Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services Market Outlook to 2030

Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services Market Overview

• The Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services market is valued at USD 4 billion, driven by rising pet ownership, urbanization, and the growing trend of pet humanization. With increasing disposable incomes and the expansion of pet-friendly services, the market has seen steady growth over the past five years. Veterinary services and pet food account for a significant share, with the demand for premium pet products on the rise due to heightened awareness of pet health and well-being.
• Dominant regions in the Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services market include the UAE and South Africa, which lead due to well-established veterinary services, strong pet food industries, and high pet ownership rates. In the UAE, for example, expats and affluent residents tend to own pets, supporting the demand for premium services. South Africa's dominance stems from a growing middle class and a shift towards pet health awareness, increasing the demand for both basic and luxury pet care services.
• Government regulation around veterinary services is evolving in several MEA countries. In South Africa, the government introduced new veterinary legislation in 2023, aimed at improving animal healthcare standards and expanding access to services in rural areas. These laws include provisions for licensing new veterinary clinics and mandating animal welfare standards. The rollout of these regulations is expected to improve access to veterinary services across the country, particularly for underserved populations.

Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services Market Segmentation

• By Service Type: The Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services market is segmented by service type into veterinary care services, pet grooming services, pet boarding & daycare services, and pet training services. Recently, veterinary care services have shown dominant market share due to the increasing number of pet owners seeking regular check-ups and medical treatments for their pets. The rise in the prevalence of pet diseases has further led to an upsurge in demand for specialized care, making veterinary services a critical segment in the market.

• By Pet Type: The market is segmented by pet type into dogs, cats, small mammals, and reptiles & amphibians. Among these, dogs hold the largest market share, driven by their popularity as household pets in urban areas across the region. The growth of dog-related products and services is fueled by high ownership rates, especially among families, expats, and affluent individuals, who invest in premium pet care services such as grooming, healthcare, and specialized diets.

Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services Market Competitive Landscape

The Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services market is dominated by several key players, both regional and global, who have established a strong presence through their extensive product offerings and services. Major players include global pet care brands and local businesses that have a deep understanding of consumer preferences.

The Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services market is competitive, with global brands like Mars Petcare and Nestl Purina leading the market due to their extensive product range, brand reputation, and ability to meet the growing demand for premium pet care services. Regional players such as Al-Dawaa Pharmacies are expanding their services by offering specialized veterinary care and grooming, contributing to market growth.

Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Pet Ownership Trends: Pet ownership in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) has surged, with over 15 million households reported to own pets in 2022. The increased interest in pets, particularly dogs and cats, is largely driven by higher disposable incomes and changing family structures, especially among urban middle-class families. Countries such as South Africa and the UAE are seeing higher pet ownership rates, attributed to growing awareness of the health and emotional benefits of pets.
• Urbanization: Urbanization has accelerated across the MEA region, with 58% of the population now living in urban areas. Countries such as Nigeria and Egypt are experiencing rapid urban growth, driving demand for pet care services. The influx of people into cities has led to smaller living spaces, increasing interest in smaller pets such as cats, birds, and fish. Urban households with access to better veterinary services and retail outlets are also key contributors to the rise in pet care spending.
• Cultural Shifts: Cultural changes are reshaping the MEA pet care landscape, particularly in Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Pets, once seen primarily as working animals, are now viewed as family members. This shift has been influenced by increasing Western lifestyles and media exposure. Millennials and Gen Z, who make up nearly 60% of the population in the region, are more likely to own pets and invest in premium care products. These cultural shifts are supported by economic indicators showing rising disposable incomes and increased consumption of pet-related products.

Challenges

• High Pet Care Costs: Pet care costs in the MEA region remain high, limiting market expansion among lower-income households. In countries like South Africa, the average annual cost for pet care, including veterinary visits and grooming, exceeds $500. These costs are even higher in Gulf countries due to the importation of premium products and specialized veterinary services. With inflation expected to rise by 2.3% in the region by 2025, pet care affordability remains a significant challenge for middle-class and lower-income pet owners.
• Limited Veterinary Services: Veterinary services are scarce in rural areas of MEA, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where access to qualified veterinarians is limited. For instance, Kenya has fewer than 2,000 registered veterinarians to serve a population of over 50 million people. The situation is similar in Nigeria, where there is one veterinarian for every 100,000 residents. Government investment in veterinary infrastructure remains low, with healthcare funding for animals falling short of $100 million across several key markets.

Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services Market Future Outlook

The Middle East & Africa Pet Care & Services market is expected to witness substantial growth over the next five years, driven by the rising awareness of pet health and well-being, increased availability of pet insurance, and the growing trend of pet humanization. With the expansion of pet-friendly services and products, coupled with the ongoing urbanization in key markets, the sector is poised to see further investments and innovations. The focus on premium pet food, veterinary care, and digital services such as pet health apps will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of the market.

Market Opportunities

• Rise of Pet Insurance: The demand for pet insurance is steadily increasing in the MEA region, especially in countries like the UAE, where nearly 10,000 pet insurance policies were sold in 2023. With veterinary costs on the rise, insurance provides a safeguard against unforeseen medical expenses. The UAE and South Africa have emerged as key markets for pet insurance, where companies are expanding coverage options to include exotic pets. Government incentives for insurance providers are expected to further boost adoption rates in the next few years.
• Premium Services: The premiumization of pet care services is a rising trend in MEA. Upscale services like luxury pet hotels, professional grooming, and organic pet foods are gaining popularity, particularly in Gulf countries. For instance, Dubai reported an increase in luxury pet boarding facilities, with average daily costs for such services exceeding $50. These high-end services are driving consumer spending in the region, which is bolstered by macroeconomic factors such as the growing affluence of middle and upper-class households.