T. Ozbun
Research expert covering food retail and all food topics for Italy and Brazil
Consumer behavior of pet owners in Italy - statistics & facts
Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in Italian households. However, birds, small rodents, birds, and turtles are quite common as well. Fish are, indeed, the most widespread pets after dogs and cats. Despite the large number of pets in animal shelters, purchasing pets still represents one of the main ways of acquiring a domestic animal in Italy. According to a recent survey, the most common way for a pet to enter a household was as a gift, while some 25 percent of respondents bought it in a store or from a breeding farm. Still a significant share of pets were found on the street, according to 20 percent of survey respondents, and another 19 percent got them from an animal shelter.
Pet food
Pet owners follow different criteria when choosing food for their pets. According to a survey, the main factor influencing their choice of pet food was the quality of ingredients, prioritized by 74 percent of respondents. However, veterinarian’s advice, trust in the food brand, and the protein content were still important aspects when choosing it. Among food brands, a survey revealed that Monge emerged as the most popular choice, with 28 percent of respondents purchasing this brand. Following closely behind was Friskies, selected by 20 percent of participants. Royal Canin and Whiskas also garnered notable mentions. When considering brand perception in terms of healthiness, Monge again took the lead with 30 percent of respondents considering it the most suitable pet food brand for their beloved companions. Almo Nature followed closely behind, with 25 percent of participants believing it to be a healthy option. Royal Canin received recognition from 24 percent of respondents in terms of perceived healthiness.Pet travel
Traveling with pets can be an enjoyable experience for both pet owners and their furry companions, prompting many to include their furry friends in their journeys even when away from home. Close to half of millennials reported frequently traveling with their furry companions, while the percentage was lower among baby boomers, at 34 percent. However, despite the desire to travel with pets, it is still rather challenging, and can often discourage pet owners from embarking on trips altogether. According to a recent survey, the primary obstacles to traveling with pets, among Italian pet owners were transporting the pets themselves, as cited by 31 percent of respondents, and finding pet-friendly accommodations, mentioned by 28 percent. Overcoming these hurdles requires careful planning and research but can result in an enjoyable journey for both the owners and their pets.
