Pets purchased online more often, pet shop remains indispensable

April 29 2025
2 min reading time

Huisdieren vaker online aangeschaft, dierenspeciaalzaak blijft onmisbaar

The latest pet research by Dibevo and NVG shows that the origin of pets is changing, but pet shops remain important for food and care. Discover the most important trends and opportunities for your shop.

Pet origins are changing rapidly

While dogs still come most often from breeders and cats from family or shelters, more and more small pets are purchased online or from acquaintances. This is evident from the annual pet survey by Ipsos I&O, commissioned by Dibevo and the Dutch Companion Animal Food Industry (NVG).

Pet shop remains important for food and care

For pet shops, the research highlights both opportunities and challenges. Although the number of pets from unregulated channels is increasing, pet shops remain a crucial link for food and care. As many as 73% of pet owners buy their staple food in pet shops. Snacks (58%) and pet supplies (59%) are also purchased most often here. Important reasons for this choice are the wide range (54%) and expert advice (53%).

Importance of quality and trust

Consumers increasingly value animal welfare and good advice. For example, 18% of customers mention an animal welfare quality mark as decisive in their purchasing decision. Owners of small pets, such as rodents, especially appreciate a sample stay in the store, to see what good housing looks like. The origin of a pet has little influence on the strong bond that is created.

Despite price increases, most pet owners are not cutting back on their pets. On average, €53 is spent per month on food and €15 on pet supplies. Two-thirds of pet owners say that price increases have not affected their food expenditure. Only 2% have ever considered giving up a pet. The demand for quality products and reliable suppliers remains high.

Opportunities for pet shops

For pet shops, this development offers plenty of opportunities to distinguish themselves with quality, service and expert advice. Warmako supports its partners in this with a wide range of pet supplies and food, carefully selected based on trends, sustainability and animal welfare. Together we ensure that pet shops remain the trusted address for everything pets need.

Do you want advice about your assortment? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to think along with you. Mail to info@warmako.com or contact your representative directly.

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About the research
These results come from the annual pet survey by Dibevo and NVG, conducted by Ipsos I&O among more than 4,000 Dutch people.

About Dibevo
Dibevo is the trade association for entrepreneurs in the pet industry, with over 1,400 affiliated companies. Warmako is the official sponsor of the Dibevo Trade Fair 2025. This leading trade fair will take place on 28 and 29 September 2025 in Evenementenhal Gorinchem, with the theme 'Make me smile'. We are proud to contribute to this. More information: www.dibevo.nl

About NVG
The Dutch Pet Food Industry (NVG) represents producers and importers of pet food and is committed to good, safe and sustainable food. More information: www.nvg-diervoeding.nl