Pet products market turns in record year

The U.S. pet care industry tallied $123.6 billion in sales in 2021, the industry’s highest level yet and the second consecutive record year for the sector, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA).

Stamford, Conn.-based APPA said the sales peak last year built on a banner year in 2020, when the pet products industry topped $100 billion in sales for the first time. The association noted that it had expected strong sales in 2021, forecasting growth of around 6% to $109.6 billion in total sales by the year’s end, but actuals results eclipsed even its high-end estimates, rising 13.5% year over year.

“The numbers don’t lie: The pet industry has shown itself to be incredibly strong and resilient with a record-breaking two years,” Anne Ferrante, senior vice president of member relations and business development, said in a statement.

APPA State of the Industry data for 2021 showed increases in every spending category, the association said. Key findings include the following:

• $50 billion was spent on pet food and treats, the highest spend category at a 13.6% increase.

• Supplies, live animals and over-the-counter pet medications saw the biggest gain at 17.8%, for a total spend of $29.8 billion.

• Veterinary care and product sales came in as the second-highest spend category at $34.3 billion, representing an 8.9% uptick.

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• Other services (including grooming, dog walking and boarding) totaled $9.5 billion spent, a 17.3% increase 

“We expect continued growth as we look toward the remainder of 2022,” Ferrante added, “although we anticipate it may be at a more moderate pace given the impact of volatile factors like inflation, supply chain issues and global relations.”

One of the leading trade groups for the pet care industry, APPA represents nearly 1,000 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers,  including large companies and growing businesses.