Why We’re Spending More on Pet Accessories Than Ever
By Deboleena Dutta
Once upon a time, pet accessories meant a simple collar and a chew toy. Fast forward to today, and our furry (and sometimes scaly) companions are living in the lap of luxury. GPS trackers, interactive toys, organic bedding, and even designer outfits—pet owners are splashing out like never before.
According to the 2024 Global Pet Parent Study, there are around 1 billion pets worldwide, and our love for them is reshaping the pet accessories market in a big way. As pets become true family members, owners are prioritising comfort, wellness, and even fashion. This growing “pet humanisation” trend is fuelling a booming industry, with the global pet accessories market projected to soar from £18.8 billion in 2024 to a staggering £46.7 billion by 2037.
But what exactly are pet parents buying, and why? Let’s take a closer look at the latest trends shaping the way we treat our four-legged (or no-legged!) friends.
Luxury, Sustainability & Tech: The Biggest Trends in Pet Accessories
High-Tech Pet Gear for Modern Living
Our pets are getting just as tech-savvy as we are! From smart collars that track activity levels to automatic feeders and interactive toys, gadgets are making pet parenting easier and more fun.
⭐ Trending Tech:
• GPS Collars & Activity Trackers – Keep tabs on your pet’s location and fitness.
• Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes – Because no one enjoys scooping poop!
• Interactive Toys – Smart bones, automatic ball launchers, and laser toys for endless playtime.
One standout is the FluentPet Connect, a Wi-Fi-enabled system that lets dogs and cats “talk” to their owners using programmable buttons. Yes, you read that right—pets are learning to communicate with words!
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Pet Products
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in human fashion and homeware—it’s now a huge deal in pet accessories too. Pet parents are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact, choosing biodegradable poop bags, organic bedding, and sustainable toys.
🐾 Paws-itively Green:
• Recyclable & Compostable Pet Toys – Say goodbye to plastic waste!
• Eco-Friendly Pet Food Packaging – Big brands like Pet Supplies Plus now offer in-store recycling.
• Sustainable Grooming Products – Organic shampoos and bamboo brushes are in.
Even industry giants are stepping up. Petco has pledged that 50% of its product range will be sustainable by 2025, making it easier than ever to shop green for your pet.
Pet Fashion: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Stylish Pooch?
Dressing up pets isn’t just for Instagram—it’s become a full-blown industry! From cosy raincoats to adorable Halloween costumes, pet fashion is thriving.
🛍️ Pet Wardrobe Must-Haves:
• Waterproof & Reflective Coats – Perfect for winter walks.
• Matching Owner-Pet Outfits – Because twinning is winning!
• Custom Accessories – Personalised collars, bow ties, and bandanas.
In Japan and South Korea, pet fashion is at another level, with luxury brands releasing limited-edition pet collections. Expect to see more designer collaborations in the future!
What’s Selling? The Pet Accessories Pet Owners Can’t Get Enough Of
🐶 Dogs Rule the Market
With 58 million U.S. households owning a dog, pups are the biggest drivers of the accessories boom. Owners are splurging on harnesses, smart trackers, and even anti-anxiety vests to help calm stressed-out pooches.
🐱 Cats Are Catching Up
Cats are getting more pampered than ever! Laser toys, high-tech litter boxes, and stylish cat trees that match home décor are hot sellers.
🐾 Small Pets & Exotics Join the Trend
It’s not just cats and dogs—rabbits, reptiles, and even guinea pigs now have their own range of high-end products. Think heated pads for reptiles and custom-built enclosures for hamsters!
Where We’re Shopping: E-Commerce vs. Brick-and-Mortar
Online shopping has taken over the pet industry, with platforms like Amazon and Chewy dominating sales.
📦 Why Online Wins:
• Convenience – Auto-delivery for food and accessories.
• Endless Variety – Over 400,000 dog products on Amazon alone!
• Better Prices – Exclusive online discounts.
But brick-and-mortar pet stores aren’t going anywhere just yet. Many owners still prefer browsing in person, especially for pet clothing, beds, and interactive toys.
Interestingly, in North America, 86% of pet owners still enjoy in-store shopping for their furry friends, proving that hands-on retail experiences still matter.
The Future of Pet Accessories: What’s Next?
The pet accessories industry isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Here’s what to watch out for:
🔮 Smart Homes for Pets – Automated pet doors, self-filling water bowls, and even pet-controlled music systems.
🌱 Fully Sustainable Pet Brands – More companies are shifting to vegan, cruelty-free, and plastic-freepet products.
🤖 AI-Powered Pet Care – Imagine a smart device that can translate your pet’s emotions—it’s already in development!
The future is looking bright (and stylish) for pets everywhere. With owners prioritising comfort, health, and sustainability, the pet accessories market is set to keep booming.
After all, our furry friends deserve the best! 🐾✨
What’s your pet’s favourite accessory? Share with us in the comments!
Source: researchnester.com
Author Bio:
Deboleena Dutta is a researcher and content writer specialising in pet industry trends and consumer behaviour. With a background in biotechnology, she brings a scientific perspective to pet wellness and product innovation, offering insights into the evolving relationship between humans and their pets.