Pet Trends Catch-Up 2022

The pet industry in the past few years has been experiencing explosive growth due to a shift in how much pet owners spend on their pets.

There have been some incredible changes in pet ownership. Some of these are due to the progress of modern technology and the emergence of online purchasing.

People also claim that another reason behind the growth is the changes in culture.

The millennial and Generation Z pet owners have developed a greater passion for pet-owning and pet-loving lifestyles than their elders as they come into adulthood.

However, it is important to note that pet industry trends are not only about food and treats but also about pet health and wellness.

This article will be a quick way for you to know about the relevant information going on in the pet industry in the past few years when it comes to pet humanization, nutrition, and sustainability.

Pet Humanisation

One of the biggest pet trends reshaping the pet care industry is pet humanization.

It involves the manner in which pet owners give their pets children treatment and are highly receptive to products similar to the ones they use.

The transition toward pet humanization by pet owners happens to be the main force supercharging the growth of the pet care industry.

Now, pets are an integral part of the family more than ever. The way pet owners value physical and emotional needs as much as their own has remarkably increased.

Separation Anxiety

One of the ways to prove that you’re a better pet parent is by providing smart solutions that could help battle separation anxiety when your pets are suffering from it. This is claimed to be one of the top pet care trends in 2022.

People have always relied on their pets to be friends and offer emotional support. In 2022, it could be fairly assumed that pet owners would repay this favor, which definitely, will lead to the rapid growth of the pet industry – taking it to new heights.

Pets, particularly dogs, usually feel lonely and frightened when left home alone for a long time. This anxiety can make them chew objects or furniture at home, scratch floorboards or doors, lick or chew excessively, howl loudly, increase heart or breathing rates, and tremble or pace.

Moreover, some dogs that can’t cope with loneliness may destroy things or bark to express their feelings, while others may sit suffering calmly and suffering in silence.

So, in case you see your dogs are showing signs of separation anxiety, you can help by providing them things like chew toys or long-lasting treats to prevent boredom.

Mental Health

As people begin to return to their places of work and start socializing, managing the mental health of pets will be a challenge.

Several pet owners find it frustrating as a lot of pandemic puppies have yet to learn independence, which makes them rely on pet care for assistance.

Unlike before when more money is spent on dog health treatments (such as acupuncture and massages), anxiety and calming products such as home diffusers and customized collars are now heavily demanded in the market.

Pet Nutrition

Subsequently, another rising trend is pet food quality enhancement and nutrition improvement. Pet owners will ensure that their pets get a healthy and well-balanced diet suitable for their needs.

This explains why many of us will prefer alternative protein sources that feature more nutritional benefits and less environmental impact, which can be found in fresh food options.

Spending Trends

Recently, more emphasis has been placed on “what to buy,” “increased prices in pet goods,” and ” “changes in the type of food.”

In the last 12 months, a lot of pet owners have spent more on their pets with respect to their wellness-related products, food, and other care items.

Vet care is already a bigger expense as several pet owners claim to have visited three times during the year. 

Moreover, pet owners spent more on beds, crates, treats, carriers, leashes and collars, hardness, shampoo, and toys. More dog owners prefer to buy premium dog food in 2020, which is an increase from 37% to 41%.  The U.S. and China are the two largest global pet food markets.

In these markets, freeze-dried products have been reaching out and gaining more share as pet owners continue to be interested in raw food and the premium nature the products have.

Research also shows that raw dog food has increased to about 147% in purchasing patterns in the last five years. Moreso, an average of 42% of cat and dog owners will buy premium pet food with more money.

Buying Pet Goods Online

Due to the pandemic, many pet owners now buy pet goods online. It is seen that about 42% of pet owners now go online to purchase their pet food.

Another study shows that online shopping by pet owners increased by almost 20% to about 86%. About 60% of pet owners usually bought their pet products at physical stores before the pandemic. 

But during the pandemic, there was a dropped in in-person shopping to about 41%, with dog owners of about 80% now purchasing their pet goods online.

Pet Sustainability

The pandemic seems to also have inspired a boom in pet ownership. There are millions of individuals that brought new dogs or cats into their respective homes.

Bringing these new furry friends that can offer excellent companionship results in new sustainability challenges for the pet industry. How do we overcome challenges?

Being More Environmentally Friendly

It is important to be more environmentally friendly irrespective of what pet consumer goods are spent.

People seek passionately to minimize their ecological footprint in their day-to-day lives, including what they purchase for their pets. 

There are lots of pet accessories produced using more sustainable materials (that can easily be recycled). This is a trend that will continue for many years as long as people are more conscious of achieving less of a negative impact on their environments.

Upcycling Items and Materials

Items, materials, and even food waste used by pets, can greatly increase water waste, landfills, and greenhouse gas emissions.

To avoid this, a wise decision must be made to work consistently on how to upcycle them instead of leaving them to waste. Research shows that over 50% of pet owners are ready to purchase eco-friendly pet care products with more money.

Conclusion

In Singapore, the pet industry has become an important part of numerous people’s existence. By looking at these recent pet trend, there is a possibility of a potential increase in several areas such as health and wellness, food and treats, and pet accessories.

For the pet industry to experience great transformation and grow for the next generation, it must be innovative, creative, and embrace a new sense of personalization.