What’s the most owned pet in the UK?
18th June 2025
Britain loves pets, with more than half of UK households (57%) own at least one furry, feathered, or finned friend. But which animals have truly captured our hearts, and why should anyone thinking about starting a business care? The answer reveals a market worth billions and some brilliant franchise opportunities.
Dogs Rule the Roost
It’s official: dogs are Britain’s favourite pets. We’ve got 13.5 million pet dogs living in UK homes, with 36% of households owning at least one dog. That’s actually an increase of around 1.5 million from the previous year, showing our love for man’s best friend isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Think about that for a moment – more than one in three British households has a dog. That’s millions of families who need dog food, vet care, grooming, walking services, and somewhere safe for their pooch when they go on holiday.
Why We Love Dogs So Much
It’s not hard to see why dogs top the charts. 51% of owners said dogs make them happy, 47% said their dogs provide them with love and affection, and 35% said they provide companionship. These aren’t just pets but family members who genuinely improve our lives.
The most popular breeds include Labrador Retrievers (still the top choice), French Bulldogs (catching up fast), and mixed breeds. Smaller dogs like Cockapoos and Cocker Spaniels are particularly popular because they suit our typically smaller British homes.
Cats: The Purr-fect Second Choice
Cats come in a close second with 12.5 million cats in UK homes and 26% of households owning at least one cat. What’s really interesting is that there’s been a rise in the cat population over the last 10 years, from under 8 million cats in 2010 to around 12.5 million in 2024.
Cats are especially popular in cities. London has cat ownership at a national high of 61%, which makes sense when you think about it. Cats don’t need walking, they’re happy in smaller spaces, and they’re perfect for busy urban lifestyles.
The Full Picture: All Our Beloved Pets
| Pet Type | How Many We Have | Households That Own Them |
| Dogs | 13.5 million | 36% |
| Cats | 12.5 million | 26% |
| Indoor Birds | 1.3-1.5 million | 3% |
| Rabbits | 1 million | 1.6% |
| Fish | Around 5 million tanks | Various |
| Hamsters | 600,000 | 1.5% |
| Horses/Ponies | 700,000 | Various |
Although dogs and cats are the most popular, they only account for around 26 million of 36 million animals, showing just how diverse British pet ownership really is.
We Spend Serious Money on Our Pets
Here’s where it gets really interesting for anyone thinking about business opportunities. Brits spend £8 billion a year on pets, and the pet industry is worth a staggering £10bn to the UK economy.
Where All That Money Goes
- Food: Dog food alone accounts for £2 billion annually, while cat food represents £1.4 billion yearly
- Vet Bills: Nearly £5 billion a year – and that’s just for keeping our pets healthy
- Grooming: £1.2 billion a year on grooming products (not including professional grooming services)
- Pet Services: The UK pet services market generated £1,283.2 million in 2023 and is expected to reach £2,149.4 million by 2030
The Pandemic Changed Everything (In a Good Way)
COVID-19 gave pet ownership a massive boost. More than 3 million UK households bought a pandemic pet, and while some adjustments happened when people went back to work, most of those pets stayed put.
The really telling statistic? 95% of owners see their pets as part of the family, and 59% of pet owners care more about their pet’s welfare than their own. When people feel that strongly about their pets, they’re willing to spend money to keep them happy and healthy.
Why This Spells Opportunity for Smart Entrepreneurs
All these numbers add up to something pretty special for anyone considering a franchise business. Here’s why the pet industry is such a brilliant opportunity:
It’s Recession-Proof
Even when money’s tight, pet owners prioritise their animals. 81% of owners believe it is more expensive to look after their pets now than it was a year ago, yet they keep spending because these aren’t just pets – they’re family.
People Need Help with Pet Care
90% of the UK population board their pets whilst away on holiday, and pet care and animal boarding is now a £4.3 billion industry in the UK. As life got back to normal after the pandemic, working pet owners increasingly need professional help.
The Market’s Still Growing
The UK pet services market is expected to grow at 7.6% annually from 2024 to 2030, while the pet sitting market specifically is expected to grow at 10.7% annually. That’s serious growth in an already massive market.
Petpals: Turning Pet Love Into Business Success
If these statistics have got you thinking about franchise opportunities, Petpals offers a proven way into this booming market. Established in 2001, we are the UK’s longest established multi-service pet care provider.
What Makes Petpals Different
Petpals covers all the services that Britain’s 26 million dogs and cats (plus all the other pets) actually need:
- Pet sitting and home visits
- Dog walking and exercise
- Small pet boarding
- Specialised cat care
- Puppy and elderly dog care
- Pet taxi services
All Petpals owners are DBS checked, insured, trained in pet first aid and uniformed, which gives pet owners the peace of mind they’re looking for.
Perfect Timing to Get Started
With 36 million pets in the UK, £8 billion spent annually, and growth rates of 7-10% in pet services, there’s never been a better time to enter this market.
Whether you’re inspired by the 13.5 million dogs that need daily care, the £8 billion we spend on our pets each year, or the projected growth rates that would make any business owner excited, the message is clear. The UK’s most popular pets represent more than just beloved companions – they represent a genuine business opportunity.
Ready to turn Britain’s pet obsession into your own success story? Explore Petpals franchise opportunities and see how you can build a rewarding business in the UK’s thriving pet care industry.
