Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

You may be somewhat familiar with the pet industry in general or the pet industries in larger countries like the United States. But have you ever wondered what the pet industry is like in smaller countries? While not as robust as pet industries in places like the U.S., smaller countries have pet industries, and knowing about them can tell you a lot about pets and pet parents in that country.

Today, we’re looking at Pakistan’s pet industry. This industry is only starting to grow as pet ownership has only become more common in recent years. So far, pet food makes up the largest share of the industry, but other areas are starting to grow!

The 15 Pakistan Pet Industry Statistics

1. 40% of Pakistani pet parents consider their pet to be a member of the family.
2. The number of cats and dogs owned by Pakistanis decreased by 12% in 2023.
3. Approximately 90% of Pakistani pet owners take their pets to see a veterinarian once every 6 months.
4. 5% of Pakistanis utilize grooming services.
5. Imported pet food to Pakistan may soon see a 50% regulatory tax.
6. Online Pakistani pet and animal stores brought in a total of $51.12 million last year.
7. Pet supplies e-commerce in Pakistan accounts for 9.5% of the Leisure & Hobby market in the country.
8. E-commerce for cat supplies in Pakistan makes up 43.6% of the pet supplies e-commerce market in Pakistan.
9. In 2023, there were 77 pet supplies import shipments to Pakistan.
10. Pakistan exported 10,000 pet supply shipments in the past year.
11. The demand for pet food in Pakistan has increased by 6.3% annually since 2008.
12. Only 10% of Pakistanis currently purchase local pet food.
13. Pakistan imported around 19 million pounds of pet food in 2023.
14. Pakistan was #61 for pet food exports in 2023.
15. 39% of Pakistanis make their own pet food.

General Pakistan Pet Industry Statistics

1. 40% of Pakistani pet parents consider their pet to be a member of the family.

(TGM Research)

Pet ownership isn’t as abundant in Pakistan as it is in countries like the U.S., but it has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years. 48% of people surveyed owned a pet, and 40% of those considered their pet to be a member of the family. 40% also only owned a single pet, while 28% owned two, 14% owned three, and 19% owned four.

2. The number of cats and dogs owned by Pakistanis decreased by 12% in 2023.

(Gallup)

Compared to 2009, 2023 saw a decrease in the number of cats and dogs owned by Pakistanis. However, 2023 also saw a 6% increase in the number of pet birds owned. The animals most people own in the country include cows and goats, with 50% of people saying they own these animals.

3. Approximately 90% of Pakistani pet owners take their pets to see a veterinarian once every 6 months.

(PetPulse)

Veterinarians are the most commonly used pet service in Pakistan, with 90% of people taking their pets to a vet at least once every six months. Grooming and training services are the next most popular pet services. However, 13% of respondents used no pet services whatsoever.

4. 5% of Pakistanis utilize grooming services.

(PetPulse)

Grooming services are the second most popular pet service utilized in Pakistan, but the number of people using groomers falls far behind that of those using veterinarians, with only 8.5% of Pakistanis using them. 6.1% of Pakistani pet parents use training services, so the pet care industry is really only booming when it comes to veterinary care.

5. Imported pet food to Pakistan may soon see a 50% regulatory tax.

(Global Pet Industry)

Finance Bill 2024, put forth by Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue in July 2024, will impose a regulatory tax of 50% on imported pet food, at least until June 2025. This isn’t the first time import taxes in this market have increased, either; the previous year saw import taxes on pet food increase from 17% to 25%. The Federal Minister of Pakistan has raised serious objections to this increase, so it remains to be seen whether the 50% regulatory tax will be implemented.

Commerce in the Pakistan Pet Industry Statistics

6. Online Pakistani pet and animal stores brought in a total of $51.12 million last year.

(Aftership)

There are approximately 62,520 online stores in Pakistan, many of which are pet—and animal-related stores. Last year, these online pet industry stores brought in 10.9% of the region’s total pet industry sales, earning $51.12 million. Though the online pet industry is significant, online health stores brought in a total of $161.34 million.

7. Pet supplies e-commerce in Pakistan accounts for 9.5% of the Leisure & Hobby market in the country.

(ECDB)

While last year’s pet supplies e-commerce earned a total of $51.12 million, this portion of the market is estimated to grow to around $59.3 million by 2024 and $111.5 million by 2028. As of now, it accounts for 9.5% of the Leisure & Hobby market, which also includes categories like musical instruments, toys, and media.

8. E-commerce for cat supplies in Pakistan makes up 43.6% of the pet supplies e-commerce market in Pakistan.

(ECDB)

Felines are more often kept as pets in Pakistan than dogs, so it’s no surprise that the e-commerce pet supply market is largely made up of e-commerce for cat supplies! This market is expected to reach $25.9 million in 2024 and $53.9 million by 2028.

9. In 2023, there were 77 pet supplies import shipments to Pakistan.

(Volza)

According to Volza, these pet supplies imports were brought into the country by 41 Pakistan importers. The country imports most of its pet supplies from China, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, but these imports came from 43 different suppliers.

10. Pakistan exported 10,000 pet supply shipments in the past year.

(Volza)

According to Volza, Pakistan’s pet supplies exports are much higher than their imports, as they exported 10,000 shipments in the past year. Most of these exports were sent to Canada, the Netherlands, and the U.S.

Pakistan Pet Food Industry Statistics

11. The demand for pet food in Pakistan has increased by 6.3% annually since 2008.

(Report Linker)

As more Pakistanis adopt pets, the demand for pet food has risen. In fact, it has seen an annual increase of 6.3% since 2008! The pet food industry in Pakistan is a mix of imports and local food, but with the proposed regulatory tax on pet food, local pet food may begin to win out.

12. Only 10% of Pakistanis currently purchase local pet food.

(Global Pet Industry)

While the local pet food industry may grow, it’s currently losing out to imported pet food, which 90% of Pakistanis use, which is part of the reason for the proposed increased regulatory tax. If imported pet food becomes too expensive, people will have to purchase from local sources, which will increase the market share of the pet food industry that Pakistan holds.

13. Pakistan imported around 19 million pounds of pet food in 2023.

(Report Linker)

This number is expected to increase to about 24 million by 2028, for an annual 3.4% growth rate. Of course, regulatory taxes on imports may slow this increase or stop it altogether, so it remains to be seen whether this estimate will pan out.

14. Pakistan was number 61 for pet food exports in 2023.

(Report Linker)

As much pet food as the country imports, they also export quite a bit. Barbados just barely passed it in pet food exports, with 350,534 pounds of pet food exported. The top pet food exporters included France, Poland, and the U.S.

15. 39% of Pakistanis make their own pet food.

(TGM Research)

While supermarkets are the top global choice for purchasing pet food, some Pakistanis sidestep regulatory taxes and local pet food by making their own pet food. Supermarkets aren’t far behind in terms of choice for getting pet food, though, as 33% of Pakistani pet owners use them. Online pet stores and independent pet stores follow with 17% each.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Pakistan Pet Industry

Have more questions about the pet industry in Pakistan? Here are a few common questions about the topic that typically arise.

What are the top pet food brands purchased in Pakistan?

According to TGM Research, the top three pet food brands purchased in Pakistan are Royal Canin, Reflex, and Homemade. (TGM Research)

Where do people in Pakistan get most of their pet care information from?

While many people visit veterinarians for their pets, most Pakistanis trust the internet and social media for information on pet care.

What categories does the Pakistan pet industry have?

While the pet food and treats category of the Pakistan pet industry accounts for most of the industry, bringing in at least 50% of sales, other categories are growing. These include pet daycares, boarding, pet accessories, veterinary care, and grooming services. (Course Hero)

How large is the market size for pet daycare services in Pakistan?

Currently, the market size is rather small, only accounting for approximately USD 1.8 million. However, its estimated growth is quite significant, as it’s believed the market will increase to nearly USD 5 million by 2027. (Course Hero)

Conclusion

Pet ownership in Pakistan has only increased in recent years, so the pet industry is still relatively small. Pet food makes up the largest share of the pet industry in Pakistan, both in imports and exports. However, other categories of the Pakistan pet industry, like pet health care, grooming, and supplies, are beginning to grow. The Pakistan pet industry will be one to watch in upcoming years as it continues to grow!