Pet Adoption Trends Post-Pandemic and Their Impact on Product Demand

The pandemic triggered a historic wave of pet adoption in 2020 to 2021. The US added over 12 million pet-owning households in two years, a decade’s worth of normal growth compressed into 24 months. The post-pandemic period (2022 to 2026) reveals how this adoption wave affected the pet product market. Some predicted a crash as adopted pets were returned; the data shows a more nuanced story. This article maps pet adoption trends and their continuing impact on product demand. Written from Hefei, China, by Eviehome (Hefei Ecologie Vie Home Technology Co., Ltd.).

The adoption surge of 2020 to 2021

Key numbers from the pandemic adoption wave:

• US households adding a pet in 2020: 12.6 million
• US households adding a pet in 2021: 11.4 million
• Net new pet-owning households 2019 to 2022: increased from 67 percent to 70 percent of US households
• Shelter adoption surge: most shelters emptied in early 2020, with waiting lists for adoption
• Breeder demand: 6 to 12 month waitlists for popular breeds throughout 2020 to 2021

This was not just a statistical blip. It was a generational shift in pet ownership driven by remote work, social isolation, and the emotional need for companionship.

Return to office and the “pandemic pet” crisis (2022 to 2023)

As workplaces reopened, concerns grew about what would happen to pandemic-adopted pets. Media predicted a massive surrender wave. The reality was more moderate:

• Shelter intake 2022: 10 to 15 percent increase over 2021, not a crisis but measurable
• Return-to-shelter rate: 8 to 12 percent of pandemic adoptions, higher than normal but far from catastrophic
• Most pandemic adopters kept their pets: about 85 percent of pandemic-adopted households retained their pets through 2024

The net effect: the US pet-owning population is structurally higher than pre-pandemic, with an expanded customer base for pet products.

The hybrid work effect

Hybrid work (2 to 4 days in office, 1 to 3 days at home) is now the dominant arrangement for knowledge workers. This creates a specific demand pattern:

• Pets are alone during office days: drives demand for remote monitoring (cameras), automated feeding (smart feeders), and enrichment (interactive toys).
• Pets are companions during home days: drives demand for toys, treats, and shared-activity products.
• Guilt during office days: strong emotional driver for premium “peace of mind” products.

The hybrid work pattern is better for smart pet product demand than either full remote or full in-office, because it combines the emotional bond of constant contact with the guilt of periodic absence.

Adoption channel shifts

Shelter adoption growth

Pandemic-era adopters were more likely to adopt from shelters than in previous years (as breeder waitlists made alternatives necessary). This cohort has ongoing needs for basic products, supplies, and smart products tailored to rescue animals with unknown histories.

Breeder demand normalization

Specific breed demand (French Bulldogs, Goldendoodles, Bengals, Ragdolls) remains strong but waitlists have normalized. Purebred-specific products have strong demand in these segments.

Online pet adoption platforms

Rehome, Petfinder, and rescue Facebook groups grew massively during the pandemic and continue to be primary adoption channels.

New pet parent product demand

First-time pet parents have specific product needs:

• Starter kit products: bundles that include everything a new owner needs (bed, bowls, leash, toys, treats)
• Educational resources: content that teaches basic pet care drives brand loyalty
• Smart products that reduce stress: cameras, feeders, monitoring products are attractive because they compensate for inexperience
• Premium positioning: first-time owners often want to “do it right” and are willing to pay premium for quality

Generational shifts in adoption

Millennial adopters

Largest single age group adopting during the pandemic. Now established pet owners aged 29 to 44, with growing disposable income and strong product spending.

Gen Z adopters

Smaller but fast-growing adopter group. Often first-time pet owners living in apartments. Highly digital-native.

Senior adopters

Older adults who adopted during the pandemic for companionship. Strong market for senior-friendly products, easier-to-use automation.

Product categories most affected by adoption trends

Growing due to adoption surge

• Training products: training pads, leashes, collars, training treats
• Smart monitoring: cameras, feeders, GPS trackers for new owners anxious about their new pet
• Educational content and services: training classes, pet behaviorists, vet telehealth
• Premium food: new pet parents try to feed “the best”
• Pet insurance: strong growth driven by first-time owners learning about vet costs

Stable despite adoption surge

• Commodity toys and accessories: benefits from the larger pet-owning base but prices remain commoditized
• Litter boxes (non-smart): slow growth, mostly replacement

Declining in the post-pandemic period

• Dog grooming kits: peak during lockdowns, declined as grooming services reopened
• DIY pet food: pandemic novelty that faded

Looking forward: 2026 to 2028

The pandemic-adopted pet cohort is now 4 to 6 years old. This means:

• Mature pet product needs: less “new puppy” products, more “adult pet” products
• Health monitoring becomes relevant: as pets age, health products gain importance
• Senior pet care: by 2028 to 2030, the pandemic cohort enters senior years, driving demand for joint support, orthopedic products, and home health monitoring
• Second-generation adopters: as pandemic adopters experience their first pet loss, they will adopt again, often with more experience and higher willingness to spend

Frequently asked questions

Did the pandemic adoption surge really create lasting demand?

Yes. The US pet-owning population grew 4 to 6 percent during 2020 to 2022 and has remained elevated. This represents a structural increase in the addressable market.

Should new brands target new pet owners or experienced owners?

New pet owners are more willing to experiment with premium and smart products. Experienced owners have stronger brand loyalty. A balanced acquisition strategy targets both.

Does Eviehome track adoption and ownership trend data?

Yes, we monitor APPA, FEDIAF and shelter industry reports to inform product development. Contact Ryan Lau for current data on specific segments.

About Eviehome

Eviehome tracks pet adoption and ownership trends to align product strategy with buyer demand. Based in Hefei, China since 2014.

Contact Ryan Lau at ryanlau@eviehometech.com, on WhatsApp at +86 199 5653 0913, or use the contact form.