European Market Expansion Strategies: Insights on Our Blog

How to Enter the European Pet Care Market in 2025?

Written by EuroDev | 18-mei-2023 22:00:00

The European pet care market (now worth over USD 77 billion) continues to expand rapidly, offering exceptional growth potential for U.S. and Canadian brands. With increasing demand for premium, sustainable, and health-focused pet products, Europe has become one of the most attractive regions for market expansion in 2025. This article explores the latest industry trends, key markets, and actionable entry strategies for North American companies aiming to succeed in Europe.

 

What Is the Current Size of the European Pet Care Market?

According to Market Data Forecast, the European pet care industry reached a value of USD 77.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass USD 81 billion by the end of 2025.
The Federation of European Pet Food Manufacturers (FEDIAF) reports that 139 million European households (nearly half of all households on the continent) own at least one pet.

European Pet Care Market Overview

Year Market Value (USD Bn) Growth Trend
2024 77.5 Stable post-pandemic expansion
2025 81.4 Continued CAGR of 5 % forecast through 2033

Table: This table summarises the most recent market valuation and expected growth trajectory for Europe’s pet care industry.

 

 

Why Europe Is a Strategic Market for North American Pet Brands?

Europe represents one of the largest and most mature pet care regions globally, combining high consumer spending, growing sustainability standards, and openness to premium imported brands.

Key advantages for U.S. & Canadian companies:

  • High consumer spending: European pet owners spend on average €320 per pet per year on food, healthcare, and accessories.
  • Demand for imported, natural products: U.S. and Canadian companies are well-positioned to fill the gap in organic, grain-free, and functional nutrition categories.
  • Ease of entry: Through EuroDev’s Sales Outsourcing and Employer of Record (EOR) services, brands can expand into Europe without setting up a local entity.
  • Retail access: EuroDev’s network spans leading European retailers and distributors in the pet, lifestyle, and consumer goods sectors.

 

 

Which Markets Are Driving the Growth?

Europe’s top five pet markets (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) account for over 70 % of the region’s total market share.
For North American exporters, these countries offer ideal entry points, with established retail ecosystems and demand for premium and sustainable brands.

Country-specific insights:

  • Germany – Europe’s largest pet market, with strong demand for dry and functional pet food.
  • France – High growth in organic pet food and luxury pet accessories.
  • UK – Fast adoption of digital and subscription-based pet services.
  • Italy – Rising demand for veterinary and grooming services.
  • Spain – Expanding mid-price segment, particularly for cats and small dogs.

 

 

What Are the Key Trends Shaping the Market?

1. Premiumisation & Wellness

European consumers are increasingly treating pets as family members, investing in nutritionally advanced, eco-friendly, and veterinarian-approved products.
In 2023 alone, premium pet food sales grew by 14 % across Western Europe.

Source: Pacvue, 2025

2. Sustainability & Local Sourcing

Nearly half of European consumers say they would pay more for sustainable pet products. Brands using recyclable packaging, plant-based ingredients, and transparent sourcing gain higher brand loyalty.

Source: Flamingo, 2025

3. Digital & Smart Pet Products

E-commerce is growing rapidly - online pet product sales now exceed 35 % of total purchases in some countries.
Smart collars, automatic feeders, and connected devices are gaining traction, particularly in urban markets.

4. Veterinary Services & Pet Insurance Growth

With rising veterinary costs, pet insurance adoption continues to grow — especially in Germany, Sweden, and the UK, where regulatory frameworks support consumer protection.

Source: Fortune Business Insights, 2025

 

Recent Industry News & Innovations

UK launches lab-grown meat dog treats: In early 2025, Pets at Home introduced the world’s first cultivated-meat pet treat, Chick Bites, signaling a new wave of innovation in sustainable pet nutrition. Source:The Guardian, 2025
Veterinary sector reforms: The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has proposed reforms to increase transparency in the £6.3 billion veterinary market, including prescription pricing oversight. Source: Reuters, 2025
Pet breeding and welfare regulations: Ireland has tightened rules around pet breeding facilities, reinforcing traceability and ethical sourcing standards. Source: The Times, 2025

 

 

How Supply Chain and Logistics Shape Market Entry

Supply chain stability remains a key consideration. The ongoing impact of the Ukraine conflict and raw-material shortages continues to affect ingredient sourcing.
North American pet food producers can leverage this as an opportunity to supply high-quality, reliable alternatives to European partners.
EuroDev’s on-the-ground network assists in identifying distribution partners and managing import compliance for brands entering multiple EU markets simultaneously.

 

How EuroDev Helps North American Pet Brands Enter Europe

Expanding into Europe can be complex, from labor laws and compliance to local hiring and market understanding.
EuroDev simplifies every step by acting as your European business partner.

Through our Sales Outsourcing and Employer of Record (EOR) solutions, we help you:

Build a local, compliant presence in Europe (without opening a legal entity)
Identify and approach the right retailers, distributors, and buyers
Hire and manage your local European sales team
Navigate EU product labeling and veterinary regulations
Develop a tailored go-to-market strategy for your brand

Interested in expanding your pet care business to Europe?
Connect with EuroDev’s Retail & Pet Care experts for a personalized consultation.

 

Key Takeaways

The European pet care market is projected to exceed $81 billion by 2025.
Premiumisation, sustainability, and technology drive market growth.
North American brands have strong opportunities in food, tech, and services segments.
EuroDev provides the local expertise and infrastructure to ensure smooth and compliant expansion.
Acting now positions brands to capture market share in one of the world’s most stable, high-value regions.

 

Written by: Morgan Thiré, Retail Project Manager at EuroDev
Last updated: October 2025
Sources: FEDIAF, Market Data Forecast, Fortune Business Insights, The Guardian, Reuters, Pacvue