Clarkston’s team of consumer products consultants have highlighted the top pet care trends that businesses should consider. See an excerpt of the trends report below, and read all 5 trends for 2025 by downloading the full report here.

2025 Pet Care Industry Trends

The pet care industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by shifting consumer behaviors and rising demand for high-quality products. The global pet food and toys market is projected to reach a staggering $500 billion by 2030, with the US market expected to make up 40%. Market growth will be driven by premiumization and a focus on proactive health management. As pets continue to be viewed as integral members of the family, owners are reaching for more than just the basics—they want personalized, tech-driven solutions to enhance their pets’ lives. Today’s pet owners, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are not only embracing technology but actively seeking out innovative, personalized solutions for their pets. These generations are reshaping the industry, with a strong demand for healthier, smarter, and more sustainable products and services that enhance the consumer experience. 

In response, pet companies are adjusting their strategies to cater to this increasingly tech-savvy, proactive, and sustainability-conscious consumer base. From AI-powered health wearables and personalized diets to sustainable manufacturing practices and direct-to-consumer (DTC) models, the trends shaping the future of pet care reflect a shift toward greater transparency, customization, and convenience. To remain competitive in this evolving market, brands must stay ahead of these trends, adopting new technologies and growth strategies while aligning with the values of the modern pet owner. This article delves into the key trends that will define the pet care industry in 2025, offering insights into the changing landscape and how companies can capitalize on these shifts. 

Trend #1: Tech-Savvy Shoppers

New Pet Owners Are Dependent on Technology to Shape Their Purchasing Journey 

As pet ownership continues to grow, tech-savvy Millennial and Gen Z owners are becoming the driving force in the pet care market. These generations actively utilize technology to research, shop, and purchase products, with the goal of personalizing their shopping experience. E-commerce and subscription-based services continue to be important shopping channels as they offer tailored, automatic deliveries based on pets’ needs and preferences. Online purchasing is the preferred shopping method for Gen Z and Millennials, and it now accounts for 39% of total pet care sales. The near-ubiquitous use of social media is also shaping purchasing behavior, with pet owners discovering new products through influencers, reviews, and user-generated content on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2024 National Pet Owner Survey, 56% of Gen Zers and 32% of Millenials learn about products via TikTok. While the use of social media allows shoppers to feel more educated on trends around their favorite brands, a company’s corporate responsibility, and product nutritional quality, it also allows customers to move past brands and search for items that fulfill key attributes or desires, rather than rely on branding specifically to win their cart. 

Additionally, AI-driven shopping tools are becoming more prevalent, with apps and websites offering personalized product recommendations based on pets’ age, breed, and health requirements. Pet owners will expect more seamless, personalized shopping experiences, with brands leveraging data to offer tailored recommendations and smart features like virtual try-ons for pet accessories and customizable product options. For pet companies, embracing convenience, personalization, and social influence will be key to reaching the new pet category shoppers moving forward. 

Trend #2: AI in Pet Care

How Personalized, Data-Driven Solutions Are Enhancing Pet Health and Well-Being 

Pet owners aren’t just using technology for themselves, they are comfortable adding technology to their pets’ lives as well. As we move into 2025, AI is set to revolutionize the pet care industry with personalized, data-driven solutions that cater to the health and well-being of pets. AI-powered health wearables, such as FitBark 2 or Whistle Go Explore, will become more commonplace, allowing pet owners to track their pets’ activity, vital signs, and behavioral changes in real time, in turn helping to identify potential health issues before they become serious. Personalized diet plans powered by AI will tailor nutrition to each pet’s specific needs, adjusting as their health or lifestyle changes—products like PetPlate, which offers customized fresh food for pets based on their health profiles, are leading the charge. Additionally, AI-driven tools will enhance pet behavior training, offering real-time insights and customized training regimens based on individual pet behaviors. As pet care continues to evolve, AI will also improve pet supply recommendations and streamline veterinary services, making the entire experience more efficient and personalized. The future of pet care is embracing smarter, more intuitive technology, empowering pet owners to provide the best possible care for their furry companions without sacrificing convenience. Continue reading by downloading the full report below.

Download the Full 2025 Pet Care Trends Report Here

Read last year’s Pet Food Industry Trends Report here.

Contributions by Zoey Grant and Jake Park-Walters