The Future of the Pet Industry in Turkiye: Trends, Challenges and Recommendations

Current Status and Growth Trends of the Pet Sector in Turkiye

Pet ownership is becoming increasingly widespread in Turkiye. Especially during the pandemic period, many people turned to pet ownership and this situation created a significant growth momentum in the sector.

Some of the prominent trends are:

• Increase in cat and dog ownership: While cat ownership, especially those that can adapt to apartment life, is rapidly increasing, small breed dogs are also gaining popularity. 

• Increased importance given to pet health: Demand for veterinary services is increasing, and the number of private clinics and animal hospitals is increasing. 

• Development of pet food and nutrition awareness: Natural, additive-free and specially formulated foods are preferred more, and the premium food segment is growing rapidly. 

• Expansion of the pet accessory and care sector: While demand for products such as collars, carriers, toys and clothes is increasing, pet groomers and care centers are also becoming widespread.

It is anticipated that these trends will strengthen even more in the next 10 years and the sector will be shaped by new dynamics.

Expected Developments in the Pet Sector in the Coming Years

The main factors determining the future of the pet sector include technological developments, consumer behavior and legal regulations. The following developments are expected to stand out in the coming years:

1. Digitalization and Strengthening of Online Sales Channels

• With the spread of online pet stores, consumers will continue to procure food, accessories and care products from e-commerce platforms. 

• Subscription-based food and care services may become widespread. 

• Pet health will be monitored more closely thanks to artificial intelligence-supported mobile applications.

2. Tendency to Healthy Nutrition and Special Diets

• Interest in grain-free, natural-content, probiotic-supported and hypoallergenic foods will increase. 

• Vegan and vegetarian pet foods may begin to be preferred by more consumers. 

• Functional foods (foods that strengthen immunity and support joint health) will become more widespread.

3. Expansion in Pet Insurance and Health Services

• Pet health insurance is expected to become widespread. 

• Mobile veterinary services will be in greater demand. 

• The life expectancy of animals will be extended with advanced diagnosis and treatment methods.

4. Regulations and Increased Awareness Regarding Pet Welfare

•Shelter and adoption incentives can be increased. 

•Legal regulations on animal rights can be tightened. 

•Microchip applications may become mandatory.

Challenges and Solution Suggestions

Despite its growth, the pet sector faces some important challenges. Strategies that can be developed to overcome these challenges are as follows:

1. Increasing Stray Animals and Adoption Rates

Challenge: The number of stray animals in Turkiye is quite high and this poses a significant problem in terms of animal welfare.

Solution:

• Adoption incentives should be increased and shelter conditions should be improved. 

• Municipalities should organize free neutering campaigns.

2. High Costs of Pet Products

Challenge: Imported food and accessories in particular are becoming expensive due to fluctuations in exchange rates.

Solution:

• Domestic food and accessory production should be supported.

• Domestic production should be increased by giving incentives to small businesses.

3. Inequality in Access to Veterinary Health Services

Challenge: Although veterinary services are developed in big cities, access to these services is limited in rural areas.

Solution:

• Mobile veterinary clinics should be expanded.

• State-supported veterinary health services should be provided.

4. High Pet Abandonment Rates

Challenge: The rate of pet abandonment increases during holiday periods or due to economic difficulties.

Solution:

• Stricter controls should be applied during the animal adoption process.

• Education programs and awareness-raising activities should be carried out for pet owners.

The pet sector in Turkiye will experience a significant growth and transformation process in the next 10 years. Digitalization, healthy nutrition trends, development of veterinary services and increased sensitivity to animal welfare will shape the future of the sector.

However, in order for the sector to grow sustainably, comprehensive solutions should be produced for issues such as stray animals, access to veterinary services, high costs and animal welfare. The cooperation of the state, private sector and civil society organizations will ensure the creation of a more conscious society regarding pet ownership.

As a result, the pet sector should be shaped not only as an economic area, but also with a social responsibility and an awareness that prioritizes animal welfare.