Pets in Europe, the Netherlands, and Belgium: Trends and Statistics
The European love for pets continues to grow year after year. Recent reports published by FEDIAF and GlobalPETS reveal that Europe is home to an impressive 352 million pets across various species. Cats and dogs dominate the pet population, with 129 million cats and 106 million dogs, respectively. Other popular pets in Europe include birds (52 million), small animals (30 million), fish (23 million), and reptiles (12 million). These figures demonstrate that pets are an integral part of daily life in many European households. In 2022, no less than 166 million households in Europe owned at least one pet.
Pets in the Netherlands: a growing number in Dutch households
In the Netherlands, the popularity of pets is also on the rise. In 2023, there were 22.6 million pets in the Netherlands, representing an increase of 500,000 pets compared to 2022. Cats remain the favourite pets among the Dutch, with 3 million cats spread across the nation. Dogs follow in second place, with a population of 1.8 million.
A striking detail is that Dutch pet parents spent an average of €15 per month on pet products in 2023. This highlights the importance of pets to the economy and the significant impact they have on consumer spending in the Netherlands. However, the motivations for owning a pet vary. For 55% of pet parents, maintaining physical activity is a key reason for having a pet. On the other hand, 23% of the pet parents no longer have a pet because of its death, and 11% say they do not keep a pet because they are not at home often enough.
Pets in Belgium: the affection for cats and the rising popularity of dogs
Cats continue to be the most cherished pets, with 32% of Belgian households owning at least one cat. Despite the dominance of cats in Belgian homes, the number of dogs is steadily on the rise. Dogs are indeed gaining popularity: in 2024, 31% of Belgian households have a dog, a significant increase from 24% in 2021. This indicates a shift in pet ownership preferences, with dogs—known for their loyal and energetic nature—being increasingly valued. This trend is particularly evident among families and active individuals who are looking for a pet that can keep them company during outdoor activities.
Recent statistics indicate that 58% of Belgian households had at least one pet in 2024. Although this represents a slight decrease compared to 59% in 2023, pets continue to play a central role in the daily lives of a large part of the population. This slight decrease could possibly be due to factors such as changing living conditions, economic considerations or increasing urbanisation, where space for pets can be limited.
According to a study by BEPEFA (Belgian Pet Food Association), each Belgian household had an average of three pets in 2024. This remarkable figure suggests that Belgians do not just own one pet, they often opt for multiple pets, bringing various types of companionship and dynamics into their homes. The fact that more and more people have multiple pets could also indicate an increasing appreciation of the emotional benefits that pets offer, such as stress relief, companionship and a sense of responsibility.
There is a striking difference between French- and Flemish-speaking households when it comes to pet ownership. Among French-speaking households, 68% have at least one pet, while this percentage is 50% among Flemish-speaking households.
The BEPEFA study further reveals that 5% of Belgian households welcomed their first pet in 2024, while 12% of the households have taken in an additional pet. For most Belgian pet parents (55%), companionship is the primary reason for having a pet, highlighting how important pets are in the social lives of many Belgians.
The role of pets in Europe: more than just companionship
Pets are playing an increasingly important role in the lives of their pet parents, both in the Netherlands and Belgium. They provide not only companionship and joy but also contribute to physical activity and well-being. The economic impact of pets should not be underestimated either, with increasing spending on pet products and services
With the rising number of pets and the growing popularity of dogs in countries like Belgium, it’s clear that pets have become an essential part of many European households. Whether maintaining a healthy lifestyle, providing companionship, or simply adding joy to daily life, pets remain a source of love and well-being for millions of people across Europe.
With the increasing number of pets in European households, they will undoubtedly play an important role in the daily lives of millions of Europeans.