Pet ownership is common across Asia-Pacific, but not every market follows the same habits. Thailand is a good example. From how people welcome pets into their homes to where they shop for everyday essentials, Thai pet owners have some preferences that stand out from the regional average.
At Pet Fair Southeast Asia 2026, TGM Research shared findings from its latest pet care research, comparing Thailand with other APAC markets. The numbers offer an interesting look at a country where pet ownership is widespread, yet purchasing decisions remain closely tied to price and shopping habits.
So, what makes Thailand different?
74% of Thai respondents own a pet, compared with 62% across APAC. Thailand ranks third among the seven markets studied.
That puts Thailand well above the regional average and suggests that pets are already part of everyday life for a large share of consumers.
For pet businesses, the opportunity extends beyond attracting first-time owners. Understanding how existing owners care for their animals, what they purchase regularly, and where they look for products is just as important.
The broader APAC pet ownership landscape also reveals differences in household composition and pet preferences, offering additional context for brands comparing opportunities across markets.
Pet ownership isn't always the result of a planned purchase.
In Thailand, 36% of cat owners found their cats rather than buying them, the highest proportion among the seven APAC markets surveyed. The regional average stands at just 21%.
That 15-percentage-point difference makes Thailand particularly interesting when looking at how people become pet owners.
Finding a cat can be a very different experience from purchasing one through a breeder or pet shop. Some owners start caring for an animal unexpectedly, without having prepared for the responsibilities or expenses involved.
For pet care brands, understanding these different paths into ownership can help inform how they communicate with consumers, particularly around first-time pet care needs.
A closer look at pet ownership and lifestyle trends in Thailand can provide more context on how owners acquire their pets and how animals fit into everyday life.
Pet owners want the best for their animals, but household budgets still influence what ends up in the shopping basket.
According to TGM Research, 49% of Thai pet owners are price-conscious, the highest proportion across the seven APAC markets and 14 percentage points above the regional average.
For brands, pricing deserves careful attention. Premium ingredients, specialized nutrition, and added product benefits can appeal to consumers, but shoppers still need a convincing reason to spend more.
Clear product information and straightforward communication about value can help buyers understand what they're paying for. A closer look at monthly pet spending patterns across APAC provides further context on how consumers allocate their budgets to pet care products and services.
Beyond spending habits, understanding the factors influencing pet food purchases in Thailand can help brands identify what matters most when consumers choose products for their animals.
Where pet owners shop can be just as revealing as what they buy.
Only 22% of Thai pet owners purchase from pet specialty chains, compared with 36% across APAC. That's the lowest proportion among the seven markets surveyed.
The difference suggests that dedicated pet retail chains play a smaller role in Thailand's shopping landscape than they do in other APAC markets.
For retailers and pet care brands, relying on specialty chains alone could mean overlooking a substantial share of potential buyers. Understanding the role of online shopping and other retail channels becomes important when planning distribution strategies.
Brands can explore where Thai cat and dog owners purchase pet food and supplies to better understand channel preferences across different owner groups.
After all, having the right product means little if consumers cannot easily find it where they prefer to shop.
Taken together, these findings show why Thailand deserves a closer look rather than being treated as another typical APAC pet market.
Pet ownership is widespread, yet Thai consumers have distinct ways of acquiring animals and buying pet care products. High price consciousness adds another consideration for brands looking to introduce new products or strengthen their market position.
The takeaway? A successful regional strategy still needs local consumer understanding.
For companies operating across APAC, comparing ownership patterns, spending priorities, and retail preferences can reveal where consumer expectations differ and where market opportunities lie.
Want to dig deeper into the numbers?
Explore the Special Report: Pet Care in Thailand vs. APAC 2026 to revisit the findings presented at Pet Fair SEA 2026 and discover additional insights into Thailand's pet care market.
For a broader regional perspective, the TGM APAC & China Pet Care Insights 2026 Report covers consumer behaviors and preferences across multiple markets.
The TGM Global Pet Care Insights 2026 study is based on a large-scale quantitative survey conducted across 7 countries, targeting a representative sample of adults aged 18 to 55+. Designed to explore the changing trends and consumer behaviors shaping pet care in 2026, the survey focuses on five key areas: nutrition, health & veterinary care, owners & lifestyle, services & accessories, and pet technology.
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