Pet Ownership in Australia Continues to Grow Amid Rising Costs

Pet Ownership in Australia Continues to Grow Amid Rising Costs

Pet ownership across Australia continues to climb, with more households than ever welcoming animals into their lives. According to new research from Animal Medicines Australia (AMA), almost three-quarters of Australian households now include at least one pet. That equates to around 31.6 million animals living in 7.7 million homes across the country.

Dogs remain Australia’s favourite companion, found in 49 per cent of households, roughly 7.4 million dogs in total. Cats are a close second, living in 34 per cent of homes. Fish and birds remain popular too, with about one in ten households keeping them, while ownership of smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs has held steady.

Rising costs put pressure on pet owners

Although the love Australians have for their pets is undeniable, rising living costs are making pet ownership more challenging for some households. The AMA report revealed that a portion of dog and cat owners have delayed important veterinary services such as vaccinations, routine check-ups and treatments due to financial pressures.

Delaying essential care can have serious consequences. Vaccinations protect pets from preventable diseases, while regular vet visits allow early detection of potential health issues. Postponing these services can not only affect a pet’s wellbeing but also lead to higher costs down the line if problems go unnoticed.

For some owners, financial strain has even led to the difficult decision to rehome their pets. Around 23 per cent of respondents said they had surrendered their animals to family, friends or shelters when they could no longer provide adequate care. Others are turning to online sources such as social media, YouTube and AI tools to find information on pet health rather than consulting a vet, which can lead to misinformation or gaps in care.

Australians are still spending billions on their pets

Despite these pressures, Australians are continuing to invest heavily in their pets. National annual spending is estimated at $21.3 billion. Food represents the largest share at $9.8 billion, followed by veterinary services ($1.9 billion), products and accessories ($1.4 billion), and pet insurance ($1.0 billion).

On average, households with dogs spend around $2,520 per year on their pets, while cat owners spend roughly $1,656. These figures highlight the significant role pets play in Australian families and underscore the importance of budgeting carefully for their ongoing care.

At Woonona Petfoods, we aim to support responsible pet ownership by offering high-quality products that make it easier to meet your pet’s needs. We stock premium dog and cat foods from trusted brands like Advance, Hill’s Science Diet and Prime100. For smaller pets, birds and fish, we have a variety of species-specific feeds, treats and accessories to keep them healthy and enriched.

The wellbeing benefits of pets are clear

The emotional connection between people and their pets remains strong. The AMA report found that 86 per cent of pet owners believe their animals have a positive impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. Pets provide companionship, structure, comfort and joy, which can be especially important during challenging times.

However, ongoing costs are becoming a growing barrier to ownership. More than a quarter of survey respondents (26 per cent) identified cost as the biggest obstacle to getting a pet, up from previous years. Ensuring that Australians can continue to experience the many benefits of pet ownership will require practical solutions and supportive policies.

Supporting responsible pet ownership

Animal Medicines Australia has called for greater national consistency in companion animal policies, more support for vulnerable pet owners, and programs that fund critical veterinary services. These measures can help ensure that more Australians are able to keep their pets healthy and at home.

For individual owners, planning ahead is key. Setting a monthly pet budget, scheduling regular check-ups, and purchasing quality food and products can make a big difference. At Woonona Petfoods, we offer an auto-delivery service to help customers stay on top of their pets’ essentials without the stress of last-minute shopping. We also have knowledgeable staff who can recommend the right products for your pet’s breed, size and life stage.

As pet ownership in Australia continues to grow, ensuring that every animal receives the care they deserve is more important than ever. With the right support and reliable products, you can continue to give your pets the best quality of life, even during uncertain times.