Pet care sector grows in Netherlands despite labor market decline

In the Netherlands, the pet care sector is showing resilience despite a broader contraction in the labor market. While the total number of job vacancies in the country has decreased by approximately 10 percent, vacancies in animal care have increased by 21 percent compared to last year, according to an analysis by Indeed.

Animal care roles are diverse, with animal caregivers and veterinarians each accounting for roughly 42 percent of the sector's vacancies. Other roles include veterinary clinic assistants, stable workers, and specialized positions such as dog groomers and trainers.

This professional growth aligns with high pet ownership rates in the Netherlands, where nearly half of all households own a pet, totaling an estimated 20.6 million animals. This trend is also impacting the tourism industry; Landal reports a growing demand for pet-friendly vacations. Many holiday parks are now providing specialized amenities such as dog swimming pools, agility areas, and dedicated walking routes to accommodate guests traveling with their pets.