The pet care industry in the UAE is no longer a peripheral market. It’s evolving into a structured, demand-led ecosystem that encompasses everything from luxury grooming and organic pet food to dog cafés, insurance products, and mobile veterinary services. This shift reflects more profound changes in consumer lifestyles and expectations, particularly in urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In 2024, the UAE’s total pet care market is estimated to be valued at USD 360–400 million, encompassing food, veterinary services, grooming, retail, and wellness. Projections suggest the market could surpass USD2billion by 2025 if current trends continue, driven by premiumization, digitization, and rising pet ownership.

As consumer behavior grows more complex, the need for robust market research in UAE, including qualitative research and quantitative research, becomes central to navigating this sector effectively. This article examines the factors driving the growth of this sector, identifies the most relevant consumer groups, and explores business opportunities through the lens of market research and regional behavioral trends.

From Pet Ownership to Pet Lifestyle

Across global markets, the idea of the “humanization of pets”, treating animals more like family members than functional companions, has been widely documented. In the UAE, this trend is taking shape through region-specific dynamics, including rising affluence among expatriates, increased mobility, and growing exposure to global standards in pet care.

Pet ownership in the UAE has seen over 30% growth since the COVID-19 pandemic, with a noticeable shift toward premium nutrition and wellness services. Pet food alone is a USD 107 million segment in 2024, expected to grow at around 5% CAGR, while the pet care e-commerce space, covering food, treats, accessories, and services, is projected to reach over USD 308 million by 2030.

Pet ownership is visible across a diverse range of households, but two segments stand out. First, in suburban villa communities, families, particularly those of Western and mixed-nationality households, often adopt dogs or multiple pets, supported by the availability of outdoor space and community amenities. Here, spending tends to focus on health, training, and convenience services that fit into busy family routines.

At the same time, there’s also a growing number of pet owners living in urban high-rises, particularly single professionals or couples without children. While these settings can present restrictions, they also drive demand for solutions like indoor-friendly breeds, mobile grooming, and delivery-based services.

Across both segments, what unites consumers is the mindset: a willingness to invest emotionally and financially in their pets, with expectations shaped by global exposure. As a result, categories such as premium nutrition, curated wellness products, and digital convenience tools are experiencing sustained growth, particularly among consumers who prioritize trust and transparency in the brands they engage with. But while demand is growing and becoming more sophisticated, the service landscape hasn’t kept pace.

Structural Gaps in a Rapidly Growing Market

The pet care sector in the UAE is growing, but its rapid expansion has revealed underlying inefficiencies. On the surface, the market appears well-served, with more clinics, cafés, and specialty stores than ever before. Yet when viewed through behavioral patterns and service access, the picture is far more uneven.

Veterinary care remains a core pressure point. In neighborhoods like Dubai Marina or Al Reem Island, service density is high, but outside these urban clusters, access becomes inconsistent. Clinic availability, hours of operation, diagnostic capabilities, and pricing vary significantly, with no centralized system in place for quality assurance. Without clear standards or platforms to compare options, many consumers fall back on informal advice from community groups or personal referrals, a workaround that may suffice for routine care but breaks down during emergencies or complex treatments. This fragmentation not only slows decision-making but also weakens long-term trust in the system.

Pricing across the sector, from grooming and daycare to vet consultations, is another friction point. Consumers report difficulty understanding what they’re paying for and why one service might cost twice as much as another. There’s a notable absence of tiered offerings or bundled packages, which could provide clarity and support decision-making. At the same time, while interest in pet insurance is growing, uptake remains low. The issue isn’t a lack of demand, but rather a lack of clarity: coverage conditions, claims processes, and limitations are often poorly communicated, leading to uncertainty about the value.

Retail is undergoing transformation, with modern pet owners bypassing general supermarkets in favor of specialized retailers and DTC platforms. The retail segment is becoming increasingly digitally driven, and subscription models, now playing a role in monthly food and flea treatment deliveries, are reinforcing a USD 172 million e-commerce sector that is expected to double within the decade.

Even lifestyle services, such as pet cafés or dog parks, are highly concentrated in certain areas. For many pet owners, particularly those living in outer suburbs or older apartment buildings, access to pet-friendly spaces is limited or nonexistent. This creates a two-speed market: in some areas, pet care is seamlessly integrated into daily life; in others, it presents a logistical challenge. Businesses that can adapt their formats, whether through mobile services, hybrid retail models, or flexible booking structures, are likely to reach segments that have the intent to spend but lack access.

Understanding the Customer: A Research-Driven Approach

For businesses entering this space, the challenge is not just supply; it’s strategic alignment. Identifying high-opportunity segments requires more than anecdotal observations. Which nationalities and income groups are spending more on pets? What concerns limit product uptake? How do consumers perceive value in an unregulated space?

These are questions best answered through rigorous consumer research, including quantitative research, behavioral surveys, and qualitative techniques like in-depth interviews. Market research in UAE can help identify the psychographic profile of high-value customers, assess the feasibility of new offerings, and guide brand positioning in an emotionally sensitive category.

It’s essential to localize. The GCC context presents unique considerations, including housing policies, climate constraints, cultural sensitivities surrounding pets, and municipal regulations, all of which shape the landscape in ways that global strategies may overlook.

Moving Forward in a Market That’s Still Taking Shape

The UAE’s pet care market is expanding, but not uniformly. Growth is concentrated in high-density, affluent urban zones and among expat-majority communities. Within these, there’s an apparent demand for premium, reliable, and emotionally resonant services.

Backed by a projected total market growth of over 5X by 2025, the opportunity lies not just in volume, but in value. Pet care is evolving from a reactive necessity to a proactive lifestyle category, and businesses that align with this shift through research-driven strategies will gain early-mover advantage.

For new entrants, the opportunity lies in listening closely. Businesses that invest inconsumer insights, not just logistics or pricing, are more likely to build long-term relationships in this evolving sector.

To explore how qualitative and quantitativemarket research can support your entry or expansion in the UAE pet market,speak to our research team.