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Pet ownership and economic trends in Spain

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2026-08-26 00:43 UTC → 2026-09-12 23:07 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In Spain, pet ownership has seen a significant rise, with data from the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and 2030 Agenda indicating a 14% increase since 2021. There are currently over 15 million companion animals in the country. This trend is occurring alongside a declining birth rate of approximately 1.11 children per woman, leading to a situation where there are more pets than children. This shift has increased the visibility of animals in public spaces, including trains, bars, and department stores. Some observers, such as Sor Verónica, a Clarissa nun, have expressed concern that the ease of caring for animals compared to the complexities of raising children is altering social values. The growing pet population is driving significant economic activity. According to the ‘Pet-money’ report by EAE Business School, the pet sector in Spain generated 5,770 million euros in 2023 and supports approximately 75,000 direct jobs across more than 12,000 companies. Pet-friendly tourism is also emerging as a major market segment, with an expected annual growth rate of 10%. While adaptation varies, Ignasi Solana of Aedpac notes that parks and beaches show an 86% adaptation rate, hospitality stands at 68%, and travel and accommodation at 58%. Industry leaders suggest the sector requires further improvement through better protocols, training, and clearer information for owners.

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