With nearly 70% of households in Mexico now sharing their lives with pets, the country’s economy and societal dynamics are undergoing significant transformations. A 2022 study by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) revealed that 69.8% of Mexican homes have pets, with 54.7% being dogs (approximately 43.8 million), 20.2% cats (around 16.2 million), and 25% other animals (about 20 million). As pet owners become increasingly diligent in their responsibilities, the economic ramifications are being felt at both the household and national levels.
Quarterly Expenses of Pet Parents
Research from the Universidad del Valle de México (UVM) indicates that 43% of pet owners spend up to MX$999 ($55.46/€50.94) quarterly on pet food, while 41% allocate between MX$1,000 ($55.52/€50.99) and MX$2,999 ($166.51/€152.93). Additionally, about 10% of respondents report spending between MX$3,000 ($166.56/€152.98) and MX$4,999 ($277.55/€254.91) every three months on their pets.
The production of dog food in Mexico has reportedly doubled in the past decade, increasing from 600,000 tons in 2013 to over 1.2 million tons in 2022, valued at over MX$25 million ($1.4 million/€1.3 million).
Hygiene and Accessories Spending
Pet hygiene products and cleaning supplies comprise a significant portion of Mexican pet owners’ expenditures. A notable 71% spend up to MX$999 ($55.46/€50.94) quarterly, while 18% spend up to MX$2,999 ($166.51/€152.93). Only 3% are estimated to spend as much as MX$4,999 ($277.55/€254.91) on hygiene-related products each quarter.
Over the last decade, expenditure on pet clothing, toys, and accessories has surged by more than 300%. A 2015 UVM survey found that the average spending in this category was MX$264 ($14.66/€13.46), whereas this year, 65% of pet owners reported spending up to MX$999 ($55.46/€50.94). The maximum monthly expenditure in this category has risen from MX$2,000 ($111.04/€101.99) in 2015 to MX$3,000 ($166.56/€152.98) in 2024.
Boost to the Local Economy
The growing trend of pet ownership has spurred a rise in businesses catering to the demand for pet products and services. UVM’s latest survey shows that 72% of respondents have noticed increased pet food and supply stores in their neighborhoods. Additionally, nearly 60% have observed a rise in new veterinary clinics and grooming salons in their local areas.
While pet hotels and dog-walking services are still emerging, they are gradually gaining traction in various regions. When asked about the professionalism of local veterinary services, 70% of survey participants rated them as “somewhat or very” professional. Veterinarians are the primary source of guidance for 69% of pet owners, followed by the Internet (48%), videos (33%), and scientific literature (15%).
A Society Embracing Pets
As companion animals have become more prominent, there is a pressing need for public policy initiatives to enhance animal protection and welfare, focusing on adoption, access to care, mobility, and health issues. The survey revealed that a large majority of Mexican pet parents support the allocation of public funds for rescuing exotic species from the illegal pet trade (96% agree), funding health initiatives like sterilization campaigns (94%), vaccinations (93%), and establishing public veterinary hospitals (93%).
The presence or absence of pets in a household also influences opinions on public initiatives, such as allowing dogs in shopping centers and restaurants, which is particularly favored by younger pet parents aged 18-24, followed by those aged 35-44.
Increasing Acceptance of Cremation Services
In recent years, pet cremation services have been significantly accepted. A 2015 UVM survey indicated that 24% of pet parents opted for cremation after losing their animals; today, that number has jumped to 62%. In 2024, professional cremation services will increasingly compete with traditional burial methods, with 70% of pet owners supporting interring their pets’ ashes in designated pet cemeteries.