Pets. They’re everywhere - strolling through parks, lounging in cafés, riding the tube, and even joining us at the workplace. Pet ownership and adoration are at an all-time high, with the industry thriving by billions each year.

Beyond companionship, pets are now seen as essential aids for improving mental and physical health, such as lowering depression rates and increasing outdoor and physical activity in their owners.

From gourmet meals to designer accessories and longevity treatments, the way we care for our pets now mirrors our own lifestyles, with an increased focus on nutrition, fashion and wellness.

So with the majority of the public increasingly choosing to share their homes and hearts with pets worldwide, what are the latest trends and innovations shaping the pet industry, today and in the future?

Across the UK alone, we are seeing a rapid increase in ownership, with animal lovers looking after a staggering 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats (UK Pet Food, 2024) as well as large numbers of birds, domestic fowl, and other non-aquatic animals.

These numbers are continuing to increase though the younger generations, with Forbes Advisor reporting that, in 2024, 86% of Gen Z own a dog; a significantly higher rate than the 50% of Boomers with canine companions.

Rising living costs and shifting views on reproduction and sustainability have also made pets a popular alternative to raising children - particularly with younger generations seeking fellowship without having to sacrifice their relative financial and social freedoms, with birth rates declining and many choosing to adopt “fur babies” instead. Consumer Affairs (2024) revealed that a staggering 81% of US millennials admit to loving their pet more than at least one family member.

Three key trends are shaping the future of animal cuisine: sustainability, humanisation, and wellness.

With the climate crisis driving demand for eco-friendly pet food, brands like Friends & Family are pioneering cultivated meat, which is essentially identical to farmed meat but produced without emissions (soon launching in the UK).

Meanwhile, indulgence is on the rise, with Van Leeuwen and Ollie creating dog-friendly ice cream and Cosmicos Pet Bakery crafting bespoke treats like ‘Barkcuterie boards’ and ‘Pupcakes’.

Health and longevity are also top priorities, with brands like Native Pet championing organic, additive-free diets - aligning pet nutrition with human wellness trends.

Innovation is redefining pet care, with advancements in health, beauty, and lifestyle catering to rising owner expectations. From DNA testing and longevity drugs to designer fragrances and skincare, pets are now pampered like never before with new product categories booming.

Loyal, a biotech company, is tackling canine ageing, by developing treatments that could extend the lifespans of larger dog breeds. Meanwhile, luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Cleo&Hooman are seizing opportunity by tapping into the booming pet market, which, according to Arizton, is expected to hit $400.4bn billion by 2028.

Pet-friendly spaces are also on the rise, with cities adapting to the increase in furry friends we see that even public institutions are changing their offer to engage with pet parents e.g. museums in Italy offer free dog-sitting to encourage visitors.

Meanwhile on a smaller scale, concepts like Toronto’s Hound House - a hybrid indoor dog park, co-working space, and café - creating social hubs for pets and their owners alike.

Pet products are becoming an extension of their owners’ identities, blending fashion, tech, and lifestyle. From Wild One’s creative leash flairs to Roika’s minimalist dog toys, the pet accessories are becoming increasingly-curated and customisable.

With 52% of UK pet owners posting about their animals every two days, pets now have an image to uphold - dressed in designer gear, starring in vlogs, and even joining cultural celebrations.

Luxury brands like Liberty London, Prada, and Louis Vuitton have embraced this trend, offering pet accessories that mirror their main collections - taking full advantage of consumers’ desires to style and create content of their pets.

Tech is also transforming pet care, with innovations like Fi’s smart collar for tracking and PEPTA’s multi-pet feeder making life easier. Gadgets like Pawport reinvent the pet flap with a Bluetooth collar tag that acts as a key, allowing only your pet to enter and exit while tracking their movements and keeping out wild animals or intruders.