The pet market - Germany

1.1 Definition and scope of the study

The companion animal market encompasses the demand for various types of animals to be kept and cared for as pets. Pets are companion animals kept by people for a variety of reasons, including companionship, emotional support, recreational companionship, or therapeutic reasons. The most common pets include dogs, cats, birds, small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, and aquarium animals and reptiles. In addition to the sale of animals, the pet market also includes thetrade of pet supplies such as food, toys, cages, grooming products, and veterinary services.

The global pet market is witnessing continuous growth owing to the rising demand for animal companionship and increased interest in pets across the globe. According to statistics, the global pet market revenue is currently around xxx billion U.S. dollars. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate(CAGR) of 5.8% from 2023 to 2028.[Petfood Industry]

In Germany, there are a significant number of pets that are kept and cared for by people. According to current estimates, the number of pets in Germany is about 34 million.[ZZF] This number includes dogs, cats, birds, small animals, aquarium animals and reptiles. The most popular pets in Germany are dogs and cats. Cats take the largest share, accounting for about 44.7% of the pet population, followed by dogs with a share of about 31.1%.[ZZF]

In the market for pets in Germany, some of the largest competitors vie for market share and consumer favor. These include Fressnapf, Zooplus, Royal Canin, Mars Petcare, Eukanuba and veterinary practices/clinics. Each of them offers a wide range of pet products and services to meet the needs of pet owners.