Top 5 Pet Industry Trends in 2021

In 2020, governments reacted to the Coronavirus by asking their citizens to stay home and avoid unnecessary contact with other people. One of the unforeseen results of the lockdowns: New pet adoptions soared around the world. So many people wanted dogs and cats as companions that some animal shelters actually ran out of pets to re-home.

The pet industry has now been enjoying a corresponding upward surge in popularity and consumer spending. In 2020, total pet-industry expenditures in the United States reached $103.6 billion, up from $97.1 billion in 2019.

So what are the must-have items that pet owners are interested in buying right now? Let’s take a look at 5 of 2021’s top pet industry trends:

1. Natural Pet Foods and Treats

As growing numbers of people search out natural and organic foods for themselves, they’re also choosing to buy natural pet foods and organic treats for their furry friends. Other items that are currently trending up include raw pet foods, pet foods made using ancient grains, limited-ingredient foods and foods made in the USA.

2. Pet Supplements

Pet owners are now enjoying a broader and more diverse selection of dietary supplements to give their pets. One of 2021’s most noteworthy fads is the rise of CBD supplements for pets. Some of the products are intended to have therapeutic benefits including anxiety relief, digestive support and relief from canine osteoarthritis. Similar to some of the formulations intended for humans, there are CBD-infused products available including CBD oil tinctures, chews, drops and balms. However, the canine-friendly versions tend to be far less potent, as they are formulated specifically for dogs.

Other relatively new pet supplements that are becoming available include dog probiotics, pet vitamins and fish oil just for cats.

3. Pet Insurance

In 2020, the world’s citizens spent an estimated $6.9 billion purchasing pet insurance in hopes of being able to afford unexpected veterinary bills. Pet insurance is growing in popularity, and the industry is expected to grow at a substantial rate in 2021, in large part because rising veterinary care costs are making it challenging for people to afford the care their pets need. Pet insurance allows them to budget more effectively for needed care.

4. Pet Wipes

If Kitty needs a little help cleaning up after her trip to the litter box, you now have the option to keep a container of pet wipes handy. They’re basically just moist towelettes that are more hygienic than ordinary TP or paper towels would be. There are wet wipes available for just about every other purpose you could think of, so it’s only natural that pet wipes are now becoming a thing.

5. Pet-Friendly Travel

While people are generally staying closer to home and taking fewer international trips, many haven’t stopped traveling. For pet owners, it’s a given that the fur babies will come along on any local road trips. This trend has been facilitated by an increasing number of hotels, motels, resorts and vacation rental properties that accommodate pets.

These are 5 of the top pet industry trends we’re seeing thus far in 2021. Industry insiders expect this to be a lucrative year for the niche overall.

This articles does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes