2020 was a busy year for the pet market as ownership in Great Britain surged in 2020, with some families turning to domestic animals as a source of comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a YouGov survey conducted in October, just over one in four (27%) Brits knew of someone who had acquired a new pet during lockdown.
However, there are concerns that families who have recently bought or adopted pets, often for the very first time, may not have considered the long-term implications of such a decision. The prospect of life returning to normal combined with a deepening recession could raise fears that families will no longer have the time or money to effectively care for their pets.
In an attempt to stem the flow of dogs in need of adoption, various animal charities have called for prospective owners to adopt and not to shop for new pets.
According to YouGov Profiles data, only 20% of Brits with pets in their household adopted their most recent furry friend from animal charities – despite two thirds (65%) believing that we should adopt animals instead of shopping for them. There may be a gap here between the values people hold and the reality of pet ownership.
