- There are already over 8 million dogs in Poland, and less than 1 million cats. However, having a pet is not only a joy, but also responsibilities and expenses.
- In 2023, the annual turnover of pet-related products and services in Europe was estimated at EUR 24.6 billion. This is a huge jump compared to 2010, when its value was EUR 10.5 billion.
- One of the reasons is the changing attitude towards animals. Millennials and Generation Z treat their pets as family members and take proper care very seriously, even while on vacation.
Poles take their pets on vacation
On the one hand, data from the Animal Welfare Society show that throughout Poland the number of pets abandoned during the holidays increases by as much as 30%. On the other hand, both the pet care industry and the number of resorts where pets are welcome are regularly growing. According to a study commissioned by BIG InfoMonitor, already 21 percent Poles go on holiday with their pet. This step is most often chosen by residents of large cities and those whose financial situation is not the best.
When we cannot take our pet with us, we usually use the help of family or friends. This answer was declared by 60 percent. asked by BIG InfoMonitor. This option is eagerly used by young pet lovers (78%), those who are well-off (71%) and those with higher education (68%). Only 7% of people decide to take care of their pet professionally. respondents.
Pets under the care of professionals
– We are currently observing a very dynamic development of the short-term pet care market. This is confirmed by experts' estimates, indicating its value in our country at PLN 5 billion. This translates into the interest in our services growing by over 200% year on year, as well as the fact that nearly 70% our clients have never used paid pet care services before – notes Michał Wojewoda, CEO of Petsy.pl.
When we look at individual voivodeships, Podlaskie stands out clearly, where the largest group of respondents (17%) indicated that they leave their animals under the care of a professional guardian or in a pet hotel. At the same time, only 35 percent Animal lovers from Podlasie entrust their pets to their loved ones. Residents of Silesia most often take their pets with them on holiday (35%), while pet owners in the voivodeship usually decide to help their family and friends. Świętokrzyskie (71%).
– For most households, several dozen to even PLN 200 for pet sitter services or a day in a pet hotel is too much. So there is an income barrier. According to the study "Pets and Poles' holiday plans", as many as ⅔ of respondents spend no more than PLN 100 on additional care for their pets, and every fifth respondent spends from PLN 100 to 200. 16% of them can afford costs exceeding PLN 200 but not more than PLN 500. pet owners – says Dr. Hab. Waldemar Rogowski, chief analyst at BIG InfoMonitor.
– For 15 percent respondents, the costs associated with summer care of an animal can be unbearable and they give up their holiday plans for this reason. Nearly every fifth respondent declares that the problem does not concern him because he does not intend to leave anyway. The challenge of taking care of a pet while on vacation must be considered before deciding to have a pet in the household, he adds.
Favorable conditions for veterinarians
Even providing care for animals during a holiday trip is not a significant expense for most owners, as up to 60 percent emigrants do not pay more than PLN 100 for care, it is difficult to give up or postpone the treatment of a sick pet. Unfortunately, medical care for animals is not cheap. The cost of a standard visit ranges from PLN 100 to PLN 250, plus fees related to treatments and medications. Veterinary clinics benefit from this.
According to the latest data collected in the BIG InfoMonitor Register of Debtors, which shows delays in the repayment of current bills and invoices to contractors, and in the BIK credit information database, which also contains data on credit obligations not repaid on time, the outstanding debt of this industry is systematically decreasing. In the last year it fell by another 13%. and amounted to PLN 30.3 million at the end of May. There are also fewer facilities with problems, there are only 189 of them and they constitute 1.3%. companies with problems in this sector.
– In the current economic situation, few industries can boast of such results. More pets in our homes and greater concern for their health result in an increase in the number of specialized veterinary clinics and related services, e.g. insurance or medical packages for animals. Hence, both the vet and pet care industries, as well as the demand for their services, will grow in the coming years – predicts Dr. Hab. Waldemar Rogowski, chief analyst at BIG InfoMonitor.
A pet like a family member
The maxim that a pet is an equal member of the family is one of the most important social megatrends. They no longer serve only economic purposes, but increasingly are friends without whom we cannot imagine life. Like any trend of this type, the market takes advantage of it immediately. – There are more and more places that willingly host tourists with animals, often preparing a special offer for them. Not only hotels and guesthouses, but also restaurants are opening up to customers with pets. The HoReCa industry has understood that a dog, cat or hamster are full members of many homes, so when taking them with us on holiday or leaving them under our care, we want to be sure that they will be safe, sums up Waldemar Rogowski.
The study "Pets and Poles' holiday plans" was carried out by Quality Watch for BIG InfoMonitor, using the CAWI method on a sample of 1,049 people, June 2024.
