The pet retail industry is thriving, driven by shifting consumer habits and innovative technologies — and understanding emerging pet retail industry trends gives businesses a competitive edge in meeting the demands of today's pet-loving consumers.
In this blog, we’ll explore 23 key pet retail industry trends that are reshaping the industry, from evolving pet owner preferences to advancements in pet technology — plus, we’ll explain how these factors are revolutionizing the pet retail landscape.
Revolutionizing Connection: The Humanization of Pets
The humanization of pets is redefining the pet-owner bond, as pets are increasingly regarded as cherished family members. This is influencing consumer preferences and driving demand for premium pet products and services.
1. Pets as a Vital Part of the Family
Today, a staggering 97% of pet owners consider their pets as integral members of their family. This trend highlights a significant shift in how our society perceives pets — not merely as animals, but as beloved companions who provide emotional and psychological support. This strong emotional bond is driving changes in consumer behavior, influencing purchasing decisions and lifestyle choices that prioritize the well-being and happiness of pets.
This means that pet owners are now looking for products and services that reflect their pets' status as family members, including premium pet foods, health supplements, and even personalized pet care services. This humanization of pets means that businesses in the pet industry must cater to this growing demand for high-quality, thoughtful, and innovative products that improve the life of both pets and owners.
As this trend strengthens, it opens plenty of opportunities for pet retailers to get creative and diversify their offerings. Products that enhance the human-pet relationship can expect increased demand, encouraging companies to invest in research and development that aligns with these evolving consumer expectations. In response, businesses need to embrace this new standard and recognize the profound role pets play in family dynamics.
2. Improved Mental Health
The relationship between pets and their owners goes beyond companionship — it actually offers significant mental health benefits. A noteworthy 86% of pet owners have reported improvements in their mental health, emphasizing just how therapeutic owning a pet can be.
Pets offer unconditional love and companionship, which can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, reduce stress, and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. This trend highlights the importance of pets in enhancing the quality of human life, and suggests that the pet industry should continue to focus on products and services that strengthen this beneficial bond.
3. Better Physical Health
Owning a pet is not just about companionship — it also brings notable health benefits, with 76% of pet owners acknowledging better physical health due to their furry friends. This trend reflects how pets encourage a more active lifestyle, whether through daily walks, playtime, or other physical activities that promote exercise. Pets also contribute to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, and increased opportunities for outdoor socialization.
These health advantages enhance personal well-being and decrease the likelihood of health issues associated with sedentary lifestyles. The pet industry can easily capitalize on this trend by offering products and services that support active and healthy lifestyles for both pets and their owners.
As pets become further integrated into family life, businesses must adapt their strategies to cater to this trend.
Innovative Retail Strategies: Enhancing Customer Loyalty
The competitive pet retail sector is increasingly focused on enhancing customer loyalty and experience.
4. Loyalty Programs
68% of businesses are turning to loyalty programs to strengthen customer relationships and enhance retention. This focus on loyalty programs signifies a strategic move to cultivate long-term relationships with customers by rewarding them for their continued patronage.
These programs often include points systems, discounts, or exclusive offers, which can significantly increase customer engagement and promote repeat business. These initiatives boost customer satisfaction and give businesses valuable data on purchasing patterns, which allows for more personalized marketing efforts and improved customer experience.
5. Bundled Discounts
55% of businesses are leveraging bundled discounts to attract and retain customers. This trend involves offering multiple products or services at a reduced price when purchased together, encouraging consumers to buy more than they initially intended.
Bundled discounts enhance perceived value for customers and increase sales volumes and average transaction sizes for retailers. By strategically combining complementary products, businesses can optimize inventory turnover and create attractive offers that differentiate them from competitors. Your pet store could bundle commonly purchased items, such as a leash, feeding stand, and dog bed.
6. Discount Offers
When trying to expand their customer base, 49% of businesses contemplate offering discounts specifically targeted at new customers. This approach is designed to attract first-time buyers by providing an enticing entry point into the brand, ultimately aiming to convert them into repeat customers.
New customer discounts can be a powerful marketing tool, lowering the initial barrier to purchase and increasing the likelihood of a long-term relationship. When using these discounts, businesses can increase their market share and boost sales, making them a critical component in competitive market strategies.
Related Read: 10 Bestselling Dog Products To Stock in Your Pet Store
7. Pet Daycare
The growing demand for pet daycare services is reflective of modern pet parents' needs to ensure their pets receive proper care and socialization even when they're busy. This trend is driven by the increasing humanization of pets, with owners viewing daycare services as essential for their pets' physical and emotional well-being.
Pet daycare offers a solution for busy schedules and provides socialization opportunities for pets, contributing to their overall happiness and reducing behavioral issues. As more pet owners prioritize their pets' well-being, the pet daycare industry is poised for significant growth, giving businesses an opportunity to expand their service offerings and cater to this evolving market need.
8. Mobile Grooming
The mobile grooming trend is gaining traction, driven by modern pet owners' desire for convenience and personalized service. Mobile grooming services bring professional pet care to the customer’s doorstep, eliminating the hassle and stress often associated with traditional grooming appointments.
This trend caters to busy lifestyles and offers pet owners a flexible and time-saving solution without compromising the quality of care. You’ll create new opportunities for your pet store by providing a personalized, one-on-one experience, mobile grooming
As retailers strive to maintain and expand their customer base, these emerging pet retail industry trends in convenience and loyalty will shape the future of pet retail.
Automating Pet Care: Innovations for Modern Pet Owners
The demand for automated pet products is growing as busy pet parents seek efficient solutions to manage pet care — and these innovations are revolutionizing the market.
9. Automated Feeders
The trend of automated feeders is transforming pet care by giving pet owners unprecedented convenience and control. These devices allow pet parents to schedule meal times and manage portion sizes, ensuring their pets receive consistent nutrition even when their owners aren’t home. Automated feeders are particularly beneficial for busy pet owners who can’t maintain a regular feeding schedule due to work or other commitments.
This innovation reduces the stress associated with pet feeding and helps prevent overeating, promoting better health and well-being for pets. As more pet owners seek solutions that offer flexibility and peace of mind, automated feeders are set to become an essential part of modern pet care.
10. Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes
The trend of self-cleaning litter boxes is redefining convenience in pet care, offering a hassle-free solution for pet owners who desire a clean environment for their pets without constant manual upkeep. These innovative devices automate the task of cleaning up after cats, using sensors to detect waste and mechanisms to sift and dispose of it into a sealed compartment, significantly reducing odors and eliminating the daily chore of scooping.
This trend appeals particularly to busy pet parents and those who travel frequently, ensuring that their pets' litter needs are managed efficiently even in their absence. Self-cleaning litter boxes enable pet owners to maintain a hygienic space with minimal effort.
11. Interactive Toys
The popularity of interactive toys for pets is gaining momentum as pet owners look for engaging and stimulating solutions to enrich their pets' lives. These toys are designed to be mentally and physically stimulating, catering to the natural instincts of pets to play and explore. These toys help prevent boredom and reduce destructive behaviors often associated with lack of activity.
Products like ball launchers and robot laser chasers are particularly appealing to pet owners who wish to enhance their pets' quality of life, even when they’re not home. As more pet owners embrace these innovative products, the market for interactive pet toys will grow, offering plenty of opportunities for businesses to innovate and meet this growing demand.
12. Temperature-Tracking Pet Cameras
Temperature-tracking pet cameras are another pioneering trend in pet care, offering pet owners the ability to monitor their pets' activities and ensure their comfort by tracking environmental conditions. These advanced gadgets allow owners to remotely check in on their pets through live video feeds, all while providing real-time temperature data of the pet's surroundings.
This feature is particularly beneficial in preventing overheating or cold stress, ensuring pets remain in a comfortable and safe environment at all times. The growing preference for this technology proves that more pet parents are looking for integrated and comprehensive pet care solutions, as they prioritize the health and comfort of their furry family members.
13. Communication Buttons
Communication buttons for pets is a fascinating development, enabling animals to express needs and desires more clearly. These devices consist of programmable buttons that, when pressed, produce words or phrases, allowing pets to communicate basic requests such as "outside," "food," or "play."
This innovative approach strengthens the bond between pets and their owners and enhances the understanding of pets' behaviors and emotional states. As more pet owners embrace this technology, the trend suggests a growing interest in tools that encourage deeper, more meaningful interactions between humans and their pets.
As technology continues to advance, automated pet products are sure to become even more integral to the lives of modern pet owners.
Pet Tech: The Future of Pet Safety and Engagement
The pet technology sector is booming with innovations designed to enhance pet safety and engagement.
14. GPS Pet Fences
GPS pet fences are an innovative solution reshaping how pet owners keep their pets safe. These systems utilize advanced GPS technology to create invisible boundaries that help keep pets within a designated safe area. When a pet approaches the boundary, the system alerts the owner, so they can quickly intervene.
This technology is a flexible alternative to traditional physical fences, offering greater freedom for pets to roam and play while maintaining their safety. Innovation within the pet technology market continues to expand as more pet owners seek reliable and convenient methods to supervise their pets.
15. GPS Trackers
GPS trackers for pets are now an essential tool for pet owners focused on safety and security. These devices provide real-time location tracking, allowing owners to monitor their pets' whereabouts and prevent them from getting lost.
The peace of mind offered by knowing a pet's precise location at any given time makes GPS trackers popular among those who live in urban environments with high traffic or rural areas where pets might wander far from home. This trend is further driven by advancements in technology that make these devices more affordable and user-friendly, expanding their appeal to a broader audience.
16. Slow Feeder Bowl
Slow feeder bowls are becoming a staple in pet care, addressing the common problem of pets eating too quickly, which can lead to digestive issues and obesity. These bowls are designed with obstacles that compel pets to eat at a slower pace, promoting healthier eating habits and better digestion.
This trend is part of a broader awareness of pet health and wellness, aligning with owners' desires to give their pets the best nutrition and care possible. As more pet owners recognize the benefits of moderated feeding, slow feeder bowls are increasingly seen as an essential tool in promoting long-term health and preventing potential health complications.
17. Treat Puzzles
Treat puzzles are a growing trend among pet owners who want to provide their pets with both mental stimulation and entertainment. These toys encourage pets to engage their cognitive skills by challenging them to solve puzzles to earn a treat. This kind of play keeps pets entertained and sharpens their problem-solving abilities and reduces boredom-induced stress or destructive behavior.
As pet owners increasingly prioritize their pets' mental well-being alongside physical health, the demand for treat puzzles is expected to rise — this means there’s a promising opportunity for businesses to expand their product lines in the pet entertainment sector.
18. Water-Powered Pet Cooling Mats
Water-powered pet cooling mats are an innovative solution addressing the needs of pet owners seeking to ensure their pets' comfort during hot weather. These mats utilize the natural cooling properties of water, providing a safe, non-toxic alternative to gel or ice-based products. As temperatures rise, pet owners look for effective ways to keep their pets cool, especially those with breeds susceptible to heat.
This trend reflects a growing market interest in eco-friendly, efficient, and easy-to-use products that cater to the health and well-being of pets. Pet comfort and safety has become more important to pet owners. Pet parents are turning to water-powered cooling mats for their practicality and effectiveness in managing pets' body temperatures during warm seasons.
Embracing these technologies improves the pet experience and builds a stronger bond between pets and their owners.
Nutrition Revolution: Advanced Diets for Healthier Pets
Pet nutrition is witnessing a transformation as consumers seek products that support their pets' health and longevity.
19. Dog Probiotics
Dog probiotics are emerging as a significant trend in pet wellness, aligning with the growing awareness of the importance of gut health in humans. These supplements promote a balanced intestinal flora, which enhances digestion, boosts the immune system, and improves overall health and vitality in dogs.
As more pet owners recognize the benefits of probiotics, they’re integrating them into their pets' diets to prevent common gastrointestinal issues and support long-term well-being. This trend reflects a shift towards more holistic health solutions for pets and drives innovation in the pet supplement market, offering opportunities for businesses to develop specialized probiotic products tailored to specific breeds and health concerns.
20. Urinary Care Cat Food
Urinary care cat food is gaining popularity as pet owners start to understand the importance of dietary management in preventing urinary tract issues. These specialized diets are formulated to support urinary health by controlling mineral levels that can lead to stone formation, ensuring the pH balance of the urine is maintained.
This trend reflects a broader shift towards preventative healthcare in pets, and an understanding that diet can play a critical role in long-term health outcomes. With more cat owners seeking proactive solutions to avoid costly vet visits and ensure their pets' well-being, the market for urinary care cat foods is expected to expand, offering a promising area of growth for pet food manufacturers.
21. Collagen Sticks
Collagen sticks for dogs are becoming increasingly popular as pet owners look for ways to support their pets' joint health, skin, and coat condition. These chewable treats are rich in collagen, a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy joints and connective tissues.
As dogs age, their natural collagen production slows down, leading to joint stiffness and other age-related issues. Collagen sticks help to supplement this deficit, promoting healthier joints and a more active lifestyle for aging pets. This trend aligns with the broader focus on preventative health care in the pet industry, offering a natural solution that targets common health concerns in dogs.
22. Pet Bakeries and Cafes
Pet bakeries and cafes are emerging as a delightful trend that combines culinary delights and community engagement for pet owners. These establishments cater to the growing demand for gourmet pet treats and social outings for pets and their owners.
Pet bakeries offer freshly baked, high-quality treats tailored to pets' dietary needs, while pet cafes provide a social space where pet owners can relax and socialize while their pets enjoy a treat or play with others. This trend reflects the increasing humanization of pets, where pet owners look for experiences that mirror their own lifestyle choices and preferences. As this trend grows, it offers pet businesses a unique opportunity to create community-centric spaces that foster connections between pet owners and their furry companions.
23. Pet Supplements
Pet supplements are now a staple in pet wellness routines, as pet owners strive to improve the overall health and quality of life of their furry companions. These supplements — including vitamins, minerals, and specialized formulas — are designed to support various aspects of pet health, such as joint care, digestive health, and coat strength.
With growing awareness of the benefits of preventative health measures, pet owners are turning to supplements as an essential component of their pets' daily diets. This trend underscores the evolving view of pets as cherished family members and presents significant opportunities for growth in the pet supplement market.
The focus on advanced nutrition products highlights a growing awareness among pet owners regarding the impacts of diet on pet health.
How To Harness Pet Retail Industry Trends for Success
As the pet retail industry evolves, businesses are seeing a remarkable transformation fueled by trends that prioritize convenience, technological innovation, and a complete understanding of pet care. These shifts are setting new standards in how pet products and services are conceptualized and delivered, offering retailers new opportunities to innovate and expand their offerings.
eTailPet offers a unique advantage with its comprehensive suite of point of sale (POS) solutions designed to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive sales. By harnessing the latest in digital technology and consumer insights, eTailPet supports retailers as they cater to the latest demands of pet owners, ensuring they remain competitive in this evolving market.
Whether it's through optimizing inventory management, enhancing loyalty programs, or developing targeted marketing strategies, eTailPet empowers independent pet businesses to deliver exceptional value to their customers.
To learn more about how eTailPet can transform your business, schedule a demo today.
