The Pet Luxury Boom: Why Premium Kibble and Doggy Spas Are Taking Over
- Rosa Matthews
- May 19
- 3 min read
From $346 billion to $643 billion in less than a decade—here’s why spending on our furry friends is going through the roof.
There was a time when pet care meant cheap kibble and a rinse with the garden hose.
Those days are long gone. Today, it’s grain-free, organic food, curated meal plans, and spa days—yes, spa days—for dogs. It might sound over the top, but the data doesn’t lie: we’re spending more on our pets than ever before, and it’s only accelerating.
The global pet care market isn’t just growing—it’s booming. Forecasts show it rising from $346.01 billion in 2025 to $643.53 billion by 2034, according to Fortune Business Insights. That’s a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.10%.
Within that growth, the luxury segment is flourishing. The luxury pet products market is projected to double from $5 billion in 2025 to $10 billion by 2033. Pet accessories are keeping pace, set to grow from $4.0 billion to $6.7 billion in that same timeframe.
The “Humanization” Revolution
This isn’t clever marketing—it’s a cultural shift.
According to the Pet Humanization Consumer Behavior Study, 77% of U.S. pet owners say financial stress hasn’t changed how they care for their pets.
In 2024, U.S. households were estimated to spend an average of $1,012.21 per month on pets. Even more striking? 37% of pet owners have gone into debt for their pets, and 43.6% care more about what goes into their pet’s bowl than their own.
This isn’t about budgets. It’s about love—messy, emotional, heart-first love—and it's reshaping entire industries.
Premium Pet Food: The First Indulgence
The U.S. pet food market hit $43.45 billion in 2024. By 2030, premium food is expected to account for nearly 60% of the market.
Once you start tracking protein sources and checking fiber levels in your dog’s food like you do your own, it’s hard to go back to bargain brands.
Dogs lead the pack, making up 58.8% of pet food revenue. Even veterinary-specific diets are growing fast, with a projected 4.5% CAGR through 2030.
The Spa Scene: Not Just for Humans Anymore
The pet grooming services industry jumped to $8.46 billion in 2025.
The spa segment alone is expected to grow from $3.28 billion in 2024 to $7.65 billion by 2035. We’re talking massage therapy, mud wraps, hydrotherapy, even aromatherapy for dogs.
Pet spas today offer everything from medicated baths and nail art to organic grooming products and full-on wellness consultations.
So Who’s Behind All This?
One word: Gen Z.
According to the APPA, the number of Gen Z pet-owning households surged 43.5% between 2023 and 2024.
The overall pet-owning population also rose to 94 million U.S. households in 2024. Dog adoptions climbed 11.06% from 2022 to 2023.
Even though 32% say they couldn’t afford vet care in the past six months, they’re still spending on luxury items. It’s not always rational, but it’s deeply human.
Buying Habits Are Evolving Too
Shopping for pet supplies has changed dramatically.
According to Synchrony, 51% of pet owners now shop online—just ahead of the 47% who still prefer stores.
Pet specialty stores still dominate 31.1% of the premium food market. But online shopping is growing fast: up to 30% of owners now prefer it, compared to 23% just three years ago.
Tech + Tails: The New Frontier
Pet tech isn’t just about squeaky robot toys anymore.
According to Packaged Facts, smart gadgets are right behind food and treats in terms of spending for some.
We’re seeing AI-powered collars, smart feeders, health trackers, and even real-time diet adjustments based on your pet’s activity and weight.
Luxury Now Means Sustainable, Too
The sustainable pet products market is booming. Think recyclable toys, organic food, and biodegradable packaging.
Luxury today doesn’t just mean “expensive.” It means thoughtful. It means ethical sourcing, low-impact packaging, and products that align with personal values.
Looking Ahead
North America leads with 35% of the global luxury pet accessories market—around $1.4 billion in 2023—but Asia-Pacific is catching up fast.
Expect more mobile groomers, subscription food boxes, pet telehealth, and yes—even DIY spa kits. Brands like Gucci, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton are already in the pet game.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t a bubble. It’s a realignment of values.
When you treat pets like family, the spending doesn’t come from logic—it comes from love. The U.S. pet industry hit $152 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $157 billion in 2025.
For brands, the message is clear: pet humanization isn’t a trend—it’s the new normal.
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