Pet ownership and spending surge in Peru and Costa Rica as dogs become family members

In Peru, a growing share of households now regard pets as family, with seven out of ten people considering them integral members. The Peruvian Insurance Association highlighted the financial strain of unexpected veterinary care, noting that complex emergencies can exceed 2,000 soles, and urged owners to consider pet insurance and preventive health programs.

A parallel study in Costa Rica found that 70% of households own pets, and 70% of those owners have dogs. Seventy‑four percent say dogs are part of the family. The research showed increased digital purchases for pet supplies and a rise in advertising investment, with spending on dog products projected to climb from ₡392 million in 2023 to nearly ₡568 million in 2025, driven largely by food and health items.