US Pet Industry Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 157 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 250 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 9.80% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
US Pet Industry Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The U.S. pet market size reached USD 157 billion in 2025 and is on track to climb to USD 250 billion by 2030, advancing at a 9.80% CAGR. Steady growth reflects the “pets-as-family” mindset, stable spending through economic cycles, and the rising share of households that now own a companion animal. Strong Gen Z adoption, tightening nutrition regulations, and capacity expansion in premium fresh foods sustain demand even as staffing gaps strain veterinary services. E-commerce, subscription auto-ship, and direct-to-consumer models continue to outpace brick-and-mortar sales, while alternative proteins such as AAFCO-approved mealworm meal start addressing long-term supply risks.
Key Report Takeaways
- By pet type, dogs led with 51.9% of the U.S. pet market share in 2024, while cats posted the fastest 7.87% CAGR through 2030.
- By product type, food captured 43.2% revenue share in 2024, and supplements are projected to advance at a 10.20% CAGR by 2030.
- By distribution channel, supermarkets/hypermarkets held a 34.9% share of the U.S. pet market size in 2024, whereas online retailers are set to grow at 12.60% CAGR.
US Pet Industry Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerating pet-as-family spend up-trade | +2.1% | National, strongest in urban metros | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Pet-specific wellness and supplement boom | +1.8% | National, premium markets lead | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Digital-first Gen Z propels omnichannel sales | +1.5% | National, concentrated in Gen Z demographics | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Premium fresh and raw food manufacturing scale-up | +1.2% | Regional, cold-chain accessible markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Veterinary tele-health reimbursement parity | +0.9% | State-level, progressive regulatory environments | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| State-level tax incentives for sustainable packaging | +0.3% | California, New York, select states | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Accelerating pet-as-family spend up-trade
Almost 97% of U.S. owners describe pets as family members, and 79% pay premium prices for health-oriented products, driving median monthly pet spending to USD 260 in 2024, USD 100 higher than in 2023. Pet insurance penetration and multi-modal veterinary care strengthen the category’s recession resistance. Brands that reframe foods, treats, and services as “family wellness” offerings secure lasting pricing power.
Pet-specific wellness and supplement boom
Functional nutrition leads category growth as supplements expand at a 10.20% CAGR, catalyzing the growth of supplements. CBD products post impressive growth under clearer regulations, while Millennials and Gen Z account for over half of the incremental spending. Joint, digestive, and anxiety-relief formulations dominate innovation pipelines.
Digital-first Gen Z propels omnichannel sales
Gen Z households grew 43.5% year over year to 18.8 million, and their online-first shopping habits are driving a 12.60% CAGR for e-commerce channels. Subscription services rise by bundling auto-ship, personalization, and social-commerce discovery. Retailers respond with click-and-collect, in-app veterinary chat, and influencer partnerships that resonate with short-form video communities.
Premium fresh and raw food manufacturing scale-up
Freshpet added 27,497 refrigerated points of sale in 2024 and increased sales by 28.3%, illustrating how new HPP and freeze-drying lines narrow the price gap with kibble. Mars and Nestlé Purina each invested USD 450 million in 2024–2025 factories, expanding cold-chain capacity that underpins projected USD 3–5 billion fresh food revenue by 2027.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflation-driven trade-down to private label | -1.2% | National, concentrated in price-sensitive segments | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Vet-care affordability gap and clinic shortages | -1.0% | National, acute in rural areas | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Emerging AAFCO labelling rules raise compliance cost | -0.8% | National, impacts all manufacturers | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Supply-chain fragility for specialty proteins | -0.6% | Global supply chains, domestic impact | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Inflation-driven trade-down to private label
With 58% of owners seeing higher pet-specific inflation, 63% shop more selectively and 37% now rate store brands equal to national labels. Premium brands must balance margin targets with tiered offerings, yet many households cut other expenses before pet care, moderating the net negative impact.
Vet-care affordability gap and clinic shortages
There are 18 openings for every veterinarian, and 73% of shelters report understaffing. Access bottlenecks and rising fees deter routine visits for 60% of pet owners. Tele-triage and novel practitioner roles in states such as Colorado offer partial relief but will take several years to reach scale.
Segment Analysis
By Pet Type: Dogs Dominate, Cats Accelerate
Dogs held a 51.9% share of the U.S. pet market in 2024, supported by 68 million animals, whereas cats recorded the quickest 7.87% CAGR through 2030. That growth positions cats as the main upside driver of the U.S. pet market size within companion animals over the forecast window. Wet cat food adoption rose from 47% in 2005 to 61% in 2022, supporting natural and functional recipes. Brands targeting urinary health and hairball control are capturing loyalty among the 49 million cats now in 37% of households.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Product Type: Food Foundation Supports Supplement Surge
Food accounted for 43.2% of total spending in 2024, anchoring revenue, yet supplements expanded the U.S. pet market size fastest at a 10.20% CAGR. Dry kibble usage remains near-universal, while fresh or frozen foods scale on improved logistics.
Supplies and OTC medicines make up 22% of sales and treat 12%, with freeze-dried varieties registering 11.40% CAGR. Cross-category convergence is evident in functional treats that merge supplementation and indulgence. CBD-infused chews illustrate this blurring, addressing joint or anxiety issues in a single format.
By Distribution Channel: Digital Disruption Accelerates
Supermarkets and hypermarkets retained a 34.9% share in 2024, while online outlets are expanding at a 12.60% CAGR as younger cohorts set convenience benchmarks. That shift reshapes the U.S. pet market share by channel as mass merchandisers hold 12% through price leadership and pet specialty keeps 17% via curated assortments. Retailers installing refrigerated displays for fresh formulas, plus buy-online-pick-up-in-store options, embed omnichannel habits.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
Regional variation influences premium adoption, regulatory complexity, and veterinary access. Coastal metros such as Los Angeles and New York showcase above-average spending on natural products and sustainable packaging mandates that later cascade nationwide[1]Source: American Veterinary Medical Association, “State Telemedicine Regulations,” AVMA, avma.org. Meanwhile, Midwest and Southern consumers exhibit greater price sensitivity, sustaining private-label momentum.
State-level legislation shapes veterinary telemedicine. Some jurisdictions permit virtual consults for establishing veterinarian–client–patient relationships, whereas others still mandate in-clinic exams[2]Source: California State Legislature, “SB 343: Truth in Recycling,” California Legislative Information, leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.Differing frameworks require flexible compliance strategies for nationwide service platforms.
Strategic plant locations mirror regional demand and logistics. Mars’ USD 450 million Ohio site and Nestlé Purina’s USD 450 million North Carolina facility shorten lead times for Eastern and Midwestern markets Pet Food Industry. Freshpet’s cold-chain expansion enables refrigerated dog and cat meals to penetrate beyond traditional coastal strongholds, reinforcing the U.S. pet market’s uniform availability.
Competitive Landscape
The U.S. pet market remains moderately consolidated: the top five suppliers held a 57.2% share in 2024, with Mars at 21% and Nestlé Purina at 18.5%. Mars strengthened its premium credentials by acquiring Champion’s Orijen and Acana lines in May 2025. Nestlé Purina’s 1.3 million sqft North Carolina plant added 300 jobs and lifted output for Pro Plan and Fancy Feast.
Strategic moves center on vertical integration and alternative proteins. Colgate-Palmolive bought Prime100 in February 2025 to enter fresh recipes, while General Mills added Whitebridge's Tiki Pets and Cloud Star in a USD 1.45 billion deal the same month. Mars earmarked USD 1 billion for AI-enabled supply chain and digital commerce to double online turnover by 2030.
Ingredient innovation accelerates post-AAFCO approval of Ÿnsect’s mealworm meal in 2025, with early adopters racing to secure supply contracts. Precision fermentation and single-cell proteins follow closely as firms hedge against animal-based protein volatility, aiming for both sustainability gains and cost stability.
US Pet Market Leaders
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Nestle SA (Purina)
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Colgate Pamolive (Hill’s Pet Nutrition)
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The J.M. Smucker Company
-
Mars Inc
-
WellPet
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- May 2025: Mars opened a USD 450 million Royal Canin plant in Ohio, producing diets for 4 million pets annually.
- February 2025: Colgate-Palmolive acquired Prime100 to expand Hill’s into fresh foods Pet.
- November 2024: General Mills closed the USD 1.45 billion purchase of Whitebridge Pet Brands.
- January 2024: The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) authorized Ÿnsect to use defatted mealworm proteins in dog food products.
Research Methodology Framework and Report Scope
Market Definitions and Key Coverage
Our study defines the United States pet market as the aggregate annual spend on companion-animal food, treats, non-food supplies, veterinary care, and non-medical services purchased for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and small mammals. Values are stated in retail and clinic revenues captured inside the United States, expressed in current-year US dollars.
Scope Exclusions: livestock feed, commercial aquaculture inputs, equine racing, and farm animal health services fall outside this boundary.
Segmentation Overview
- By Pet Type
- Dog
- Cat
- Bird
- Fresh-water Fish
- Reptile
- Small Mammal
- By Product Type
- Food
- Dry Kibble
- Wet/Canned
- Fresh/Frozen
- Treats and Chews
- Supplements
- Supplies/OTC Medicine
- Grooming and Hygiene
- Toys and Enrichment
- Bedding and Habitat
- Health OTC (Flea, Tick, CBD)
- Services
- Veterinary Care
- Insurance
- Boarding and Day-care
- Training and Behaviour
- Food
- By Distribution Channel
- Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
- Mass Merchandisers/Club
- Pet Specialty Stores
- Veterinary Clinics
- Online Retailers (Chewy, Amazon)
- Direct-to-Consumer Brands
Detailed Research Methodology and Data Validation
Primary Research
Mordor analysts next held structured interviews and short surveys with veterinary practitioners, multi-unit specialty retailers, online subscription providers, ingredient suppliers, and pet insurance brokers across the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. These conversations clarified ownership dynamics, average spend, emerging service formats, and price transmission, which we then triangulated with the desk findings.
Desk Research
We begin by mapping the market universe through freely available, high-credibility sources such as the American Pet Products Association fact sheets, USDA household expenditure tables, Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI microdata for pet food inflation, US Census e-commerce retail series, and AVMA pet ownership surveys. Company 10-Ks, investor decks, and leading trade journals complement these datasets, while D&B Hoovers and Dow Jones Factiva help validate firm-level revenues and channel shifts. The sources quoted here are illustrative; many additional databases and public records were examined to construct the evidence base.
Market-Sizing & Forecasting
A combined top-down, bottom-up model underpins the estimates. Top-down reconstruction starts with reported household pet counts, average category spend, and veterinary visit frequency, adjusted for CPI and channel mix. Bottom-up checks roll up sampled supplier shipments and clinic invoices where accessible, providing a guardrail against over- or under-estimation. Key variables include dog- and cat-owning households, online share of pet food sales, median vet invoice, insured-pet penetration, and pet population growth. Forecasts through 2030 employ multivariate regression with lagged GDP-per-capita, pet population elasticity, and inflation expectations, moderated by expert consensus on price promotions and premiumization. Data gaps, especially in services, are bridged with conservative penetration assumptions validated through follow-up calls.
Data Validation & Update Cycle
Model outputs pass variance checks against independent spend trackers, and anomalies trigger re-runs before sign-off. A senior analyst reviews every calculation line. We refresh the dataset each year and issue interim revisions if material events, such as sudden regulatory shifts or pandemic impacts, alter market dynamics.
Why Mordor's US Pet Market Baseline Commands Reliability
Published figures often diverge because providers differ on which pet categories to include, how to treat clinic mark-ups, and the cadence of currency updates.
Key gap drivers lie in scope; some reports omit services, ASP progression logic, and refresh timing versus rapidly shifting e-commerce shares. Mordor's disciplined definition, variable tracking, and annual refresh narrow these gaps and give decision-makers a dependable starting point.
Benchmark comparison
| Market Size | Anonymized source | Primary gap driver |
|---|---|---|
| $157 B (2025) | Mordor Intelligence | - |
| $152 B (2024) | Trade Association A | excludes online-only DTC brands; prior year base |
| $67.5 B (2024) | Global Consultancy B | counts products only, omits vet and service spend |
| $29.9 B (2024) | Industry Report C | focuses on durable hard goods, excludes consumables |
In sum, while other publishers offer valuable snapshots, their narrower scopes or older baselines understate the full economic footprint. Mordor's method stitches together consistent category coverage, multi-source validation, and clearly logged assumptions, giving clients a transparent, repeatable benchmark they can trust when sizing opportunities or stress-testing strategies.
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the US pet care market?
The market is valued at USD 157 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 250 billion by 2030.
Which pet type is growing fastest?
Cats register the highest 7.87% CAGR to 2030, outpacing dogs in growth momentum.
What category leads to product growth?
Supplements expand at a 10.20% CAGR, reflecting strong demand for preventive wellness solutions.
How quickly are online sales growing?
E-commerce channels are projected to rise at a 12.60% CAGR through 2030, propelled by Gen Z buyers and subscription models.
Why are veterinary shortages a concern?
There are roughly 18 job openings per veterinarian, creating access gaps that restrain routine care and overall market potential.
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