Gitnux/Report 2026

Philippines Pet Industry Statistics

Philippines pet numbers are still climbing fast, with 12.5 million pets in 2023 and a sharp split that has dogs at 73.6% and cats at 26.4%. But rabies remains a persistent backdrop to every leash and clinic visit, even as the pet spending market reached about USD 1.7B in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 2.1B by 2026.
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Philippines Pet Industry Statistics
Verified via a 4-step process
01Source

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02Verify

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03Grade

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04Cite

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Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Next review Dec 2026
Philippine pet spending was estimated at USD 1.7B in 2023, up from USD 1.5B in 2022. The country is also expanding its pet population, with 9.2 million dogs and 3.3 million cats counted in 2023, totaling 12.5 million pets. Growth is rising alongside a public health constraint, since dog-mediated rabies remains endemic.

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

In 2023, Philippines pet numbers reached 12.5 million, mainly dogs, alongside rising pet spending and rabies risk.

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 2013 to 2023 the Philippines’ pet population swelled from about 4.9 million to 12.5 million, with dogs doing most of the work, yet rabies remains stubbornly endemic and pet ownership is still only held by roughly a quarter of households, underscoring a mix of growing companionship and urgent public health responsibility.

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

Philippine pet spending is rising fast from USD 540M in 2014 to a projected USD 2.1B by 2026, climbing at a 9% CAGR as per-pet spending jumps from about USD 100 in 2020 to USD 136 in 2023, which is the country’s way of quietly telling pets they are not just animals, they are family budgets with a future.

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

In 2022 the Philippines more than just showed love to pets by importing $285.6 million of dog and cat food and $86.1 million in grooming supplies while simultaneously bringing in $1.17 billion in veterinary medicines, proving that for a growing pet market, the real “care package” arrives mostly in pallets, not prayers.

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

In the Philippines, a pet economy that’s growing from USD 1.3 billion veterinary services in 2021 to about USD 1.4 billion in 2022 is being held together by a steady supply chain and regulation framework, with pet food still dominating spending at 71 percent in 2023, while the nation’s serious rabies playbook under DOH and DA guidance treats prevention as non negotiable, reminding everyone that with prompt PEP and properly timed vaccination, rabies is 100 percent preventable after exposure.

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

The Philippines’ RA 8485 Animal Welfare Act, signed in 1998 and backed by penalties, sets the legal tone for humane treatment and enforcement, while the country’s rabies strategy led by the DOH and the Bureau of Animal Industry treats vaccination and prompt post exposure action as the not so subtle reality check that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, which is why keeping dog vaccination coverage near the WHO suggested 70 percent and ensuring immediate wound washing and timely care are taken seriously, even as the law and quarantine rules ensure pets and other live animals are handled responsibly at both the hearts and borders level.
Reference

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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.