The pet market in France

This study analyses pet health insurance in France, primarily for dogs and cats, from owners’ needs to operators’ business models. It distinguishes this coverage from third-party liability insurance and explains how roles are divided among insurers, brokers, veterinarians and distributors. The potential is substantial but remains largely untapped: France had 26,2 million dogs and cats in 2025-2026, while only 7 to 8 % of them were insured in 2026. The study examines the factors shaping demand: frequency of consultations, veterinary budgets, owners’ age and place of residence, inflation, multiple-pet ownership and foregoing care. In 2023, only 28 % of surveyed owners could immediately pay an unexpected estimate of 900 euros. It then details the barriers to and triggers for taking out a policy, particularly price, veterinary advice, the experience of a high bill and the time of adoption. Coverage is compared beyond the stated reimbursement rate: deductibles, caps, waiting periods, exclus

This study analyses the French pet food market by linking household consumption, supply structure, domestic production, foreign trade and distribution dynamics. It defines the economic scope of pet food, centred on dogs and cats but placed within the context of the overall pet population, and tracks the slowdown in growth after the inflationary shock. Household spending on dog and cat food reached 6,33 billion euros including VAT in 2025, while food retail accounted for 3,02 billion euros in the mass grocery retail channel alone that same year. The study also shows how demand is split between dry and wet food, with cat food segments dominating in value, and how trade-offs relating to price, format, perceived quality and veterinary advice shape purchasing decisions. The document sheds light on France’s industrial base, with 1,84 million tonnes produced, 38 plants and 7 800 direct jobs in 2025, as well as recent investments by major groups and contract manufacturers. It examines the comp

The pet food market includes food for dogs, cats, birds, fish, small reptiles and mammals, but excludes food for livestock or farm animals. The pet food market is a segment of the pet market that also includes the category of accessories, hygiene and grooming products