Pet Care in Austria

Austrian Pet Ownership Reaches Nearly 60% of Households

The landscape of pet ownership in Austria reveals a deeply emotional connection between people and their animal companions, with nearly 58% of Austrians sharing their homes with pets. This significant majority reflects a society where pets have become integral members of households, particularly cats and dogs, which dominate the pet population. Cats lead the pack among multi-pet households, with an impressive 71% of pet owners having feline companions, while dogs follow closely at 53%.

Pedigree and Whiskas Lead Austrian Pet Food Market

Among dog owners, Pedigree has established itself as the market leader, capturing 34% of the market share, with Royal Canin following at 22%. The cat food segment tells a different story, where Whiskas reigns supreme with 41% market share, followed by Felix and Sheba.

Supermarkets Remain Top Choice for Pet Supplies

Pet care purchasing habits in Austria demonstrate a fascinating blend of traditional and modern shopping behaviors. While supermarkets remain the primary destination for pet supplies, attracting nearly 51% of pet owners, specialized pet retail chains like Maxi Zoo and Kakkadu have carved out a substantial 33% market share. The digital transformation of pet care retail is evident in the robust 31% of owners who prefer online shopping.

Vets Stay Main Source of Pet Care Advice

The relationship between Austrians and their pets extends far beyond basic care, as reflected in their information-seeking behaviors and emotional bonds. Veterinarians serve as the primary source of pet care information for 58% of owners, while digital resources like internet searches and peer experiences from other pet owners form a complementary knowledge network. These patterns emerge against a backdrop where 62% of owners consider their pets as family members.