Pets play a huge role in the lives of people throughout the UK and Europe. People are now focusing on keeping their puppies, curious cats or small pets healthy, happy and well.
This has impacted the pet care industry as pet owners are looking for ways to provide their pets with nutritious food, eco-friendly products, technology and personal solutions. Brands and retailers are expanding to provide more products for pet owners.
In this guide we will go over the 8 trends changing the pet care industry. We’ll also look at some examples of brands from the UK and Europe. Plus, we’ll give advice on what to consider when purchasing pet products. You can find more useful advice in our shopping guides hub.
People are focusing more on keeping their pets healthy, comfortable and providing them with a high quality of life. This has led to more spending on their pets with a focus on providing them with nutritious food, grooming, healthcare, insurance, accessories and tech.
One reason for this is some people are focusing on prevention by having regular vet checks, monitoring their pets’ nutrition and looking for products to help.
Shopping online has meant there is a wide variety of products to choose from. People can compare products and have them delivered to their door.
Brands are now providing products to help make things easier for pet owners.
One thing that is really standing out is people taking more notice of what they are feeding their pets. They are looking for products with the right ingredients and nutritional information for their pets’ age, size and individual needs.
Some people are looking for recipes with certain ingredients or special formulations for their pets. However, just because something says premium or grain free doesn’t mean it is better for them. Always focus on what their animal needs from a nutritional perspective.
Brands like Royal Canin provide nutrition products for certain breeds, life stages and dietary requirements. Lily's Kitchen and Edgard & Cooper provide products with certain ingredients.
This shows people are looking for better quality ingredients in their pets’ food.
More people are looking to purchase eco friendly products. Some people are looking at what products are being used for packaging, the materials used and if they are using responsibly sourced ingredients.
Pet care brands and retailers are providing products with eco friendly packaging, reusable accessories, biodegradable waste bags and toys made from alternative materials.
Some brands like Edgard & Cooper focus on sustainability. Retailers are expanding their product ranges to help those who want to purchase products with environmental considerations.
However, some products have different levels of sustainability. Always look for information about packaging, material, sourcing and disposal.
Technology is helping make everyday pet care easier. Products such as connected devices can help monitor activity, feeding and provide information about where your pet is.
GPS trackers are great for people who take their dogs outside. Products such as those from Tractive can help track where your pet is and monitor their activity. Tracking may vary depending on the GPS coverage, mobile coverage, settings and subscription.
Automatic feeders can help by allowing you to set how much and when to feed your pet. If you have a busy household this could be useful. Sure Petcare provide feeders and microchip doors.
These products can help with some everyday tasks. However, they don’t replace supervision and responsible pet care. Always compare what you need from the product in terms of connection, battery life, app features, compatibility and cost.
Pet care isn’t just about providing food, shelter and basic grooming. Many people are now focusing on providing their pets with exercise, dental care, skin care, weight management and regular visits to the vets.
There are products to help with this such as chews, grooming products, supplements and specialised food. However not all animals will be suitable for these products. Always take care when choosing supplements and products that make health claims.
Brands such as Virbac provide animal health and vet care. Pet food brands such as Harringtons provide a wide range of food.
Always think about whether the product is suitable for your pet's age, health and situation. Don’t rely on product descriptions; seek advice from a vet.
Many pet owners are now shopping online. This has helped provide a wide variety of products. People can search for food, toys, grooming products, accessories and healthcare products.
Pets at Home, Zooplus and VioVet all provide a variety of pet products. Shopping online can help you compare products with ease.
However, always make sure you know what you’re getting. Check the seller information, product information, delivery costs, return policy and customer service.
Read our guide on how to shop safely online in the UK and Europe for more advice. These checks can also help when purchasing pet food, accessories and other supplies.
Seeing a vet can be expensive. This means some people are looking at pet insurance to help cover any costs. There are a variety of pet insurance providers such as Petplan, ManyPets and Agria. Depending on the policy you choose you may be covered for accidents, illness and treatments.
However, there are a variety of policies available. Always compare the cost of the policy, excess, exclusions, waiting period, annual limits and what isn’t covered.
Not every household will want to use pet insurance. Comparing the policies can help decide whether it’s suitable.
Pet owners are looking for products that are tailored to their pets' individual needs.
There are ranges of food for different ages, sizes, breeds and activity levels. There are also accessories available in different sizes.
Personalised products can help you find what you need; however, always check if the product is suitable. Harnesses should fit properly and beds should give enough space and support.
This shows there is a wide variety of products available. Always think about what your individual pet needs.
Modern shopping has become very convenient. Pet care can be made easier with subscription services. This allows you to have products such as food, treats and everyday products sent to you on a regular basis.
Some online pet retailers provide scheduled orders, reminders and discounts for subscriptions. This can help with managing your household.
Always check what the subscription involves. You should know how to cancel, how often it will be sent, if the price will change, minimum orders and if you can pause your order.
This can be useful if your pet uses the product regularly. However, make sure you’re aware of the cost and compare the price and quality of products before choosing a subscription.
There are many brands in the pet care industry in the UK and Europe. Below are some examples of the different product ranges available.
These brands operate in different areas of the market so aren’t direct substitutes. Products may differ in suitability, availability, pricing and services.
With so many products and brands to choose from it can be overwhelming. Below are a few top tips:
Consider your pet's age, size, breed, activity level and individual needs. Not all products will be suitable for your pet.
If you are purchasing food, check the ingredients and nutritional information. If it’s a healthcare product or supplement, check what it’s for. If you’re not sure if it’s suitable, seek advice from a vet.
Not all high-priced products are the best. Compare the product specifications, materials, quantity, quality and how it will be used. Read our guide to comparing price versus quality when shopping for more information.
Customer reviews can help you see what people are saying. Look for reviews that are relevant and provide useful details about the product.
Before ordering, check the delivery charges, return policy, payment options and customer service. This is especially important if you’re purchasing products on a regular basis or they’re expensive.
If you’re looking for products relating to nutrition, supplements, medication or health issues, a qualified vet can advise you.
There are many trends changing the pet care industry. Pet owners are expecting more, with a focus on providing their pets with premium nutrition, eco-friendly products, pet tech, wellness, insurance and convenient shopping.
Whether you’re comparing food from Royal Canin and Lily's Kitchen, looking at products from Pets at Home and Zooplus or looking at GPS trackers from Tractive, always focus on your pet's individual needs.
Comparing product information, seller policies and thinking about value for money can help you make more informed decisions.
The Shoptique Editorial Team creates guides that help readers understand shopping, consumer technology and product specifications. These guides explain terms show how devices work and give clear information in plain language. We research carefully use sources and check facts before we publish.
