Massive Rise in Pet Ownership in the UK

According to a report published by Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association (PFMA), 3.2 million UK households have acquired a pet since the coronavirus pandemic began. The association further adds that as of now, there are 17 million pet owners across the nation. Young people seem to be the main drivers behind this trend, with over half of new pet owners aged between 16 and 34.

Pet ownership up by 30% since lockdown

Most folks in the UK have understandably bought cats and dogs in response to the anxieties and loneliness they face due to social distancing and isolation. However, all the while, there are also concerns about animal welfare and owners facing difficulties, as many are not aware of the proper cat training or dog training required, or the right kind of nutrition, for instance.

Many UK supermarkets have reported a shortage of certain cat and dog food products because of the unprecedented rise in pet ownership across the nation.

Despite the sheer joy and excitement owning a pet brings to the entire household, some owners are finding it more troublesome and difficult than anticipated to provide proper care for their pet. Over a third of new pet owners stated that it was almost like having a ‘new baby’ in the house, while a fifth of families with little ones in the house said that training a new pet was proving to be very “challenging”.

Due to this, 5% pet owners who bought a cat or dog during the pandemic have given up on pet training altogether. With that said, 74% reported that their pet definitely helped in improving their mental state and wellbeing while they were trying their best to cope with the coronavirus restrictions.

The above figures reported by Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association suggest that cats and dogs remain the no. 1 favourite kind of pets across 17 million homes in the UK. However, this boom in ownership may turn into a challenge and even a crisis for someone who is not up to speed on proper pet training and care.

According to the latest figures reported by the PFMA, the 34 million pets which are now in UK homes constitute 12 million cats and 12 million dogs, respectively. If you are a pet owner who’s concerned about providing the best care for your beloved furry friend, then it really pays to educate yourself on the right training methods while keep your cat or dog’s health in check. After all, they deserve to be happy too and this means faithfully tending to all their needs.

Our extensively researched books on pet care explain everything in plain and ‘reader friendly’ English – covering topics on how to provide care or train a special breed or what kind of food to give to your cat or dog.

Our Essential Guides on both cats and dogs offer valuable insights on the latest and friendliest cat training or dog training methods, and help ‘reward’ your pet for learning new things and displaying good behaviour as well as obedience!