Pet ownership returns to pre-pandemic levels
The purchase prices of both dogs and cats have fallen although prices remain above pre-pandemic levels
Pet ownership in the UK has returned to similar levels seen before the pandemic, according to data from advertising website Pets4Homes.
According to the company, activity on its website in December 2022 was similar to what it was in 2019. This is around 2m visitors and around 80 potential buyers.
There has been a 21% decline in demand compared with 2021. As of November 2022 3.3m households searched for a pet down from 3.7m in November 2021.
The increase in adverts on the website can be put down to new litters of puppies rather than reselling pets bought during lockdown.
The purchase prices of both dogs and cats have fallen although prices remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Lee Gibson, managing director, said: “The ‘new normal’ is being embraced by many in the post-pandemic world. The days when every pet for sale instantly finds a new owner is
over as the market has returned to a more normal balance between number of buyers and available pets.
“The cost of living crisis is putting further pressure on pet owners who face rising costs. A survey with users depicted that 8% of pet owners are considering giving up their pet. One quarter (25%) of owners mentioned that they are unable to meet vet costs. Despite this, 80% of pet owners would place their pet first, despite the brunt of the cost of living crisis.”
