Pets have become an integral part of our families, and the numbers worldwide confirm this fact. Although Canada is not the country with the highest percentage of pet-owning households (that honor goes to Argentina, with 80% of Argentinians having owned a pet at some point), Canadians adore their pets nonetheless.
We compiled a few of the most recent figures on pet ownership in Canada, so if you’re curious about how much Canadians love their pets, keep reading!
The total pet population in Canada is expected to be 28.51 million in 2025. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with 27.47 million pets in 2016 and 28.05 million in 2021. The projected increase to over 28.5 million by 2025 includes cats, dogs, small mammals, fish, and reptiles.
In 2022, 8.5 million cats were owned by Canadians, making them the most popular pet in the country. Dogs came in second, with 7.9 million owned by Canadians in the same year. The number of pet fish in Canadian households was 8.51 million in 2020, along with 2.51 million birds, 1.23 million small mammals, and 271,100 reptiles.
The Labrador Retriever was Canada’s most popular dog breed in 2022, while the Domestic Shorthair was the most popular cat breed in the same year. Canadians spent an average of $2,800 on caring for a cat in 2022, with the top expenses being dental cleanings, pet insurance, and cat food. Caring for a dog cost Canadians an average of $3,999 in the same year, with dog food, pet insurance, and dental cleanings being the top expenses.
Despite the high costs of pet care, four out of five Canadians appreciate their veterinarians. However, three in five Canadians believe that veterinarians charge too much for their services. In 2022, 84% of Canadian pet owners did not have pet insurance, with some finding it unhelpful when needed, while others considered it a lifesaver.
Seven in 10 Canadians feel that their pet is a family member, with dogs being more likely to be considered family members than cats. Women are more likely than men to view their pets as family members, and Canadian pet owners are 158% happier than the average Canadian.
In terms of pet ownership across Canadian provinces, Ontario residents are the most likely to bring a new pet into their home, while Quebec tops the list with 65% pet ownership. Quebec residents prefer cats, while British Columbia, Northern Canada, and the prairies are more inclined to dog ownership.
Overall, the pet industry in Canada is rapidly growing, reflecting the deep love and care Canadians have for their furry, feathered, and scaly companions. As long as pets continue to be viewed as members of the family, the pet industry will continue to expand, providing more options but also more expenses. Thankfully, with increased knowledge about pet care, we are better equipped to provide the best for our beloved pets.
