Mexican families are spending more on their pets than ever before. On average, households now allocate about MX$2,884 (US$170) each month for pet care, according to Deloitte. This spending includes food, hygiene, toys, and veterinary care, reflecting a broader shift towards valuing animal welfare.
In Mexico, around 25 million households have at least one pet, which totals nearly 80 million companion animals. Among these, approximately 43.8 million are dogs, 16.2 million are cats, and the rest comprise various smaller pets. Not surprisingly, food makes up the largest part of pet-related expenses, with 70% of purchases focused on dog products, while cat-related items account for the remaining 30%.
Alejandra Núñez, a director at Soriana, emphasizes, “Consumers are now treating pets like family members and prioritizing their health and happiness.” This change in attitudes is driving preferences for high-quality, specialized pet products. For instance, dog owners are leaning towards large food packages and formulas tailored to specific health needs, such as digestion and joint support. Cat owners, on the other hand, are most interested in advanced clumping litter and convenient food packaging.
The rise in specialized products has led retailers to expand their private-label offerings. Soriana, for example, provides brands like Trainer’s Choice and Precissimo, which include a range of foods and accessories tailored to both dogs and cats.
Geographic spending patterns reveal that states like Nuevo Leon, Mexico City, and Jalisco are leading in pet product consumption. Areas experiencing rapid urbanization, like Tamaulipas and Quintana Roo, are also showing a surge in demand.
Beyond food and accessories, health care for pets is a growing concern. A study by Mitofsky indicates that 65.7% of pet owners visit the vet one to three times a year. There’s also a growing trend in pet insurance, with GNP Seguros reporting over 7,800 active policies. Most of these policies cover medical expenses and include additional services like grooming and veterinary consultations.
As pets increasingly become integral to family life, the market dynamics are changing. Understanding consumer needs—from nutrition to convenience—helps retailers adapt. This growing industry not only reflects a shift in household priorities but also opens new opportunities across various sectors, from retail to veterinary care and insurance.
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Agribusiness & Food, pet care, Pet Food, Pet Industry, Companion Animals, consumer spending, Pet Nutrition, Veterinary Services, Pet Insurance, Animal Welfare, retail industry, Private Label Brands, Pet Products Market, Urban Consumer Trends, Household Spending, Alejandra Núñez, Soriana, Deloitte, Inegi, Mitofsky, GNP Seguros, Mexico
