During the pandemic, puppy ownership hit record highs around the world, as pets not only provided much needed companionship but also emotional support.
South Africa (05 April 2022) – Because puppy love is the best kind of love!
It is no surprise that the marriage rate has been declining for decades and, in some countries, is at the lowest rate yet, with many people choosing not to get married at all, to get married later in life and many having children later or not at all.
“At the same time, we have seen an increase in pet parents and pets becoming not only companions but a firm part of the family, whatever this may look like,” says Marycke Ackhurst, pet behaviour expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Pet parents are not only spending more time with their fur babies, but they are also spending substantially more money on them, whether it be on food, doggie daycare, toys, etc.
The global pet care industry grew from $216billion in 2020 to $232billion in 2021. This trend can easily be seen when sitting around the lunch table with pet parents, just mention something cute that your cat or pup has recently done, and soon everyone will be talking about their fur babies and sharing pictures and tales.
“For many of us, our pets have become our children, grandchildren – an integral part of our family, with their needs being as important as the human members,” says Ackhurst.
During the pandemic, pet ownership hit record highs around the world, as pets not only provided much needed companionship but also emotional support.
Dogs are known to help with anxiety, depression and loneliness as well as having a positive impact on our health and increasing oxytocin, the love hormone. Many new pet parents will testify to their priorities quickly changing as soon as their new dog or cat arrives in the home, from needing to be home to spend more time with their pet, arranging a pet sitter if they are going out or choosing to visit pet friendly restaurants and getaways to including spoils in the trolley.
*This April Hill’s Pet Nutrition will be spoiling small dogs. When their pet parents purchase any Hill’s Canine bag 1.5kg to 6kg, they will receive a gorgeous toy for their fur baby.
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