What Pet is in High Demand?

The pet business is booming, and if you’re wondering which pets are in high demand, you’ve come to the right place! The pet market is a diverse, multi-billion-dollar industry, and as a supplier, we’re constantly tracking trends to help our customers—whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler, or even just a curious pet lover. The demand for pets has seen a huge uptick in recent years, and some are more popular than others. So, what pets are people flocking to? Let’s dive in and take a look at the top pets that are currently in high demand.

When it comes to the pet business, knowing which pets are trending is key. In 2025, some animals are flying off the shelves, and some trends are shifting. Whether you’re planning to start your own pet business or you’re simply curious about which pets to focus on, understanding these shifts can help you stay ahead of the game. From traditional furry companions to exotic pets, here’s a rundown of what’s trending in the pet world.

1. Dogs: The Undisputed Champion of Pet Popularity

Dogs have long held the title of “man’s best friend,” and this doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. In fact, dogs are still the most popular pet in the world. With more than 70 million households in the U.S. owning a dog, the demand for everything from dog food to accessories like leashes, harnesses, and grooming tools is through the roof. According to a recent Pet Market Research Report, the dog care market alone is projected to grow to over $30 billion by 2025.

The demand for specific breeds is always fluctuating. Right now, smaller dog breeds like the French Bulldog and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are incredibly popular. But even mixed-breed dogs continue to dominate, as people are looking for pets that are friendly, energetic, and relatively easy to care for.

Tip for Pet Product Suppliers: Keep an eye on which dog breeds are in high demand and tailor your product offerings to meet the needs of pet owners. For example, French Bulldogs may need specific harnesses or grooming tools to handle their unique needs.

2. Cats: The Quiet, Independent Stars

Cats have always been a strong contender in the pet world, and their popularity is only growing. Cats make up nearly 35% of U.S. households, and their demand in the pet business has been skyrocketing. Whether you’re a fan of playful kittens or the more serene older cats, there’s a market for just about every type of cat. In fact, more people are choosing to adopt cats as a low-maintenance, independent pet.

What makes cats so appealing? For many, they are the perfect companion for busy lifestyles. Cats don’t require walks or constant attention, and they are typically content on their own, making them great pets for people who work long hours. Additionally, there’s an increasing trend towards indoor-only cats as people are focusing on their pets’ health and safety, particularly in urban areas.

Tip for Pet Product Suppliers: Offering a wide variety of cat products, including interactive toys, grooming accessories, and comfortable beds, can make you a go-to supplier for cat owners. Cats love high-quality scratching posts, so consider stocking those, too!

3. Fish: The Underrated Aquatic Gems

While dogs and cats may be the loudest members of the pet world, fish are quietly making waves—literally. Aquarium fish are often seen as one of the most cost-effective and low-maintenance pets available. You can find everything from simple goldfish to exotic tropical species that require specialized care.

According to the Aquatic Pet Industry Report, the demand for fish has been growing steadily, especially in the aquascaping community, where pet owners create stunning, natural landscapes in their aquariums. Freshwater fish are especially popular because they are easier to maintain compared to saltwater species. Tropical fish, such as bettas and guppies, are favorites in households with children, thanks to their vibrant colors and relatively low care requirements.

Tip for Pet Product Suppliers: If you’re selling fish tanks, consider offering custom or specialized tank options for enthusiasts looking to create an aquascape. Don’t forget to provide a selection of premium fish food, water conditioners, and filtration systems.

4. Birds: The Colorful Companions

Birds are another pet that’s rising in popularity, especially among people who want a smaller, more interactive companion. Parrots, cockatiels, and budgies are among the top pet birds people are adopting, and their colorful plumage and ability to mimic human speech make them fun to have around. Bird ownership is expected to increase in the coming years, with the Global Pet Bird Market growing at a steady pace.

For bird owners, products like high-quality bird cages, toys, and even specialized foods are in high demand. Many pet bird owners enjoy engaging with their birds, providing them with interactive toys and puzzles to keep them mentally stimulated. This creates a huge opportunity for sellers in the bird products market.

Tip for Pet Product Suppliers: If you’re targeting the bird market, consider offering a variety of toys designed for different species and their specific needs. Birds love variety, so stocking a wide selection can help you tap into this niche.

5. Small Mammals: The Pocket-Sized Friends

Small mammals, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and ferrets, continue to be a top choice for those looking for a pet that doesn’t require the time commitment of a dog or cat. These little guys are perfect for apartments, and their demand is steadily growing, particularly among families with young children. In fact, the small mammal market is projected to increase by 7% annually through 2025, according to the Small Pet Market Growth Report.

Small mammals are easy to care for, making them a great introduction to pet ownership for kids. They also have shorter lifespans than larger pets, so they’re often seen as a less permanent commitment. Accessories such as comfortable bedding, cages, and toys are essential products in the small mammal market, and you can bet they’re in high demand.

Tip for Pet Product Suppliers: Consider offering eco-friendly bedding, as sustainability is important to a growing number of small mammal pet owners. Also, guinea pig and rabbit toys are popular, so be sure to stock up on those!

6. Exotic Pets: The Rising Trend

While not as mainstream, exotic pets are steadily gaining traction in the pet business. From reptiles like lizards and snakes to more unusual pets like hedgehogs and tarantulas, people are increasingly attracted to the uniqueness of exotic animals. This growing trend has made exotic pet supplies, such as special habitats, food, and care products, a highly profitable market.

Pet owners of exotic animals often go the extra mile to ensure their pets’ environments are just right. This means specialized enclosures, custom heating and lighting solutions, and premium foods. Exotic pet care products are in high demand, and savvy suppliers can take advantage of this niche market.

Tip for Pet Product Suppliers: If you’re looking to enter the exotic pet market, you should focus on creating specialty products like habitat kits, reptile heat lamps, and custom pet foods. This is a great space to get creative with your offerings.

Conclusion: Time to Get in the Pet Game

So, what pet is in high demand in 2025? Well, the short answer is, all of them! Dogs and cats still dominate the market, but smaller animals, fish, birds, and even exotic pets are becoming more popular by the day. As a supplier, there’s a huge opportunity to cater to these growing markets by providing quality products that meet the needs of pet owners. Whether you’re in the dog food business, selling cat toys, or offering specialized products for small mammals or reptiles, there’s money to be made in the pet business. The key is to stay ahead of trends and offer high-quality, in-demand products to keep customers coming back for more.

QQPETS is the leading custom dog collar, harness and leash manufacturer of collar, leash and harness for dogs and other items that people may use when walking their dogs. Our goal is to make dog walking easy for pet owners by providing valuable accessories. We offer a variety of customization services including custom logos, custom patterns, custom materials, custom sizes and custom products and more. If you want to start your dog products business, check out our website and contact us today.

FAQ about pet profit

What is the most demanded pet?

• Dogs continue to be the most in-demand pets globally. They’re considered loyal companions and come in a variety of breeds suited for different lifestyles. The growing trend of pet humanization, where pets are treated as family members, has made dogs the most sought-after pet worldwide.
• Cats also remain extremely popular, particularly in urban areas due to their independent nature and lower maintenance needs compared to dogs. The demand for cats has been consistently high, especially as more people embrace apartment living.
• Exotic pets like reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards) and small mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs) are also gaining popularity, especially among younger generations looking for more unique pet experiences.

2. What is the best pet for profit?

• Dogs are not only the most demanded pet, but they also offer profitable opportunities for pet-related businesses. This includes dog training, grooming, dog walking, and accessories such as collars, leashes, and beds. High-demand breeds often require specialized products or services, which creates lucrative opportunities.
• Fish can also be a profitable pet business. Aquariums, fish tanks, and accessories represent a significant segment of the pet market. Fish care products like water filters, water treatments, and fish food are in constant demand.
• Exotic pets such as reptiles and birds can also be highly profitable, particularly if you’re involved in breeding or specialized care products for these types of pets.

3. What pet sells the most?

• Dogs are consistently the best sellers in the pet industry, whether as puppies or adult dogs. The pet accessories market tied to dogs (food, grooming products, training equipment) is massive, which makes them one of the most profitable pets.
• Cats also rank high in sales. While they may not have the same level of customization as dogs in terms of accessories and services, their popularity still drives high sales for products like cat food, litter, and toys.
• Fish rank high in terms of sales volume, particularly in the aquarium business. Tropical fish and aquarium setups represent an area where pet retailers can generate considerable revenue through regular product sales and equipment maintenance.

4. What is the fastest-growing pet industry?

• Pet Health and Wellness: The fastest-growing sector in the pet industry is health and wellness. Pet owners are becoming more invested in their pets’ well-being, leading to an increased demand for premium pet food, health supplements, and wellness-related services like pet acupuncture, chiropractic care, and even mental health therapies for pets.
• Pet Technology: The pet tech industry is expanding rapidly. Products like GPS tracking collars, pet cameras, automated feeders, and fitness trackers are gaining popularity. These tech-driven solutions help pet owners monitor and care for their pets more effectively, and the market for these devices is expected to continue to grow.
• Pet Insurance: The pet insurance market is seeing significant growth, especially in markets like the U.S. and the U.K. As veterinary care becomes more expensive, pet owners are increasingly seeking insurance plans to offset the costs of medical care for their pets.