By 
If you’ve been running a pet store for a while, you’ve probably noticed that the way pet owners shop keeps changing. And next year, they’ll spend more time, money, and love on their furry friends than ever before.
Knowing which trends to watch can help you sell more, connect with your customers, and keep them coming back. Luckily, there’s plenty you can tap into if you know where to look.
Here are seven pet industry trends to watch in 2026 — and simple ways small, independent pet stores like yours can make the most of them.
Let’s dive in.
1. Pet Wellness Products
Pets are family. And just like people, they need the right care to stay healthy. Wellness products are booming — with supplements, probiotics, dental care, and grooming items flying off the shelves.
For example, a dog owner might come in looking for a joint supplement because their older dog struggles to climb the stairs, or a cat owner might want a probiotic to help with digestion. These little things can make a huge difference, and customers are willing to spend.
Why it matters: Customers want products that help pets feel good and live longer.
How to take advantage:
- Add wellness items: Include joint supplements, vitamins, probiotics, dental chews, and skin and hair products.
- Educate customers: Put up small info cards or online posts explaining why these products help. A quick “Did you know?” fact can make a sale.
- Offer wellness bundles: Pair a joint supplement with a dental chew or grooming product for an easy care package that’s convenient for the customer.
- Highlight trends: Calming treats and immune-boosting supplements are growing fast. If your store carries these, make them easy to spot.
Related Read: What Are the Top Pet Products To Sell in 2025? [& How To Manage Them]
2. Mental Stimulation Toys
Ever had your shoes or cords chewed by your furry friend? If you haven’t, surely some of your customers have.
Pets get bored, and bored pets can get into trouble. That’s why mental stimulation toys and puzzles are becoming super popular. They keep pets busy, happy, and smart.
Take interactive treat puzzles, which challenge dogs to figure out how to get the treat inside. Cats love toys that mimic prey, like laser pointers and moving mice. Mental stimulation can prevent problem behaviors.
Why it matters: Customers want pets to be healthy in body and mind.
How to take advantage:
- Stock toys for different skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
- Show customers how toys work in store and online. Short demo videos are a big help.
- Create themed kits like “Brainy Dog Starter Pack” or “Cat Puzzle Fun Pack.”
3. Specialty & Fresh Foods
Pet owners are paying more attention to what goes into their pets’ bowls. Organic, fresh, and refrigerated foods are on the rise, and some brands are even creating meals that more closely resemble what pets would eat in the wild.
Think about it — a dog owner who feeds fresh, healthy meals feels like they’re giving their pet the best life possible. They’re willing to pay for it. And that’s a huge opportunity for retailers.
Why it matters: Customers are looking for high-quality, healthy food for their pets.
How to take advantage:
- Add fresh or premium foods to your shelves or online store.
- Offer samples so pets can try before customers commit.
- Make the quality obvious by highlighting natural ingredients, limited preservatives, and locally sourced meats.
- Educate customers about special diets such as grain-free, limited-ingredient, or raw and freeze-dried options.
4. Pickup & Delivery Options
Convenience is king. Busy pet owners want their supplies without leaving home, which is why local pickup and delivery are becoming essential. Even small shops can compete with big-box stores by making it easy for customers to get what they need.
Why it matters: Customers come back if buying from you is easy.
How to take advantage:
- Offer curbside pickup for quick trips.
- Set up a delivery option for loyal customers or high-demand items.
- Make ordering simple — through online forms, text orders, or a POS system that tracks inventory and purchases.
Even if you can’t deliver everywhere, offering same-day pickup or “order today, pick up tonight” options can give your store a competitive edge.
5. Pet Celebrations
People love celebrating their pets’ birthdays, Halloween, and holidays. This means costumes, treats, party supplies, and themed toys are selling more than ever.
Why it matters: Customers want ways to show love for their pets, and they’ll pay for it.
How to take advantage:
- Stock seasonal and themed products.
- Host in-store events, like pet birthday parties and costume contests.
- Create bundled celebration packages for convenience.
6. Pet Tech & Smart Gadgets
Technology isn’t just for humans anymore. Smart collars, automatic feeders, GPS trackers, and AI toys are becoming increasingly common. They help owners monitor their pets’ health, activity, and safety from anywhere.
Why it matters: Tech-savvy customers want gadgets that make pet care easier and more fun.
How to take advantage:
- Offer smart gadgets in your store and online.
- Create simple “how-to” guides or demo videos to help customers understand the technology.
- Train your team to answer questions. Confident, helpful staff increase sales.
Related Read: 6 Pet Technology Trends [+ How To Make the Most of Them]
7. Pet Insurance
Vet bills are rising, and many pet owners are looking for insurance to cover emergencies, surgeries, and routine care.
Why it matters: Customers want peace of mind, and insurance is a simple way for them to get it.
How to take advantage:
- Partner with insurance providers to offer plans.
- Educate customers on what’s covered and why it helps.
- Bundle insurance info with other services or products to make signing up easy.
How eTailPet Can Keep Your Store Ahead of the 2026 Pet Industry Trends
Keeping up with all these pet industry trends and trying to make your customers happy at the same time can feel overwhelming. That’s where eTailPet comes in.
Made for independent pet stores, eTailPet is an all-in-one point of sale (POS) system that gives you the tools you need to grow and succeed in 2026 and beyond.
With eTailPet, you can:
- Manage sales in your store and online from one simple platform.
- Add new products, run promotions, and keep your inventory updated across all channels.
- Offer curbside pickup and local delivery with just a few clicks.
- Create bundles and loyalty programs that reward your customers and their pets.
- Share helpful tips, demos, and event info to engage pet parents in store and online.
- Send reminders, birthday messages, and special offers based on what your customers buy.
Ready to make your pet store future-ready? Discover how eTailPet can help you grow, connect, and stand out from the pack. Schedule a demo with one of our industry experts today.
