Cats and dogs are European households’ favorite animals to keep, although more unconventional choices such as reptiles and small mammals are chosen as pets in high numbers too. In 2024, the population of pet cats in Europe was over 110 million. Germany and France were the two countries where the number of cats was the highest.
What about dogs?
The number of dogs in Europe was lower than the number of cats, although dogs are a constant presence for a considerable share of Europeans as well. In 2024, about one in four households in Europe owned at least one pet dog. Dog ownership per household showed a slight increase compared to previous years and the number of dogs in Europe generally increased as well.
Pet care in Europe
Pets are invaluable companions to us all, but also predictably tied to a valuable industry. Fressnapf, headquartered in Germany, was the leading pet care retailer in Europe based on turnover. UK-based Pets at Home ranked in second place among pet care retailers. Typically, pet care products consist of pet food as well as accessories and veterinary supplies.
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FEDIAF. (June 10, 2026). Number of pet animals in Europe in 2024, by animal type* (in 1000s) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 24, 2026, from /statistics/453880/pet-population-europe-by-animal/
FEDIAF. "Number of pet animals in Europe in 2024, by animal type* (in 1000s)." Chart. June 10, 2026. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 24, 2026. /statistics/453880/pet-population-europe-by-animal/
FEDIAF. (2026). Number of pet animals in Europe in 2024, by animal type* (in 1000s). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 24, 2026. /statistics/453880/pet-population-europe-by-animal/
FEDIAF. "Number of Pet Animals in Europe in 2024, by Animal Type* (in 1000s)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 10 Jun 2026, /statistics/453880/pet-population-europe-by-animal/
FEDIAF, Number of pet animals in Europe in 2024, by animal type* (in 1000s) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/453880/pet-population-europe-by-animal/ (last visited July 24, 2026)
Number of pet animals in Europe in 2024, by animal type* (in 1000s) [Graph], FEDIAF, June 10, 2026. [Online]. Available: /statistics/453880/pet-population-europe-by-animal/
