Unioncamere: Vet Activities Double
- ROME (AP) — The pet care sector is experiencing a significant shift, with service-oriented businesses outpacing commercial ventures, according to data released by Unioncamere and Infocamere.
- Veterinary activities have recorded a 39.4% increase,according to 2024 data. Over the past decade (2014-2024), pet care service companies nearly doubled, showing a 90.1% increase.
- Pet owners are increasingly seeking high-quality grooming, professional pet-sitting, and specialized physiotherapy for their animals.
Pet Care Industry Thrives as Veterinary Services Double in a Decade
ROME (AP) — The pet care sector is experiencing a significant shift, with service-oriented businesses outpacing commercial ventures, according to data released by Unioncamere and Infocamere. Veterinary services, in particular, have seen ample growth, doubling in the last 10 years.
Veterinary Services Surge
Veterinary activities have recorded a 39.4% increase,according to 2024 data. Over the past decade (2014-2024), pet care service companies nearly doubled, showing a 90.1% increase. Conversely, businesses involved in the animal trade have decreased by 17.5%.
Demand for Quality Pet Care
Pet owners are increasingly seeking high-quality grooming, professional pet-sitting, and specialized physiotherapy for their animals. Italians are prioritizing the health and happiness of their pets. Over the last five years, the number of companies offering pet care services has grown by 32%, adding nearly 1,400 new businesses.
Commercial Activities Decline
Companies involved in the sale of animals and animal products have experienced a downturn,each dropping by 10.6%. rabbit sales have decreased by 21.6%, and wholesale feed businesses have seen an even sharper decline of 34.3%. Though, the pet food production sector is a radiant spot, growing by 28% as 2019, with a focus on personalized and high-quality options.
Ten-Year Trend Shows a Shift
While the overall number of companies in the pet sector remained relatively stable between 2014 and 2024, with only a 0.05% variation, the distribution of activities has undergone a significant change.
Regional Trends
Lombardy leads in the number of pet-related businesses, followed by Campania and Lazio. Southern Italy has a strong presence in retail trade, with Campania (1,612 companies) and Sicily (1,083) leading in small animal shops. In contrast, care services are concentrated in the north, with Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna together accounting for nearly 1,600 dedicated businesses. Sicily, despite an overall contraction in the sector, maintains a significant presence with a total of 2,191 companies.
Analysis: A Cultural Shift
According to Unioncamere, these figures reflect a profound cultural change in the relationship between Italians and their pets. This transformation extends beyond mere market dynamics, representing a social evolution that is creating new business and employment opportunities. The future of the pet economy is increasingly geared toward personalized services that prioritize the well-being and quality of life for pets.
Pet Care Industry Thrives: A Q&A guide to the Italian Market
is the Pet care Industry Growing?
Yes, the pet care sector in Italy is experiencing significant growth, particularly in service-oriented businesses. According to data from Unioncamere and Infocamere, the industry is thriving, wiht several key trends emerging.
what’s Driving This Growth?
A shift in consumer behavior is the primary driver.Pet owners in Italy are increasingly prioritizing the health and happiness of their pets, leading to higher demand for quality care. This includes services like grooming, pet-sitting, and specialized physiotherapy.
What Specific Services are Seeing the Most Growth?
Veterinary services have doubled in the last decade, demonstrating the most substantial growth. According to 2024 data, veterinary activities have increased by 39.4%. Over the past decade (2014-2024), pet care service companies nearly doubled, showing a 90.1% increase.
How Has the Demand for Pet Care Services Changed Over Time?
Over the last five years, the number of pet care service companies has grown by 32%, adding nearly 1,400 new businesses. This indicates a consistent upward trend in demand.
Are all areas of the Pet Industry Experiencing Growth?
No, not all areas are thriving equally. While many services are experiencing growth, the retail trade is exhibiting a downturn. Businesses involved in the sale of animals and animal products have decreased.
Which Commercial Activities are Declining?
companies involved in the sale of animals and animal products are experiencing a downturn. Rabbit sales have decreased by 21.6%,and wholesale feed businesses have seen a 34.3% decrease.
Is Pet food Doing Well in the Market?
Yes, the pet food production sector is a radiant spot.Growing by 28% as of 2019, the sector is focused on personalized and high-quality options.
How Has the Overall number of Pet-Related Companies Changed?
While the overall number of companies in the pet sector remained relatively stable between 2014 and 2024 (a 0.05% variation), the distribution of activities has significantly changed. The shift to service-oriented businesses shows a dynamic transformation within the Italian pet market.
Where are Pet-Related Businesses Concentrated Geographically?
lombardy leads in the number of pet-related businesses, followed by Campania and Lazio. Southern Italy has a strong presence in retail trade, and care services are concentrated in the north.
What are the Regional Trends in Detail?
Here’s a summary of the regional trends:
Lombardy: Leads in overall pet-related businesses.
Campania: Strong presence in retail trade (1,612 companies).
Sicily: Significant presence in retail trade (1,083 companies) and maintains a total of 2,191 companies despite the sector’s contraction.
Northern Italy (Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna): Concentration of care services (nearly 1,600 dedicated businesses).
What’s Behind These Changes in the Pet Care Industry?
According to Unioncamere, the data reflects a profound cultural change in the relationship between Italians and their pets. This shift represents a social evolution, creating new business and employment opportunities.
What Does the Future Hold for the Pet Economy?
The future of the pet economy is increasingly geared toward personalized services that prioritize the well-being and quality of life for pets.
Key Takeaways:
Here’s a rapid summary of the main points:
| Feature | Trend | Percentage Change (approx.) |
| ————————– | ———————————————– | ————————— |
| Veterinary Services | Significant Growth | Doubled |
| Pet Care Service Companies | Substantial increase over the last decade. | +90.1% (2014-2024) |
| Animal Trade | Decline | -17.5% |
| Pet Food prodution | Strong, upward growth. | +28% (as of 2019) |
| Rabbit Sales | Decline | -21.6% |
| Wholesale Feed Businesses | Sharp Decline | -34.3% |
| Overall Sector Growth | Relatively Stable but shifting distribution | +0.05% (companies 2014-2024) |
