14 South Africa Pet Ownership Statistics to Know in 2026

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

The pet industry in South Africa has always been a well-developed market. With the opportunity to own large properties with plenty of garden space, beautiful weather all year round, and an outdoor lifestyle, most South Africans are happy pet owners.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most interesting South African pet ownership statistics and answer frequently asked questions.

Top 14 South Africa Pet Ownership Statistics

1. Unexpected surgeries can cost up to R25 000 ($1,546.71).

2. New pet owners spend an average of R30 000–R60 000 ($1,856.05–$3,712.10) on vet fees in the first year.

3. Only 1% of cats and dogs are insured in South Africa.

4. 7% of residential tenants prefer a pet-friendly property in South Africa.

5. Approximately 45% of adults in South Africa are pet owners.

6. Around 78% of pet owners in South Africa own dogs.

7. Only 4% to 12% of South Africans have a negative opinion about pets.

8. Dogs are the top pets in South Africa with large dogs accounting for 50% of the dog population.

9. Approximately 59.71% of reported rabies cases from 1998 to 2022 came from companion animals.

10. South Africa has over 4 million homeless cats and dogs.

11. Domestic cats in Cape Town kill approximately 27.5 million animals a year.

12. Over 350 government and private-owned facilities in South Africa breed and house large cats.

13. Tigers aren’t native to South Africa, but over 492 were kept in private facilities in 2022.

14. Around 86.4% of pet reptiles are not native species.

Cost of Owning a Pet Statistics in South Africa

1. Unexpected surgeries can cost up to R25 000 ($1,546.71).

(Pet Health Care)

Vet fees are costly due to the high costs of operating a veterinary practice, from medical products to business expenditures and training. Unexpected surgeries can cost up to R25,000 ($1,546.71).

2. New pet owners spend an average of R30 000–R60 000 ($1,856.05–$3,712.10) on vet fees in the first year.

(Pet Health Care)

Buying or adopting a new pet can end up being a costly experience. Deworming and sterilization, vaccinations, flea and tick control, neutering, consultation, and adoption fees are some of the fees that are included in getting a new pet.

3. Only 1% of cats and dogs are insured in South Africa.

(Pet Health Care)

Some pet owners cannot cover unexpected veterinary bills upfront. Veterinary bills are expensive, and in many cases, pet owners must put their pets to sleep because they simply don’t have the finances to pay the veterinary bills. Despite that, only 1% of cats and dogs are insured.

Pet Care Preference Statistics in South Africa

4. 7% of residential tenants prefer a pet-friendly property in South Africa.

(House and Garden)

A growing number of animal lovers consider their pets' needs when deciding where to live. Potential homeowners are willing to spend more on a property large enough for their pets. Although it’s possible to negotiate with a landlord about having a dog or cat, rental properties are usually not pet-friendly.

5. Approximately 45% of adults in South Africa are pet owners.

(Media Online)

South Africa is a pet-loving country, and almost half of the adults have pets. Pet owners spend more money on pet food and veterinary services than on grooming, boarding, toys, and equipment.

6. Around 78% of pet owners in South Africa own dogs.

(TGM Research)

Only 36% of South Africans who participated in the TGM survey owned cats compared to the 78% who owned dogs, but 49% had two pets. The most popular dog breed is the German Shepherd, and the most popular cat breed is the mixed breed (moggy).

7. Only 4% to 12% of South Africans have a negative opinion about pets.

(TGM Research)

It is refreshing to read that only a small percentage of South Africans do not like pets. The 18 to 24-year-olds and 35 to 44-year-olds had the highest percentage of people who do not like pets, at 12%. The group with the smallest percentage of people who don’t like pets was 55 to 64-year-olds, at 2%.

8. Dogs are the top pets in South Africa, and large dogs account for 50% of the dog population.

(TGM Research)

Dogs are popular amongst South Africans, and although they’re still used to guard homes and protect property, more pet owners consider them members of the family.

Large dogs are common in South Africa, and the German Shepherd, Pit Bull, Jack Russel Terrier, mixed-breed, and Bulldogs are the top canines.

Pet Health Statistics in South Africa

9. Approximately 59.71% of reported rabies cases from 1998 to 2022 came from companion animals.

(National Library of Medicine)

Rabies is a common disease in South Africa, and it’s prevalent in wildlife and domestic species. Although rabies cases are reported year-round, most occur during the mid-dry season. Some of the regions with a high concentration of rabies include Mpumalanga, Free State, Limpopo, and Gauteng.

10. South Africa has over 4 million homeless cats and dogs.

(IOL)

Nearly 650,000 of South Africa’s homeless animals live in shelters, and the remaining 3.4 million live on the streets. However, the “Healthy Pets, Healthier Community” program began in 2024 to spay and neuter pets in low-income communities. So far, over 1,500 animals have been sterilized.

11. Domestic cats in Cape Town kill approximately 27.5 million animals a year.

(Science Direct)

Until recently, the effect of domestic felines on local wildlife was unknown, but researchers have made some stunning conclusions. Cats in Cape Town kill at least 5.56 times more animals than previous studies suggested, and the city has over 300,000 cats. Since Table Mountain National Park borders Cape Town, preventing cats from hunting protected species has become a priority.

General Pet Statistics for South Africa

12. Over 350 government and private-owned facilities in South Africa breed and house large cats.

(The Conversation)

South African authorities recently announced they will ban lion farming, which will eventually prevent residents from owning lions as pets. However, some lion breeders have switched to breeding tigers and ligers. South Africa is one of the only countries that allows the commercial captive breeding of tigers.

13. Tigers aren’t native to South Africa, but over 492 were kept in private facilities in 2022.

(The Conversation)

Keeping tigers as pets is dangerous, as evidenced by a recent pet tiger escape. When a pet tiger escaped his home in Johannesburg, he killed several animals and attacked a man before being killed by wildlife authorities.

14. Around 86.4% of pet reptiles are not native species.

(Research Space)

The University of KwaZulu-Natal conducted a massive survey in 2021 to evaluate the pet reptile industry in South Africa. The researchers discovered that 15 of the 50 collected species were invasive. Ball pythons and bearded dragons are the most commonly traded reptiles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Ownership Statistics in South Africa

How Many Pet Dogs and Cats Live in South Africa?

South Africa is home to over 7.4 million dogs and 2 million cats. Pet owners in the country reported higher happiness levels than those of non-pet owners, and they spend approximately R5.7 billion yearly on veterinary services to keep them healthy. (Budget Pet Supplies)

Besides Dogs and Cats, Which Pets Are Popular in South Africa?

South Africans prefer dogs and cats as pets, but 4% own birds, 3% own fish, 1% own rabbits, rodents, and reptiles, and less than 1% have exotic pets. (The Media Online)

Are Individuals More Likely to Own Pets Than Families?

It’s a myth that single owners are likely to have more pets than families, and recent BrandMapp data revealed that families with more kids are more likely to have more dogs. Nearly 43% of South African dog owners have three or more children. (The Media Online)

How Many Pets Are You Allowed in South Africa?

The Animal Protection Act of 1962 restricts the number of animals allowed on a property. For dogs over 6 months old, a maximum of two dogs are allowed in a dwelling unit, three dogs are allowed in a freestanding property, four dogs are allowed in a property on a plot exceeding 600 square meters, and six dogs are allowed on an agricultural property.

You cannot have more than four cats on a residential property and no more than six on an agricultural property. (Remax)

Conclusion

The pet ownership trend continues to grow in South Africa. South Africans all over the country are adopting pets for companionship and as an extra security measure, especially on farming land where the residents are more vulnerable.

The pet industry is thriving in South Africa, and most South Africans consider their pets a part of the family. Dogs are the most popular pets, followed by cats, fish, rabbits, and reptiles.

See Also:

• 19 Pet Ownership Statistics In Ohio

• 15 Pet Ownership Statistics In New York

• 15 South Africa Pet Industry Statistics to Know: Trends, Market Size & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: Boryana Manzurova, Shutterstock