The pet industry in North America is experiencing remarkable growth, which has far-reaching implications for the pet food packaging sector. With increasing pet numbers, changing owner demographics, and new market trends, continuous challenges and opportunities are emerging for packaging manufacturers. This article provides a detailed insight into current pet statistics in the USA and Canada, with a particular focus on their significance for the pet food packaging industry.
The data comes from the latest surveys by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada from 2024/2025 and offers a comprehensive overview of pet ownership, spending trends, and market developments in both countries. This information is crucial for companies looking to adapt their packaging strategies to the changing needs of the North American market.
The United States is recording a remarkable increase in pet ownership. According to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey 2025, 94 million US households now own at least one pet, representing about 66% of all households. This represents a significant increase from 82 million households in 2023. Particularly noteworthy is that 77% of US pet owners indicate that the current economic situation has no impact on their pet ownership – a clear sign of the resilience of this market even in economically uncertain times.
The distribution by animal type shows that dogs remain the most popular pets with 68 million households (51% of all US households), followed by cats with 49 million households (37%). Other popular pets include birds (6 million households), freshwater fish (10 million), saltwater fish (2 million), reptiles (6 million), and small animals (6 million). An interesting trend is the increase in backyard chickens, now kept in 11 million US households – a 28% increase since 2023, partly attributable to rising egg prices.
In Canada, a total of 12.2 million households own dogs and/or cats, with a total population of 17.2 million of these animals. Unlike the USA, in Canada the cat is the more popular pet: 50.9% of pet owners have cats, while 49.1% own dogs. In absolute numbers, this means 6.2 million households (39.5%) with cats and 6.0 million households (38.1%) with dogs.
The Canadian pet population totals 29.8 million animals, including 8.9 million cats, 8.3 million dogs, 2.5 million birds, 8.6 million fish, 1.2 million small mammals, and 274,300 reptiles. Growth in pet ownership is somewhat slower in Canada than in the USA, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.3% for cat households and 3.3% for dog households between 2019 and 2024.
These figures illustrate an enormous and growing market for pet food packaging in North America. With over 106 million households owning dogs or cats in both countries, there is a continuous need for innovative packaging solutions. The different preferences – dogs in the USA, cats in Canada – suggest the necessity for market-specific packaging strategies.
One of the most significant developments in the US pet market is the growing influence of Generation Z. In 2024, Gen Z accounted for 20% (18.8 million) of US households with pets, representing an impressive increase of 43.5% compared to 2023. This generation shows unique characteristics as pet owners:
- 70% of Gen Z pet owners have two or more pets
- 58% of Gen Z dog owners are male (15.2% increase since 2023)
- 38% of Gen Z cat owners are male (17.8% increase since 2023)
An interesting trend is also observed among Millennials: 63% of Millennial dog owners are male (18.6% increase since 2023) and 46% of Millennial cat owners are male (23.9% increase since 2023). These figures show a clear shift in gender distribution among younger pet owners, with a significant increase in male pet owners.
The remaining pet owners are distributed among Gen X (25%) and Baby Boomers (25%), who together still make up half of the market.
Unfortunately, no comparably detailed demographic breakdowns by generation are available for Canada. The available data focuses mainly on the total numbers and growth rates of pet ownership.
These demographic shifts have direct implications for the pet food packaging industry:
1. Target-specific design: The growing importance of younger generations, especially Gen Z, requires modern, appealing packaging designs that address this target group.
2. Addressing male buyers: The significant increase in male pet owners among younger generations could require a reorientation of marketing strategies and packaging designs that have traditionally often targeted female buyers.
3. Multi-pet households: With 70% of Gen Z owners having multiple pets, there is increasing demand for larger packaging formats, multi-packs, or specialized solutions for households with different animal types.
Total pet expenditures in the USA reached the impressive sum of $152 billion in 2024, with a forecast of $157 billion for 2025. These expenditures are distributed as follows:
- Pet food & treats: $65.8 billion (43.3%) in 2024, projected $67.8 billion for 2025
- Supplies, live animals & OTC medicine: $33.3 billion (21.9%) in 2024, projected $34.3 billion for 2025
- Veterinary care & product sales: $39.8 billion (26.2%) in 2024, projected $41.4 billion for 2025
- Other services: $13.0 billion (8.6%) in 2024, projected $13.5 billion for 2025
These figures underscore the economic significance of the pet market and show that pet food accounts for over 43% of expenditures.
In Canada, total pet food sales reached 6.7 billion CAD in 2024, with dog and cat food accounting for the lion’s share at 6.6 billion CAD. This segment grew at an impressive annual rate (CAGR) of 10.0% between 2019 and 2024. Other animal food accounted for 122 million CAD and grew at a rate of 8.1% over the same period.
Market shares by animal type in Canada show a clear dominance of dog food with 66.4% of the total market, followed by cat food with 31.8%. Other categories such as fish food (0.8%), bird food (0.7%), and small mammal/reptile food (0.4%) together make up only a small part of the market.
In Canada, three major companies dominate the market:
- Mars Inc. (brands: Pedigree, Whiskas): 1.5 billion CAD (24.7% market share)
- Nestlé SA (brands: Dog Chow, Friskies): 1.0 billion CAD (16.7% market share)
- The JM Smucker Company (brands: Milk-Bone, Meow Mix): 321.7 million CAD (5.2% market share)
No comparable data on market leaders is available for the USA, but it can be assumed that similar global corporations also dominate the market there.
This market data provides important insights for the pet food packaging industry:
1. Growth market: With a total volume of over $158 billion (USA) and 6.7 billion CAD (Canada) and steady growth, the pet food market offers enormous opportunities for packaging innovations.
2. Segment-specific solutions: The different market shares of various pet food segments require specialized packaging solutions, with the focus clearly on dog and cat food.
3. Collaboration with market leaders: The concentration of the market on a few large manufacturers indicates the importance of strategic partnerships with these key players.
The APPA data shows several important trends in the US pet market:
- Pets in the workplace: 14% of workplaces now allow pets (17% increase since 2023), which strengthens the integration of pets into everyday life.
- Calming products: High use of calming products is observed particularly among younger generations – 78% of Gen Z dog owners and 71% of Gen Z cat owners use such products.
- Shopping behavior: 51% of buyers typically purchase pet products online, while 47% shop in-store – a nearly balanced ratio that underscores the importance of omnichannel-capable packaging.
- Concerns: 37% of US pet owners are concerned about access to veterinary care, mainly due to costs (60%) and the difficulty of getting appointments (32%).
The following trends are observed in Canada:
- Humanization of pets: Pets are increasingly viewed as family members, leading to higher demands on the quality and presentation of pet food.
- Pet-friendly home furnishings: Rising demand for products that blend harmoniously into living spaces, including pet food packaging that is aesthetically pleasing.
- Subscription services: Growing popularity of subscription services for curated pet product boxes, which place new demands on shipping packaging.
- Sustainability: Increasing demand for natural, organic, and environmentally friendly products, which also requires more sustainable packaging solutions.
- Personalization: Trend toward more advanced home pet care and personalized health products that require specific packaging solutions.
These trends have direct impacts on the requirements for modern pet food packaging:
1. E-commerce capability: With over half of purchases made online, packaging must be shipping-suitable, robust, and appealing in a digital context.
2. Sustainability: The trend toward environmentally friendly products requires innovative, sustainable packaging solutions that minimize ecological footprint.
3. Premium appearance: The “humanization” of pets leads to higher demands on the design and quality impression of packaging.
4. Functionality in living spaces: Packaging that can be stored in living spaces without disturbing the ambiance is gaining importance.
5. Personalization options: The increasing personalization of pet products could place new demands on variable packaging designs.
Unfortunately, no detailed data on the regional distribution of pet ownership is available for the USA. However, this information would be valuable for packaging manufacturers to develop regional marketing strategies.
In Canada, export data for pet food provides an interesting insight into the regional distribution of the industry. The main export provinces for pet food are Ontario (44%), Alberta (22%), and British Columbia (14%). This concentration suggests potential location advantages for packaging manufacturers in these regions.
Canada exported dog and cat food worth 963.3 million CAD (217,100 tonnes) in 2023, as well as canary seeds worth 143.5 million CAD (125,600 tonnes). The main export markets were the USA (561.0 million CAD), China (54.8 million CAD), and Mexico (49.1 million CAD).
This export data shows interesting possibilities for packaging manufacturers:
1. Cross-border collaboration: The strong trade relations between the USA and Canada offer opportunities for packaging solutions that work in both markets.
2. Export-oriented packaging: The significant exports to China and Mexico require packaging that can withstand international transport and different climatic conditions.
3. Regional specialization: The concentration of the Canadian pet food industry in certain provinces could offer advantages for packaging manufacturers through proximity to production sites.
For the USA, APPA forecasts further growth in pet expenditures to $157 billion in 2025, representing an increase of about 3.3% compared to 2024. This steady growth underscores the resilience of the market even in economically uncertain times.
For Canada, it is expected that the total population of pets will increase to 30.3 million animals by 2029, with the dog and cat population growing to 17.8 million (cats: 9.1 million, dogs: 8.7 million). This corresponds to moderate annual growth of 0.4% for the total population and 0.8% for dogs and cats between 2024 and 2029.
Based on current data and trends, the following long-term developments can be derived for the pet food packaging industry:
1. Generational shift: With the growing influence of Gen Z and Millennials, packaging designs and functionalities will need to adapt to their preferences – digitally savvy, environmentally conscious, and aesthetically demanding.
2. Sustainability as an imperative: The trend toward environmentally friendly products will intensify, requiring innovative, sustainable packaging solutions.
3. Digitalization of the shopping experience: With the increasing importance of online commerce, packaging that convinces in both digital and physical contexts will become increasingly important.
4. Premiumization: The ongoing “humanization” of pets will lead to higher-value products that require correspondingly high-quality packaging.
5. Personalization and individualization: Tailored products for specific needs of different pets will increase, requiring flexible packaging solutions.
The comprehensive statistics on the pet market in North America show a robust, growing market with changing demographic structures and consumer habits. This results in numerous challenges and opportunities for the pet food packaging industry:
1. Market potential: With over 106 million households owning dogs or cats in the USA and Canada, and total expenditures of over $158 billion, the North American market offers enormous potential for innovative packaging solutions.
2. Target group orientation: The growing importance of younger generations, especially Gen Z, and the shift in gender distribution require a reorientation of packaging designs and marketing strategies.
3. Sustainability as a competitive advantage: The increasing focus on environmental friendliness offers opportunities for packaging manufacturers who develop sustainable solutions.
4. Omnichannel capability: Packaging must convince and function in both brick-and-mortar retail and e-commerce.
5. Premiumization and aesthetics: The integration of pets into living spaces requires appealing packaging that doesn’t disturb the household even after purchase.
6. Functional innovation: New product categories such as calming agents and personalized health products require specialized packaging solutions.
The pet food packaging industry faces the challenge of balancing these various requirements and developing innovative solutions that serve the changing market. Companies that recognize these trends early and integrate them into their product development will be able to achieve competitive advantages in this dynamic market.
- American Pet Products Association (APPA): Industry Trends and Stats, National Pet Owners Survey 2025, State of the Industry Report 2025 (published March 26, 2025)
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Sector Trend Analysis – Pet food trends in Canada (2024)
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