South Africa Pet Care Market Overview, 2029

Pets may contribute to South African society by delivering happiness, companionship, and a feeling of duty to homes all around the nation. The bond between pet owners and their pets is cherished, and efforts are made to provide the best possible care and well-being for these beloved companions. Dogs and cats are the most common pets in South Africa. Other popular pets include birds, fish, small mammals (such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters), reptiles (such as snakes and lizards), and exotic pets. Dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Borecoles (a South African mastiff breed). Pet adoption is encouraged in South Africa, with numerous animal shelters, rescue organizations, and foster homes across the country. Gigi Lamayne is Mzansi celeb who is alleged to have a snake.

According to the research report "South Africa Pet Care Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa Pet Care market is anticipated to grow at more than 8.79% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. South Africa can be a good market for the pet care companies to enter-in. The strong bond between humans and animals is a significant driver of pet care in South Africa. Many pet owners consider their pets integral members of the family and prioritise their well-being and happiness. The pet care technologies in South Africa are aimed at improving pet owners' ability to monitor and care for their pets, enhancing pet safety, and providing convenience in managing their pets' well-being, with the use of technology like Wi-Fi-enabled pet monitoring cameras enable owners to keep an eye on their pets remotely. It's important for pet owners to research and select technologies that suit their specific needs and the requirements of their pets. The increasing financial stability among middle-class pet owners has triggered a demand for a wide range of products catering to various breeds, ages, and health issues of pets. Pets are increasingly becoming family members for pet owners, and they follow human trends in pet care. This humanization of pets is driving pet food consumption and also triggering demand for premium products. The development of the retail sector has allowed pet food manufacturers to reach the maximum number of pet owners across the country. All these factors are driving the pet food market in South Africa. However, declining grain stocks due to changing rainfall patterns, uncertain political conditions, and the volatile local currency are cumulatively creating obstacles for manufacturers to expand the pet food business in South Africa.

South Africa offers pet-friendly safaris and wildlife reserves, allowing pet owners to enjoy wildlife experiences with their pets. The country has a higher prevalence of ticks and fleas due to its climate and wildlife population. Pet owners should prioritise tick and flea control measures, such as regular use of preventive treatments and thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. Pet insurance is available in South Africa, providing financial coverage for veterinary expenses and emergencies. Dosture Pet Insurance and PawPaw Pet Insurance are top choice for the pet coverage in South Africa. Certain beaches in South Africa have designated areas where dogs are allowed to roam and play off-leash. South Africa hosts various pet-related events and festivals, including dog shows, adoption drives, and pet expos. These events provide opportunities for pet owners to participate in activities, showcase their pets, and connect with other pet enthusiasts.
In South Africa, the pet food market is vibrant and diverse, catering to a variety of animals with innovative products that reflect local preferences. Dog food is a dominant segment, with both dry and wet options that prioritize nutrition and palatability. Brands often incorporate unique local ingredients, such as ostrich and lamb, to cater to health-conscious pet owners. Cat food also thrives, with a range of dry and canned offerings that often feature flavors like fish and chicken, appealing to the discerning feline palate. The market has seen a rise in high-protein, grain-free options, aligning with global trends toward healthier pet diets. Fish food has evolved, with specialized formulations for both freshwater and marine species, reflecting the growing popularity of home aquariums in urban settings. Bird food products include a mix of seeds, pellets, and treats, often enriched with vitamins and minerals to support the health of various species, from parrots to finches. Additionally, there’s a burgeoning segment labeled "others," which encompasses food for small mammals, reptiles, and exotic pets, emphasizing natural ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging. The snacks and treats category is thriving, with innovative options like dental chews and freeze-dried bites that cater to pet owners looking to reward their companions healthily.

Covid-19 impact:
South Africa announced its first case of COVID-19 in the first week of March 2020. The government imposed strict movement restrictions to control the spread of the pandemic. The government-mandated lockdown has restricted the movement of people except for essential service workers such as police, health, fire, the army, pharmacies, supermarkets, transportation, and informal food trading. The supermarkets, grocery shops, and pharmacies were to allow less than 50 people to be on the premises at any given time. However, the lockdown and the social distancing policy have severely affected the supply chain of all goods in the country.

Considered in this report
• Geography: South Africa
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029



Aspects covered in this report
• South Africa Pet Care market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Pet Care market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Segments Type
• Pet Food
• Pet Accessories
• Pet Healthcare
• Pet Grooming

By Animals Type
• Dog Food
• Cat Food
• Fish Food
• Bird Food
• Others

By Food Type
• Dry Food
• Wet or canned
• Snacks and treats
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Pet Care industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.