Jun 26, 2026Market Insights

Spain’s Pet Parents in 2026: High Ownership, Stable Budgets, and Strong Loyalty to In‑Store Shopping

New 2026 data shows that 54% of Spanish households now have a pet, with dogs leading and mixed feeding becoming increasingly common.

Spain’s Pet Parents in 2026 High Ownership, Stable Budgets, and Strong Loyalty to In‑Store Shopping
New 2026 data from the Spanish Pet Industry Association (AEDPAC) reveals a pet‑loving nation defined by high ownership rates, controlled but steady spending, and a strong preference for physical retail. Dogs remain the dominant companion animal, while omnichannel habits and rising insurance adoption signal a more mature, structured pet market.
The findings are based on 713 online interviews conducted between 27 January and 9 February 2026.

1. Pet Ownership: Adoption Culture and Shifting Household Patterns

In 2026, 54% of Spanish households have at least one pet—an increase of 2 percentage points YoY.

Where Pets Come From

  • 66% adopted from shelters or private individuals
  • 10% taken in as strays
  • 15.7% purchased from stores
Spain continues to be one of Europe’s strongest adoption‑driven markets.

Species Distribution

  • Dogs appear in 3 out of 4 pet‑owning households
  • Cats appear in just over half
Ownership patterns are evolving:
  • Dog‑only households declined to 48.2%
  • Cat‑only households remain stable at 24.5%

2. Feeding Habits: Dry Food Dominates, but Mixed Diets Grow

Dogs

  • 55% rely exclusively on dry food
  • 37% mix dry + wet
  • 8% use wet food only

Cats

  • 59.5% use mixed feeding
  • 29% dry only
  • 11.7% wet only

Spending on Food

Pet food represents 38.8% of monthly pet spending:
  • Dog owners: €63 ($68)
  • Cat owners: €53 ($57)
Both groups reduced spending by €3 compared to 2025—a “controlled adjustment” without compromising care.

3. Offline Retail Remains the Preferred Channel

Spain stands out as one of Europe’s strongest in‑store pet food markets.

Dog Owners

  • 86% buy mostly in‑store
  • Supermarkets: 48%
  • Specialized chains: 28%
  • Veterinary clinics: 22%

Cat Owners

  • 86.8% buy mostly in‑store
  • Supermarkets: 53%
  • Specialized chains: 22%
  • Veterinary clinics: 23%
Physical retail remains dominant due to convenience, trust, and habit.


4. Online & Omnichannel: Small but Growing

Online‑only purchasing remains extremely low:
  • 1% of dog owners
  • <1% of cat owners
Among those who do shop online, purchasing is evenly distributed across:
  • Specialized platforms
  • Online supermarkets/hypermarkets
  • Specialist retailers
AEDPAC highlights that 9 in 10 pet parents now combine channels, confirming omnichannel as the new standard.
“Consumers compare, switch and choose based on convenience. The hybrid experience is no longer a trend – it is the new normal.”



5. Services: Health Leads, Grooming Follows, Daycare Lags

Veterinary Care

  • Over 90% of dog and cat owners** report regular vet visits

Grooming

  • ~70% of dogs receive grooming/washing services
  • ~50% of cats receive grooming

Daycare & Boarding

Usage remains low:
  • 68.5% of dog owners do not use daycare
  • 73% of cat owners do not use daycare
Spain’s service market remains health‑centric rather than lifestyle‑centric.

6. Monthly Budget: Controlled Spending With Rising Insurance Adoption

Average Monthly Spending

  • Dogs: €163 ($176)
  • Cats: €144 ($155)

Breakdown

  • Food: largest share
  • Veterinary care:
  • Dogs: 19% (€30)
  • Cats: 15% (€22)
  • Grooming:
  • Dogs: 11% (€17)
  • Cats: 8% (€11)
  • Other expenses (hygiene, toys, accessories, gifts):
  • Dogs: €27
  • Cats: €33

Insurance

Insurance adoption is rising:
  • Dogs: €25/month
  • Cats: €24/month
AEDPAC notes this reflects greater formalization and adaptation to new regulatory expectations.


What This Means for the Pet Industry

  • Spain is a high‑ownership, adoption‑driven market
  • Spending is stable but more rationalized
  • Physical retail remains dominant, unlike many EU markets
  • Omnichannel behavior is now standard
  • Health services and insurance are becoming more important
  • Mixed feeding is rising, especially for cats
The Spanish market is evolving toward structured care, stable budgets, and strong retail loyalty.
Source:GlobalPETS