Walkies with Caz Logo
What are the Top Pet Care Trends for 2026?
Back to Blog

What are the Top Pet Care Trends for 2026?

88% of UK owners believe pets deserve human-grade care. Discover why pet pampering and professional care are the top trends for 2025 in Shropshire.

3 February 2026Walkies Team

What is the Pet Care Trend?

Pet humanization is the growing consumer tendency to treat pets as integral family members rather than animals, leading to increased demand for premium, human-grade care and services. In 2025, 88% of UK pet owners believe their animals deserve care comparable to that of humans, driving a significant shift toward professional dog walking and high-end grooming services.

Key Pet Care Statistics for 2025

  • 83% of UK pet owners participate in daily 'pet pampering' routines to ensure their animal's happiness (ManyPets, 2025).
  • 64% of dog owners state that their pet's happiness is more important than their own (GlobalPETS, 2025).
  • The UK pet grooming industry is projected to reach a total value of £17.8 billion in 2025 as owners spend more on professional care (ManyPets, 2025).
  • Approximately 68% of dog owners now celebrate their pet's birthday or 'gotcha day' annually (Moonpig, 2025).
£1.7 Billion

is spent annually by UK pet owners on birthday gifts and celebrations for their pets.

Source

Why Professional Pet Care is Growing in Telford and Shropshire

Professional pet care provides structured socialization and safety-certified support that standard ownership often lacks. For residents in Telford and Priorslee, hiring a DBS-checked and insured walker ensures that pets receive 'recreational walks'—which are proven to enhance the mental health of 82% of dog owners and improve the overall quality of life for the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is human-grade pet care?

Human-grade pet care refers to services and products that meet the same safety and quality standards as those intended for humans. This includes professional dog walking provided by insured specialists and premium nutrition that avoids industrial by-products.

How do 2025 pet trends affect dog walking services?

The 2025 trends show a shift toward 'quality over quantity.' Owners are increasingly looking for dog walkers who provide more than just exercise, prioritizing providers who offer personal connections, safety credentials (DBS/Insurance), and dedicated routines that mimic a pet's home life.

Why is pet pampering on the rise in the UK?

Pet pampering is rising because 88% of owners now view pets as family members who deserve human-like comfort. This has resulted in a £1.7 billion annual spend on celebrations and a projected £17.8 billion market for grooming and wellness services by 2025.

How often should I hire a professional dog walker?

While the average UK dog is walked 6 times a week, hiring a professional 1–3 times weekly provides essential socialization and mental stimulation that prevents boredom and related cognitive decline.

Caroline

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or want to book a walk for your furry friend, I'd love to hear from you.

— Caroline x