Pet ownership in the United Kingdom (UK) - statistics & facts
The United Kingdom is a nation of pet lovers. Pet ownership in the UK has climbed steadily over the past several years, with roughly six in ten households owning at least one pet as of 2026. While the figure dipped briefly in 2023, it rebounded quickly, underlining the country's deep attachment to its animals. With an estimated pet population of over 15 million dogs and 13 million cats alone, the UK's appetite for furry, feathered, and scaled companions shows no signs of fading.
