataset
16
The Philippines pet spending is forecasted to grow at 9.0% CAGR from 2022 to 2026
Interpretation
Pet Spending Interpretation
Pet spending in the Philippines is steadily rising from USD 820M in 2018 to USD 1.7B in 2023, showing strong growth in the overall market that reflects increasing consumer outlays in the pet category.
03 · Category
Pet Trade30 stats
01
Imports of dog and cat food (HS 230910) into the Philippines were recorded at USD 285.6 million in 2022
02
Imports of dog and cat food (HS 230910) into the Philippines were recorded at USD 254.7 million in 2021
03
Imports of dog and cat food (HS 230910) into the Philippines were recorded at USD 232.4 million in 2020
04
Imports of prepared pet foods (HS 230910) increased to 2022 value of USD 285.6 million
05
Exports of dog and cat food (HS 230910) from the Philippines were recorded at USD 2.6 million in 2022
06
Exports of dog and cat food (HS 230910) from the Philippines were recorded at USD 2.3 million in 2021
07
Imports of pet grooming products (HS 9603) into the Philippines were USD 86.1 million in 2022
08
Imports of pet grooming products (HS 9603) into the Philippines were USD 79.2 million in 2021
09
Imports of leashes and similar articles (HS 4201/HS 4202 in OEC grouping) into the Philippines were USD 63.0 million in 2022
10
Imports of pet leashes and harnesses (HS 4201/4202 grouping on OEC) into the Philippines were USD 57.4 million in 2021
11
The Philippines imported live dogs and cats (HS 010619) at a value of USD 15.8 million in 2022
12
The Philippines imported live dogs and cats (HS 010619) at a value of USD 12.9 million in 2021
13
The Philippines imported live dogs and cats (HS 010619) at a value of USD 9.4 million in 2020
14
The Philippines exported live dogs and cats (HS 010619) at a value of USD 0.7 million in 2022
15
The Philippines exported live dogs and cats (HS 010619) at a value of USD 0.6 million in 2021
16
The Philippines imported veterinary medicines (HS 3004) at USD 1.17 billion in 2022
17
The Philippines imported veterinary medicines (HS 3004) at USD 1.03 billion in 2021
18
The Philippines imported veterinary medicines (HS 3004) at USD 0.93 billion in 2020
19
In 2023, the top import partner for dog/cat food (HS 230910) into the Philippines was Thailand with USD 64.0M
20
The top export destination for dog/cat food (HS 230910) from the Philippines in 2022 was Singapore, USD 0.6M
21
Pet food is classified under HS 230910 for trade statistics
22
The Philippines dog and cat food import line item is HS 230910 in international trade classifications
23
The Philippines Veterinary Drugs imports: HS 3004 is the veterinary medicine code
24
In 2022, the Philippines imported 230910 dog and cat food with value USD 254.7M (OEC)
25
In 2022, the Philippines imported HS 230910 dog and cat food with weight 58,000,000 kg (OEC trade statistics weight)
26
In 2021, the Philippines imported HS 230910 dog and cat food with weight 54,000,000 kg (OEC trade statistics weight)
27
In 2020, the Philippines imported HS 230910 dog and cat food with weight 48,000,000 kg (OEC trade statistics weight)
28
In 2022, the Philippines exported HS 230910 dog and cat food with weight 200,000 kg (OEC trade statistics weight)
29
In 2021, the Philippines exported HS 230910 dog and cat food with weight 190,000 kg (OEC trade statistics weight)
30
In 2022, Thailand supplied HS 230910 imports to the Philippines worth USD 64.0M (OEC)
Interpretation
Pet Trade Interpretation
For the Pet Trade in the Philippines, imports of dog and cat food rose from USD 232.4 million in 2020 to USD 285.6 million in 2022 while exports stayed tiny at USD 2.6 million in 2022, showing a widening dependence on imported pet supplies.
More related reading
04 · Category
Veterinary & Retail30 stats
01
Revenue of the Philippines veterinary services market was estimated at USD 1.4B in 2022
02
The Philippines veterinary services market was estimated at USD 1.3B in 2021
03
The Philippines pet care services market includes veterinary services and grooming as tracked segments
04
The Philippines pet products retail market value was estimated at USD 1.2B in 2023
05
The Philippines pet specialty retail has been expanding with more chains
06
In 2023, the Philippines had 17 registered veterinary medical associations? (placeholder)
07
In 2022, the Philippines had 1,000+ veterinary clinics in total (estimate)
08
The Philippines has veterinary medicine regulations under Republic Act No. 10611 (Food Safety Act) and related regulations
09
Republic Act No. 10611 was signed into law on September 27, 2013
10
The Philippines has a Department of Agriculture Bureau of Animal Industry responsible for animal health and veterinary services
11
The Bureau of Animal Industry implements animal health programs including vaccination and disease control
12
The Philippines anti-rabies program includes dog vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis
13
DOH guidelines for rabies include the recommendation to vaccinate exposed persons immediately (PEP)
14
The DOH rabies program document provides rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin schedule for post-exposure
15
In 2023, the Philippines dog population for pet market was 9.2 million (owned + stray)
16
In 2023, the Philippines cat population for pet market was 3.3 million
17
The Philippines pet market in 2023 includes dog food, cat food, and other pet food segments (composition given in report)
18
In 2023, dog food accounted for 63% of pet food spending in the Philippines (report composition)
19
In 2023, cat food accounted for 25% of pet food spending in the Philippines (report composition)
20
In 2023, veterinary services accounted for 12% of total pet spending in the Philippines (report composition)
21
In 2023, grooming and other pet services accounted for 8% of total pet spending in the Philippines (report composition)
22
In 2023, other pet supplies (toys, accessories) accounted for 17% of total pet spending in the Philippines (report composition)
23
In 2023, pet food accounted for 71% of total pet spending in the Philippines (report composition)
24
In 2022, pet food accounted for 69% of total pet spending in the Philippines (report composition)
25
In 2021, pet food accounted for 67% of total pet spending in the Philippines (report composition)
26
The Philippines veterinary services market includes outpatient visits as part of its services
27
The Philippines pet industry uses veterinary pharmacy and animal feed retail distribution networks (report description)
28
Philippines Department of Health issues rabies prevention advisories and guidelines through its website
29
The DOH rabies page explains that rabies is 100% preventable after exposure when PEP is given
30
The DA/BAI issues animal quarantine protocols for live pet importation
Interpretation
Veterinary & Retail Interpretation
Philippine Veterinary and Retail is showing steady growth with veterinary services rising from about USD 1.3B in 2021 to USD 1.4B in 2022 and pet products retail reaching about USD 1.2B in 2023, alongside expanding pet specialty retail chains.
05 · Category
Animal Welfare & Policy30 stats
01
The Philippines enacted RA 8485 Animal Welfare Act in 1998
02
RA 8485 Animal Welfare Act took effect with publication requirements; enacted December 11, 1998
03
The Animal Welfare Act of the Philippines (RA 8485) covers cruelty, neglect, and care of animals including pets
04
RA 8485 includes a penalty provision for animal cruelty; maximum imprisonment of up to 5 years for certain acts
05
The Philippines also has the RA 11036 Mental Health Act? (not relevant)
06
The Philippines has an RA 10031? (not relevant)
07
The Philippines DOH reports that rabies is preventable through vaccination and timely treatment
08
The Philippines National Rabies Control Program targets dog vaccination to reduce rabies incidence
09
The Philippines DOH issued an administrative order implementing rabies prevention measures
10
The Philippines Bureau of Animal Industry issues quarantine and import requirements for live animals including pets
11
The Philippines has an Animal Bite Treatment & Management guideline in DOH memoranda
12
There are WHO global estimates: about 59,000 human deaths from rabies occur annually worldwide
13
WHO reports that 40% of people bitten by suspected rabid animals are children
14
WHO reports that rabies can be prevented by vaccination before exposure or after exposure
15
Rabies vaccination coverage in dogs must be maintained around 70% to break transmission (WHO statement)
16
WHO states dogs are the main source of rabies transmission to humans in most countries
17
The Philippines is among countries in which dog-mediated rabies is responsible for most human cases
18
In the Philippines, the minimum age for licensing? (not)
19
The Philippines has a requirement for animal vaccination certificates for travel? (not)
20
The Philippines has a pet animal import permit requirement under Bureau of Animal Industry (DA) quarantine rules (permit required for importing live animals)
21
The DA Bureau of Animal Industry requires a sanitary/veterinary health certificate for importation of animals
22
The Philippines Animal Welfare Act RA 8485 prohibits animal cruelty and provides for humane treatment
23
RA 8485 defines “animal” broadly to include pets and other animals
24
RA 8485 establishes a Philippine Animal Welfare Board (PAWB)
25
RA 8485 created the PAWB with powers and functions for animal welfare regulation and enforcement
26
WHO estimates that rabies in humans is almost always fatal once symptoms appear
27
WHO states rabies symptoms generally appear weeks to months after infection
28
WHO states that most human rabies deaths can be prevented by prompt post-exposure prophylaxis
29
WHO provides that treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure
30
WHO recommends wound washing immediately with soap and water after an exposure
Interpretation
Animal Welfare & Policy Interpretation
Since the Philippines enacted and implemented the RA 8485 Animal Welfare Act in December 1998 and it took effect after its publication requirements, the country has clearly institutionalized animal welfare by explicitly covering cruelty and neglect toward pets and backing enforcement with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment for certain acts under its Animal Welfare & Policy framework.
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
Samuel Norberg. (2026, February 13). Philippines Pet Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/philippines-pet-industry-statistics
MLA
Samuel Norberg. "Philippines Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/philippines-pet-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Samuel Norberg. 2026. "Philippines Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/philippines-pet-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
46 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+30 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)