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Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
The pet industry in Pakistan has risen over the years, especially with the widespread popularity of pets in social media. While pet industry culture in Pakistan was reserved for upper-class and elite families, a shift has occurred as more upper-middle-class families are starting to live with pets.
Data and statistics are still being acquired as the pet industry continues to shift and grow. Here’s the latest information on what we know so far about pets and pet ownership in Pakistan. We will look at 15 Pakistan pet industry statistics, including:
The 15 Pakistan Pet Industry Statistics
- The Pakistan pet food market has grown by over 20% a year for the past 3 years.
- Pet food imports have grown by more than 1,200% between 2017-2018.
- In 2020, approximately $6.46 million of dog or cat food was imported.
- 2018 provides the most recent data available on pet food tariffs, and the tariff on importing retail dog and cat food in Pakistan was 19.5%.
- The average price for dog toys in 2022 is Rs. 134 (about $.72).
- In 2016, a total of about 190,200 dogs were recorded as pets in Pakistani homes.
- As of 2021, the most popular dog breeds in Pakistan are Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Siberian Huskies.
- A report in 2021 counted about 50,000 dogs dying each year on the streets of Pakistan.
- In 2018, 3,500 dogs were vaccinated and 1,500 dogs were neutered in Karachi to protect people from rabies bites.
- In 2020, the most popular cat breeds were Persians, Khao Manees, Siamese, Maine Coons, and Bengals.
- In 2020, the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF) alone sheltered 652 stray cats.
- 2020 experienced an increase in people acquiring wild cats as pets.
- Imported pet birds are being sold at prices that are 40%-50% more than pre-pandemic prices.
- In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many animal welfare organizations in Pakistan received more than double the number of calls related to animal abandonment.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) donated 315 kg of animal compound feed to 1,400 families in rural Sindh.
Pet Food and Products
1. The Pakistan pet food market has grown by over 20% a year for the past 3 years.
(Petfood Industry)
Pet ownership has become more popular over the years, which increased the demand for pet food. The global pet food market rose at a rate of about 6%-8%, which shows that Pakistan’s 20% growth rate is overwhelming in comparison to the global average.
2. Pet food imports have grown by more than 1,200% between 2017-2018.
(Petfood Industry)
The increase in pet food imports has entertained the idea of domestic pet food production. It appears that producing and manufacturing pet food in-house isn’t too far of a reach and may be a reasonable shift.
The pet industry culture in Pakistan is currently brand-oriented, so experts speculate that the success of domestic pet food production would rely on partnerships with international brands that are already established and trusted by Pakistani pet owners.
3. In 2020, approximately $6.46 million of dog or cat food was imported.
(OEC)
More pet owners are also looking for premium pet food, and name brands play an important role in purchasing decisions. So, much of the pet food available in Pakistan is imported from other countries, including Thailand and the United States.
It’s speculated that the pet food industry will continue to grow to a point that new industries in Pakistan must be set up in order for Pakistan to grow and meet the demands for pet care products.
4. 2018 provides the most recent data available on pet food tariffs, and the tariff on importing retail dog and cat food in Pakistan was 19.5%.
(OEC)
The global average for tariffs on dog and cat food is 13.8%. So, Pakistan’s higher tariff is another incentive for the domestic production of pet food.
Although there’s openness within Pakistan to produce domestic pet food, international brands remain hesitant with investing in Pakistan. Experts in the pet industry speculate that Pakistan will be able to procure land and ingredients, so outside investors will need to focus on acquiring equipment.
5. The average price for dog toys in 2022 is Rs. 134 (about $.72).
(Pakistan Stores)
When it comes to dog toys, you can find some relatively cheap toys with some of the lowest prices being Rs. 78 ($.42). However, more premium pet toys, such as enrichment puzzles, can easily cost about Rs. 6,100 ($32.85).
Dogs in Pakistan
6. In 2016, a total of about 190,200 dogs were recorded as pets in Pakistani homes.
(Kennel Club of Pakistan)
2016 marks the latest documentation on pet dogs in homes. With the increase of pet product demands, we can assume that the number of pet dogs has increased. While the trend of middle-class families acquiring pets has increased, keeping pets is still more of an upper-class luxury in Pakistan.
7. As of 2021, the most popular dog breeds in Pakistan are Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Siberian Huskies.
(Profit)
Pet adoption culture isn’t as prevalent in Pakistan as it is in other countries, and purebred dogs are more highly sought out by potential dog owners. Purebred dogs can be seen as a status symbol, so it’s important for many people to find dogs with a traceable and noteworthy pedigree.
8. A report in 2021 counted about 50,000 dogs dying each year on the streets of Pakistan.
(OIPA)
Some Pakistani cities and neighborhoods have a complicated relationship with stray dogs. There is a large population of stray dogs in these areas, and some dogs have been known to be aggressive and attack people.
Animal advocacy groups, such as Stray Animals Safety and Control Authority Pakistan (SASCAP), are working towards developing and implementing humane practices for controlling the stray dog population.
9. In 2018, 3,500 dogs were vaccinated and 1,500 dogs were neutered in Karachi to protect people from rabies bites.
(TRTWorld)
In 2019, at least 14,000 people were bitten by stray dogs within the span of 8 months in the city of Karachi. A charitable hospital known as The Indus Hospital (TIH) partnered with the Karachi municipality to implement the Rabies Free Karachi project in one region of the city. This experimental initiative worked to catch, vaccinate, and neuter stray dogs with a humane approach.
The results of the Rabies Free Karachi project reaped positive results as dog bite incidents decreased in the area. These promising findings have encouraged TIH to explore the possibility of implementing the project in other low-income neighborhoods in Karachi.
Cats in Pakistan
10. In 2020, the most popular cat breeds were Persians, Khao Manees, Siamese, Maine Coons, and Bengals.
(PetsHub)
Cats are popular pets in Pakistan, and similar to dogs, purebred cats are highly sought after, while mixed breeds aren’t as popular. The ranking of the most popular cat breeds may shift amongst each other, but these breeds consistently remain in the top five most desired breeds.
11. In 2020, the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation (ACF) alone sheltered 652 stray cats.
(ACF)
The ACF is Pakistan’s first and largest animal rescue organization that rehabilitates abused, injured, and homeless animals. This organization highlights the values of empathy and compassion to promote proper care for animals.
The rise in popularity of pet cats has also increased the number of abandoned cats or cats given up for adoption. Organizations such as the ACF are constantly working to shift the view of pet industry culture to promote humane and empathic care for pets.
Exotic Pets in Pakistan
12. 2020 experienced an increase in people acquiring wild cats as pets.
(France 24)
The acquisition of wild cats has increased among elite and wealthy families in Pakistan. Some wealthy families have their own private zoos that contain all kinds of wild animals, including large wild cats.
The ownership of wild cats isn’t illegal in Pakistan, and it’s possible for individuals to own them as long as they can pay for it. Lions and tigers in the home are also viewed as status symbols, and politicians are also known to buy big cats as a symbol of their power.
13. Imported pet birds are being sold at prices that are 40%-50% more than pre-pandemic prices.
(The Express Tribune)
Birds, especially parrots, are popular pets in Pakistan. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay in imports for many industries, including avian pets. Pet birds are now being sold at much more expensive prices than before the pandemic.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Pet and Animal Care
(WWF)
The pet industries in different countries have received varying types of impact. In Pakistan, the number of animal abandonments increased due to several reasons.
First, many pet store owners weren’t able to tend to their shops during lockdowns. Pakistan also imports most of its pet food, so rising pet food costs and insufficient supply made pet care even more difficult. The speculations of animals transmitting the virus to humans also drove many pets to become abandoned or put up for adoption.
15. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) donated 315 kg of animal compound feed to 1,400 families in rural Sindh.
(WWF)
The pandemic also impacted the availability of livestock feed in Pakistan. Working animals suffered alongside their owners as owners both struggled financially and didn’t have as much access to animal feed. This issue led the FAO to donate feed to struggling families, which also helped to prevent animal abandonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular pets in Pakistan?
While dogs and cats are growing in popularity in Pakistan, parrots have been a favorite for years. Parrots have been popular because of their beautiful colors and entertaining behavioral quirks. Some of the most popular types of parrots include the Macaw, Australian King, Cockatiel, and Raw. (OLX)
What laws protect animals in Pakistan?
Animals are protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1890 (PCTAA). However, many animal rights activists and groups protest and advocate for updated rules and regulations to be included in the PCTAA. Current initiatives are working to have Pakistani governments on board with humane treatment of stray animals and finding alternatives to culling animals for population control. (Courting the Law)
What dog food brands are most popular in Pakistan?
Since Pakistan imports most of its pet food, certain international brands have gained recognition throughout the country. Some favorite brands include Royal Canin, Reflex Dog Food, and NutraGold Dog Food. Dog owners can expect to pay between Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 17,000 per bag of dog food. (PetsHub)
Is it easy to acquire exotic pets in Pakistan?
Some exotic animals, such as tigers, have become more difficult to acquire in Pakistan because of their rarity and endangered status. However, lions are becoming more common to see throughout homes belonging to the upper class, elites, and politicians.
There are currently no clear laws that prohibit the possession of wild imported animals in Pakistan. However, importing an exotic animal can still be a difficult process because of scams. When it comes to lions, specific Facebook groups exist for domestic purchases in Pakistan. (Scroll)
Conclusion
The overall increase in pet ownership in Pakistan has brought both positive and negative consequences. The growing pet industry could point to new income revenue and job opportunities. However, it can also increase the pre-existing issues of stray animals and abandoned pets.
It will be important for more data to continue to be gathered in the coming years for experts and activists to develop a healthy pet industry that benefits both humans and animals.
Featured Image Credit: Susan Schmitz, Shutterstock
