Leading pets owned by households in the United Kingdom (UK) 2023

According to a 2023 survey, dogs were the most commonly owned pet in UK households. The share of households reporting dog ownership stood at 31 percent. The second most common house pet among UK households were cats, with around 26 percent of respondents stating their ownership.

Pet ownership in the UK

In the past year, pet ownership levels in the UK decreased by five percent when compared to 2022. This decrease could be explained by the change in owner's routines since pandemic restrictions have lifted. The share of UK households owning a dog or cat also decreased in comparison to previous years.

Happiness, companionship, and man’s best friend

A 2020 survey asked dog owners to state their reasons for owning a dog and all linked their ownership to either improving their happiness and/or providing companionship. Happiness was the most common response, with 51 percent stating ‘because they make me happy’. Whereas 47 percent stated their dogs provided ‘love/affection’ and 35 percent stated their dogs provided ‘companionship’. It seems the old saying “man’s best friend” still holds true to this day.