The Top Pet Trends of 2023: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

The pet industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving space, with new trends and innovations constantly emerging. As we move into 2023, there are several key trends that pet owners should be aware of. These trends reflect the growing importance of pets in our lives, as well as the increasing sophistication of pet products and services. Here's a look at the top pet trends of 2023.

1. The Legal Push for Adoption Over Shopping

In an effort to combat the inhumane conditions of puppy mills, legislation is being passed to make it illegal for pet stores to sell dogs, cats, or bunnies. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has already signed the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill, and animal lovers are hopeful that more states will follow suit in 2023. This trend is encouraging pet parents to adopt or foster from shelters or work with reputable breeders who prioritize animal health over profits.

2. The Rise of Veterinary Telehealth

As pet parents seek more convenience, veterinary telehealth is becoming increasingly popular. Companies like Dutch and Pawp are connecting pet parents with licensed veterinarians through apps, allowing them to get prescriptions, refills, and expert advice from their phones. However, it's important to note that telehealth isn't a full replacement for in-person visits—regular check-ups are still essential for your pet's health.

3. The Boom in Doggy Daycare and Upscale Pet-Sitting

With many people returning to in-office work, doggy daycare and upscale pet-sitting services are becoming go-to solutions for pets who might feel lonely post-pandemic. As the pet-sitting market is expected to grow above $5 billion by 2030, it's a good idea to start exploring local options now.

4. The Emergence of Fairy Dog Parents

As family members return to pre-pandemic life, many pets are finding their care in the hands of multi-generational caregivers. This network of people involved in raising one pet, dubbed "fairy dog-parents," includes grandparents taking their grown children's pets on walks or for overnights, or younger generations sharing pets with parents who might not be able to tend to them full-time.

5. The Popularity of Probiotics for Dogs

Dog probiotics have seen a 31% rise in popularity over the past year. Like humans, dogs might need extra help in the gut department to make digestion easier. Products like Native Pet’s all-natural probiotic powder, developed alongside real vets and animal nutritionists, are becoming a popular choice for pet parents. Check out our article on the rise of pet supplements here.

6. The Trend of Prestige-TV-Named Dogs

Dog parents are increasingly naming their pets after characters from popular TV shows. In 2022, names inspired by HBO’s Euphoria saw a significant rise in popularity. In 2023, we predict dogs named after characters from FX’s The Bear and Yellowjackets, as well as Jennifer Coolidge’s character in The White Lotus, will be trending.

7. The Quirk of Spirit-Inspired Cat Names

Naming cats after foods and beverages became a huge trend in 2022, with names like "Beer" making their debut on Rover.com's trending cat name list. We predict this trend will continue in 2023, with names like Gimlet, Vino, Summit, and Guinness becoming popular choices.

8. The Advent of Smart Collars

Smart collars are revolutionizing the way we interact with and care for our pets. These devices, equipped with GPS and cellular signals, allow pet owners to track their pets' location and create invisible fences for them to stay within. They also provide detailed health and fitness tracking, including sleep monitoring and tracking of behaviors like scratching and licking that might indicate potential health issues. Some of the top smart collars of 2023 include the Fi Series 3 Smart Collar, the Halo Collar, and the Whistle Health + GPS+ collar. These collars offer a range of features, from advanced exercise and health monitoring to training capabilities and superior location technology.

9. The Trend of Subscription-Based Pet Care

Many of the new pet trends, including smart collars and veterinary telehealth, are subscription-based. This model allows pet owners to try out services before making a long-term commitment, and often includes a range of options to suit different budgets. However, it's important for pet owners to carefully consider the cost and value of these subscriptions, and to ensure they're choosing the best options for their pets' needs.

In conclusion, 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for pet trends. From legislative changes promoting adoption to the rise of smart collars and subscription-based pet care, these trends reflect a growing focus on the health, happiness, and well-being of our pets. As a pet owner, staying informed about these trends can help you make the best choices for your furry friend.

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