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In 2023, dog population in Italy amounted to approximately 14.3 million, an increase of just under two percent compared to the previous year. A possible reason behind the increase in pet ownership in the last four years is the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, when people were confined to their homes and perhaps longing for the comfort and companionship provided by a pet. 

Favorite pet animals

Even though bird and cat populations were larger than dogs’ population in Italy, according to a survey conducted in 2024, dogs were Italians’ favorite pet friends. Close to 42 percent of Italians picked dogs as their preferred pet animal, while about 38 percent indicated cats as their preference. 

Pet food and pet care

The love of Italians for their pet friends is reflected in the amount of money they spend on them: in 2023, over three billion euros was spent on dog and cat food products in Italy. The large increase in pet ownership in Italy in 2022 is likely directly correlated to the displayed increase in cat and dog food product sales.