As we reported earlier in the newsletter, this month Mars released its Global Pet Parent Study. This survey of 20,000 dog/cat owners and non-owners covered 20 global markets including North America. Their survey found that 47% of dog and cat owners were first-time owners, which was higher than I would have expected.
The Mars study also looked at generational differences in pet ownership. The study found that the younger the pet owner, the more pet-centric they are: Generation Z owners (18-27 years old) were 50% more likely than Baby Boomers (60+) to say their pets are “the most important thing in their life.” Gen Z owners also placed more importance on products that are sustainable and ethically produced. The AVMA’s 2022 Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook also identified different preferences in veterinary care: younger pet owners (in this case, Gen Z and Millennials) were three times more likely to value telemedicine and curbside service, compared to older pet owners.
A pet owner’s age impacts their approach to their pets’ healthcare, and understanding the nuances of generational approaches to pet ownership can help make your marketing programs more successful. Let us know if we can help you investigate these trends.
Lynn Fondon
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