According to the annual “Facts & Figures 2021” report of European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), 46% of European households which means 90 million in numbers own at least one pet.
26% of all households own 110 million cats which makes them the most popular pet in Europe, especially in Russia followed by Germany. In 25% of all households live 90 million dogs in total. 17.5 million dogs live in Russia, 12 million in the UK and 10.3 million in Germany
In Romania, the amount of households owning a pet is the biggest with 45% to 48%. Furthermore, according to the report, 50 million birds, 30 million small mammals, 15 million aquarium fish and 10 million terraria animals.
Along with growing pet ownership, owners spent more than €20 billion ($20.3 billion USD) on pet food, supplies and services last year. The pet food industry increased by 3.1% compared to the previous year. In total, there were 10.2 billion tonnes of pet food sold in 2021.
Although neither the number of pet food companies nor the number of European facilities has increased, employment has strongly risen. Around 110,000 people have been directly and about 950,000 have been indirectly occupied through the industry.
“Despite the many challenges of the past two years caused by the pandemic, it is reassuring that 90 million European households benefitted from the love and companionship of a pet,” stated Raquel Izquierdo de Santiago, secretary general of FEDIAF. “Given the proven benefits of pets on mental and physical health, FEDIAF continues raising awareness on the beneficial role of pets in society, particularly through the work of the Pet Alliance Europe.”
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