Across the European Union, the number of pets now surpasses the number of children in a growing number of member states. In Portugal alone, more than three million dogs were recorded in 2024, more than twice the 1.4 million children aged zero to fourteen, according to the European Pet Food Industry Federation. At least twelve EU countries have more dogs than children under fifteen, with Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and Malta among the nations where the imbalance is most pronounced.

Scale of pet ownership

The same industry source estimates that the total number of pets of all species across Europe exceeds 326 million. Roughly one third of European households own a dog, and a comparable proportion own a cat, indicating that companion animals are a common feature of everyday life.

Economic impact

European consumers spent over €29 billion on pet food in 2023, while spending on accessories, grooming and veterinary services reached about €25 billion in the same year. The pet sector therefore creates jobs and contributes significantly to gross domestic product. Some EU members are debating reduced VAT rates for pet‑related goods, although critics argue that such tax cuts would mainly benefit higher‑income households.

Legal and housing developments

Spanish courts have begun to treat pets similarly to children in divorce proceedings, allowing joint‑custody arrangements. In Barcelona, a judge ruled that dismissing an employee who left work after receiving a call about her dog’s imminent euthanasia would have been immoral, because it would have forced her to remain at work while the animal suffered. Landlords in many European cities now include tenancy clauses that permit pets, reflecting the growing integration of animals into private homes.

Social implications

Companion animals are increasingly seen as providing emotional support, particularly for single‑person households. Svenja Springer, an assistant professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, argues that companion animals occupy a moral and emotional position in society and that the decline of traditional family structures is leading people to rely on pets for emotional support. She points to Vienna’s more than 200 designated off‑leash areas for dogs as evidence of municipal support for pet owners.

A 2024 study co‑authored by Springer found that strong attachment to pets can lead owners to fund costly veterinary procedures, sometimes ahead of their own health needs. The same research highlighted that owners sometimes prioritise veterinary bills over essential household expenses, raising concerns that rising pet‑ownership costs may strain low‑income families.

Future outlook

Springer predicts that as Europe’s population ages and fertility rates remain low, the role of companion animals will continue to expand. Policymakers are therefore urged to balance the economic opportunities of the pet market with protections for vulnerable households. Employers may need to accommodate pet‑related emergencies more routinely, and trade unions are beginning to discuss collective agreements on the issue. Consumers can expect a broader selection of pet products, but also higher prices, particularly for premium food and veterinary care.

The growing integration of pets into everyday life is already influencing rental contracts, court proceedings and municipal regulations, signalling a shift in how European societies define family and responsibility.