by Nancy Hassel, American Pet Professionals

Hearing back from many of our members who attended Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL, last week, there was a lot of enthusiasm for the show. It is always wonderful to hear from members who were exhibitors and how well they did at the show, who picked up their product, the new people they met, and so on. The buzz from our members who exhibited is well, still buzzing – not quite coming down from the high of the show yet.

Some of our members who are veterans to the show, buyers and retailers, also gave great feedback, although I did hear they were missing seeing some pet companies that did not exhibit this year, but were happy to meet new pet businesses and see new products. The reaction to being in attendance for any trade show can be different for each individual or company, and what you make of the show of course. And you know all the follow-up that goes with it afterwards.

I think the ebb and flow of any trade show or conference is just that – and making the best of each show is kind of on you and your team. That said, if numbers in attendance were way down, that is a different story. I don’t have privy to that info, but you can still make it a great show. I remember attending in 2020, and it was so different, weeks before the world shut down, but I still had a fantastic show.

This year was the first time in 14 years I was not present at the show. Which was a bit strange for me, but also nice to take a break from the hustle, as we are in the middle of launching a new platform, events coming up for our new trademark, Pet Industry 101®, among other things for our business. I decided to stay back and work on that. Being pulled in a lot of directions often in this industry can be a lot; however, I very much look forward to returning in 2026! (Never thought I would skip a year!) Missed seeing everyone – but so happy to hear great reports about the show.

One thing I absolutely love that comes out at Global, is the State of the Industry report, which you can see information on this below from their press release. Seeing how each area of the industry is growing, the stats, and information is bar none imo. This information is quoted worldwide, and the fact that we still are a growing industry year over year is incredible. Are there areas that have been hit harder in the past year? Yes, I have seen it firsthand in my area with stores and businesses that have closed, but have also seen many new businesses open.  I also see the perseverance in our industry, people are always pushing forward, innovating, adapting, and changing with the landscape. Listening to what pet parents want and need, and paying attention to what is going on locally around them and in the country.

What was your take from the information below?

How will you use this information with your pet business moving forward?

See the full press release from APPA below, and congratulations on yet another fantastic Global Pet Expo!

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The American Pet Products Association (APPA) announced yesterday that the total U.S. pet industry expenditures reached $152 billion in 2024, showing continued growth and resiliency. The expenditures were released alongside the association’s 2025 State of the Industry Report during Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s premier event.

The 2025 State of the Industry Report provides comprehensive analysis and visuals of industry expenditures, ownership trends, consumer habits, sentiment and behaviors with comparative data across each generation.

Said APPA President and CEO Pete Scott, “The pet industry continues to demonstrate resilience, even amid economic uncertainty. What’s encouraging is that pet ownership itself is expanding, with 94 million U.S. households now owning at least one pet, up from 82 million in 2023. These figures reaffirm that pet care remains a top priority for Americans, reflecting the deep and lasting bond between people and their pets, especially with the Millennials and Gen Zs who are more likely to have multiple pets than their Boomer and Gen X counterparts.

Key findings from the report include:

1. The pet industry shows continued growth and resiliency, with the total U.S. pet industry expenditures reaching $152 billion in 2024.

• • $157 billion in sales is projected for 2025.
  • Seventy-seven percent of U.S. pet owners say the current economy has not affected their pet ownership.

2. Pet ownership regains momentum. Ninety-four (94) million U.S. households own at least one pet, compared to eight-two (82) million in 2023.

• • Overall, pet ownership has increased for both dogs and cats, with 51% of U.S. households (68 million) owning a dog and 37% of U.S. households (49 million) owning a cat.

3. Amid rising egg costs, backyard chicken ownership is rebounding.

• • Eleven (11) million U.S. households own backyard chickens (a 28% increase from 2023).

4. Gen Z shows significant growth in pet ownership and is the generation most likely to own multiple pets.

• • In 2024, Gen Z comprised 20% (18.8 million) of U.S. households that owned a pet, a 43.5% increase from 2023. Gen Z also contributed to significant growth in dog and cat ownership, making up 20% of both dog and cat owners, an 18% and 25% increase from 2023, respectively.
  • Seventy percent of Gen Z pet owners have two or more pets.

5. Millennial and Gen Z men are obtaining more pets.

• • Fifty-eight percent of Gen Z and 63% of Millennial dog owners are men, a 15.2% and 18.6% increase from 2023, respectively.
  • Surprisingly, the most significant growth in cat ownership was among Gen Z and Millennial men, with 38% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennial cat owners being men, a 17.8% and 23.9% increase from 2023, respectively.

6. Pet owners are concerned about affordability and access to pet services and veterinary care.

• • Thirty-seven percent of U.S. pet owners are concerned about access to veterinary care, with 60% citing affordability and 32% saying ease of getting an appointment as their top concerns.
  • Twenty-two percent of U.S. pet owners are concerned about access to pet care services, with 38% citing affordability and 31% saying ease of getting an appointment as their top concerns.

7. Pets are redefining the hybrid work model.

• • Fourteen percent of people report that their workplace allows pets, a 17% increase from 2023.
  • Most human resources professionals and senior leaders believe pets benefit the workplace. Eighty percent agree that a pet-friendly workplace helps recruit and retain the best talent, while 75% think it helps drive return-to-office efforts.

8. Calming products are an essential component of pet care, especially among Gen Z and Millennials.

• • Seventy-eight percent of Gen Z dog owners and 71% of Gen Z cat owners use calming products.
  • Seventy-two percent of Millennial dog owners and 66% of Millennial cat owners use calming products.

9. Pet owners shop across online and in-store, making a strong omnichannel presence essential to pet retailers.

• • Fifty-one percent of buyers typically shop for pet products online.
  • Forty-seven percent of buyers shop for pet products in-store.

Added Ingrid Chu, APPA’s vice president of Insights and Research: “Gen Z is driving a remarkable shift in pet ownership, with a 43.5% increase in pet-owning households from 2023 to 2024. This generation is also leading in multi-pet ownership. What’s particularly exciting is how they discover and engage with pet products; social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram play a crucial role in their purchasing decisions. As pet brands look to the future, leveraging visual and digital-first strategies will be key to capturing the attention of this rapidly growing demographic.”