Trends For 2025

Hi everyone, thanks for joining me on this first episode of 2025, aptly called “Trends for 2025”.  

It is hard to believe that another year has gone by. I wanted to look at what we can look forward to for our pets in 2025 and things we may want to put on our list of “Things To Do”.  2025!  Here we come!

You likely have noticed some of these trends entering your favourite pet specialty store throughout the last year and even before.  But, 2025 is trending for many of these to ramp up and some are new.  

In no particular order, I’ll start with the increase in pet supplements. 

Pet Supplements 

I like this trend as it means that pet parents are embracing the benefit of having their dog on a probiotic or fish oil, vitamins, hip and joint care, and allergy relief that is not a drug.  The rise of openness toward seeing the benefits of supplements excites me as I get to have meaningful conversations with pet parents.  

It is an amazing journey when I drill down with a pet parent to figure out a reason for things such as itching, ear infections or allergies, using principles from the holistic toolbox.  Then we can look at things that will help the pet allowing its body to utilize natural ingredients instead of filling them up with drugs and then dealing with the adverse effects from being on drugs.  As with all health care, we know there is a time and place when pharmaceuticals are needed, but it is nice to know that there are alternatives, which is an increasing trend.   

Holistic Pet Health & Wellness

On the heel of the increase in natural supplements, there is also an increase in Holistic Pet Health and Wellness.  Natural supplements fall into this, but widening the scope here means pet parents are now open to incorporating alternative therapies too.  

Aromatherapy

According to awaysomearticle.com, “In addition to diet, holistic wellness includes pet supplements, alternative therapies like acupuncture and massage, and stress-reducing techniques such as aromatherapy.”  I’ve noticed quite an increase in U-tube videos on how to massage your dog for example.  

Aromatherapy is also a great way to deal with stress. However, I suggest consulting a certified aroma therapist to ensure nothing toxic is being used or that the method itself is non-toxic.  The article from awaysomearticle.com does mention that CBD products for pets are part of this trend, but I’ll be honest, I have noticed a huge decline in the use and the quest for CBD for pets.  

CBD

Before Covid that’s all I heard.  But, now I actually can’t remember when I was last asked about CBD.  Where I live, pet retailers are not allowed to sell CBD oil for pets, although many do and just risk the consequences.  But, as I said, I have found this one to have declined drastically.  

Technology

However, a pet’s mental health is more at the forefront and is an increasing trend for 2025.  For this reason, there is a rise in mental stimulation products meaning that technology is increasing in the pet world. 

To stimulate our pets and have them feel more relaxed when home alone, more tech products are coming out and gaining popularity.  Smart pet cameras, for example, allow the pet to be watched at home. And many of these have 2-way audio, allowing you to hear and talk to your pet.

Other devices allow you to do all that while releasing treats on a timer or at your discretion.  Apart from tech devices, there are also interactive puzzles that a dog has to solve to get the hidden treats.  They have these puzzles for cats too.  Even the lick mats and snuffle balls are designed to stimulate a dog or cat and keep them busy.  Keeping a pet stimulated through methods, other than a bone, is trending.  

An increase in tech in the pet world also means an increase in their availability to pet parents.  GPS trackers, health apps or devices that monitor a pet’s activity can detect signs of early illness.  Even with cats, the technology has expanded to robotic litters that clean everything out while monitoring how often your cat goes to the litter, letting you know all this via the app.  It is quite something!

Pet Wellness

Pet wellness in general is an increasing trend.  Parents are now more concerned about their pet’s mental health as part of their overall health.  The rise of supplements is part of this, but there is more to it such as pets going for massages. Yes, calming, but also for well-being especially for ageing dogs and cats.  

The dedication I see with pet parents attending to their pet’s nails monthly is also an indicator. The rise of pet facilities for physiotherapy and hydrotherapy shows how pet wellness is becoming quite a thing.  A new facility in a town near me is dedicated specifically to physiotherapy, water therapy, massage, chiropractic, etc. All with exceptionally trained professionals.  A facility like this would never have been successful 10 years ago.  

Oral Care

Keeping with this area of trend, also on the rise is the concern and care pet parents are now dedicated to oral care with their pets.  At one time, no one in a million years brushed their dog’s teeth.  But, now the understanding of secondary health issues stemming from oral issues.  Not to mention the incredibly expensive vet bills when teeth are concerned.  

Many pet parents are embracing teeth cleaning for their pets using companies like Kissable K9 Care, the first in Ontario to provide the service.  Oral care for pets has been trending upward for a while now and is set to increase even more so in 2025.  For this reason, I would also caution that although using teeth cleaning services for pets is a major saving and a much easier process for your pet, make sure the service has been around for a while and the technicians are all fully trained.  

Pet Insurance Expansion

With the trend of holistic care for pets on the rise, in 2025 we should see the inclusion of some of these treatments covered by pet insurance.  If human insurance can cover dental, massages and chiropractic, it stands that as the humanization of pets increases, pet insurance companies must respond to entice more clients.  

The other thing as awaysomearticle.com, points out, is that in 2025, “Pet insurance providers are becoming more flexible, offering a wider range of plans that cover everything from routine check-ups to major surgeries.  There’s also a growing awareness around pet insurance for preventive care, which can include vaccinations, dental cleanings, and wellness exams.”  “We’ll likely see further innovations in the pet insurance space with policies that are more affordable, customizable, and accessible to a broader range of pet owners.  This will enable more people to protect their pets without the financial stress of unexpected medical bills.”  

Natural & Niche Foods

Trending annually is the demand for more natural pet foods and niche foods such as freeze-dried and raw.  The raw trend has been rising exponentially for years and shows no signs of slowing down in 2025.  The rise of Freeze-dried food allows for an alternative diet for pets and convenience for pet parents for travelling and storing.  Freeze-dried isn’t for every pet, but it is on the rise.  

The data for raw over the next year also shows a significant rise in sales.  I have noticed a lot more cat parents have switched their cats to raw.  Again, it’s not for everyone, but there is a significant rise in this area forecasted for 2025. 

In terms of natural foods, like raw for example, pet parents are also concerned about what is in kibble and treats.  I see a lot more pet parents reading labels and asking questions.  Thank goodness!  Isn’t that what I always say?  Getting in the know takes some time, but the trend is that pet parents are interested and committed to getting in the know.  And it is not just the ingredient list pet parents are interested in, they also want to know how the ingredients are sourced and how sustainable the ingredients are.  

Eco-Conscious Products

Pet parents are trending upward to look for more eco-conscious products.  Let’s talk cat litter for a second.  Clay cat litter is incredibly destructive to the environment.  Access my episode on the scoop on cat litter.  It’s an eye-opener.  Pet parents are now thinking about alternative sources of cat litter that are sustainable and biodegradable.  Yes, it is usually a bit more expensive but I find it lasts longer and I don’t have to worry about the dust and the impact on landfill.  This eco-consciousness is now fanning out to other products, like food and other products like poop bags and toys that are made from recycled water bottles or bamboo products or coffee wood.  Hopefully, 2025 will see a good rise in this trend towards eco-friendly pet products. 

Friendly Pet Travel

This is trending upward as more and more pet parents travel with their pets.  This means that airlines, hotels, and Airbnb have to up their game.  If you access my episode on Travelling with your pet, you will see that travelling with your pet can have some challenges.  

Hotels

For example, many hotels list themselves as pet-friendly, but when you read the fine print, that means only dogs under 30 pounds.  What has that got to do with anything?  A 20-pound dog can be just as destructive and ill-mannered as an 80-pound dog.  And an 80-pound dog can be just as well-mannered and well-behaved as any 20-pound dog.  

Airlines

To meet this trend, airlines will need to be much more forward-thinking regarding pets coming on board. Awaysomearticle.com states, “Expect to see more companies and services catering to pet-friendly travel, making it easier for people to bring their pets along on their vacations and adventures.  For those of us who see our pets as part of the family, this is a long overdue trend.”  I agree!

Restaurants

This means some restaurants and pubs (the U.K. exempted), will have to get with the programme.  My husband and I went overnight to a trendy area 2 hours from us. The hotel where we stayed had pet-friendly rooms that specifically had outside access.  

We’ve never taken Tundra there. But as we were walking along, one of the restaurants had a sign that said, “Pet Friendly”.  We both noticed this immediately, and I said, “Hey, if there is a restaurant that we can go to with the dog, maybe next year we will bring him”.  

I think as long as it is posted that the pub or restaurant reserves the right to ask an unruly dog to leave, things should go well.  Anyway, ask all the pub owners in the U.K. how they do it.  It seems not to be a problem. 

Grief Management 

This trend is coming to the forefront with the realization that those who have lost a pet are as grief-stricken as those who have lost a human.  As discussed in my interview with Erika Sinner, there are now grief counsellors specializing in pet bereavement. Erika has written a book on this subject and works to implement supportive grief policies in businesses.  This is a real trend and it is a good one.

 

Summary 

These were some of the key pet trends of 2025. While I support all of these developments, I’m particularly interested in seeing a greater emphasis on holistic pet care. I believe veterinarians should embrace these approaches and integrate them into their practices.  

My other top priorities for 2025 include:

• Increased awareness and support for pet bereavement: Recognizing and addressing the emotional impact of pet loss.
• A surge in eco-conscious pet products: Promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
• A significant rise in shelter and rescue adoptions: Giving loving homes to animals in need.
• Increased adoption rates for senior pets, black cats, and overlooked breeds: Challenging common misconceptions and promoting inclusivity.
• A sharp decline in designer dog breeding and puppy mills: Ending unethical breeding practices.
• Strong legislation to prohibit puppy mills and backyard breeders: Holding irresponsible breeders accountable.
• Severe criminal penalties for animal cruelty: Protecting animals from abuse and neglect.”

 I’m eager for 2025 to be a fantastic year! It has such a resounding quality, promising great things. I sincerely hope all animals awaiting loving homes in shelters and rescues find them. For those who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, may they be remembered with love and cherished as part of a family. To our furry companions currently enjoying life, I wish them countless cuddles, belly rubs, treats, and playful adventures.

I would love to hear from all of you about topics you’d like to explore on the show. I have some exciting interviews lined up, so stay tuned! Happy New Year to everyone. Remember to continue researching and asking questions, because, as I say, knowing is caring.

Tagged as: pet trends 2025,  smart pet tech,  sustainable pet products,  future pet trends,  pet lifestyle 2025,  eco-friendly pet products,  pet care innovations.