How pet parents are shaping the future of the pet business and beyond

Pet ownership is transforming society. Discover how evolving human-animal bonds will reshape industries, urban living and social norms in an increasingly pet-centric future.

What the Future: Pets
Download the full What the Future: Pets issue

The pet industry is booming, with $150 billion in U.S. sales and 80% of younger households owning pets. But shifting demographics, urbanization and economic pressures are reshaping the landscape of pet ownership and care.

For pet product manufacturers, service providers, and policymakers, understanding the evolving human-animal bond is crucial. The tools and technologies for pet care are advancing rapidly, from AI-assisted health monitoring to premium nutrition tailored for urban living.

What the Future: Pets explores critical questions for this new era of companionship through the lens of five professionals deeply embedded in the pet industry. How will urbanization impact pet ownership? What strategies resonate with pet parents seeking premium experiences? How do you balance pet-friendly policies with the needs of non-pet owners? How are pets replacing children in households?

Dive into expert interviews and fresh data on the dynamics of pet ownership across generations and lifestyles. Whether you're developing pet products, creating housing policies or adapting workplaces for pet parents, keep reading to learn how to navigate the future of the pet industry and shape the evolving role of companion animals in society.

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For full results, please refer to the annotated questionnaire or the Ipsos What the Future: Pets Survey data tables


Letter from the Editor


How companies can prepare for the changing status of pets in the future 

Matt Carmichael, What the Future editor

What the Future: Pets


Shifts


Shifts: How will our relationship with pets inform purchase behaviors? 

Matt Palmer, consultant, Ipsos Strategy3

What the Future: Pets


Interviews & Features


How pet food is evolving to fit modern lifestyles 

Lisa Campbell, senior vice president, corporate affairs, Mars Pet Nutrition North America

What the Future: Pets 

How making pet care more affordable could make people healthier 

Jamie Brannan, chief commercial officer, Zoetis

How brands can balance price and premiumization in evolving markets 

Brand insights from Ipsos’ Keri Christensen

How humanizing pets is reshaping pet owners’ habits 

Yvonne Hsu, general manager, U.S., Hill's Pet Nutrition

How AI could revolutionize how we connect with and care for our pets 

John McHale, CEO, Personifi AI

How community panels help brands tap into growing trends 

Brand insights from Ipsos’ Kristy Click

What elevating pets in our families and society means for business 

Shelly Volsche, affiliate faculty at Boise State University

Implications: Where the opportunities are for…

Brand insights from Ipsos experts

 


  

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How companies can prepare for the changing status of pets in the future

 

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