UK Pet Adoption Statistics: Key Trends in Dog and Cat Ownership for 2026
London, 13 January 2026 – As the UK continues to embrace pet ownership, with over 30 million animals in households, understanding adoption trends is crucial. Dogs and cats dominate, but rising costs and lifestyle changes are influencing rehoming rates. This article delves into the latest statistics from 2024 and 2025, highlighting adoption figures, challenges, and benefits.
Pet Ownership Overview
The UK is home to more than 30 million pets, with dogs and cats accounting for the majority. According to UK Pet Food data from 2024, there are 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats across the country. Approximately 57 per cent of households own at least one pet, reflecting a strong cultural affinity for animal companionship. Pets provide mental wellbeing, physical exercise, and social connections, making them integral to family life.
Adoption Trends for Dogs
Dogs remain the most popular pet, with 1 in 5 pet dogs in the UK adopted rather than bought. Adoption costs average around £200, significantly less than the £400 to £3,000 for purchasing from a breeder. However, 25 per cent of people who rehomed their dogs cited costs as a key factor. The average length of stay in shelters is 93 days, and an estimated 100,000 homeless dogs await homes. Tragically, 21 dogs are euthanised daily due to overcrowding.
Adoption Trends for Cats
Cats are a close second in popularity, with approximately a quarter of pet cats adopted. Adoption fees for cats typically range from £100 to £300. Around 17 per cent of pet cats come from family or friends, while 150,000 cats enter shelters annually. Cats stay in shelters for an average of 67 days, and a quarter of a million homeless cats live in towns and cities.
Key Facts / Stats
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Pets in UK | Over 30 million (13.5 million dogs, 12.5 million cats) |
| Households with Pets | 57% (17.2 million households) |
| Dog Adoption Rate | 20% of pet dogs adopted; average cost £200 |
| Cat Adoption Rate | 25% of pet cats adopted; average cost £100-£300 |
| Homeless Pets | 100,000 dogs, 150,000 cats enter shelters yearly |
| Euthanasia Rate | 21 dogs euthanised daily |
| Shelter Stay | Dogs: 93 days; Cats: 67 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people adopt pets in the UK?
Adopting pets saves lives and is often more affordable than buying from breeders. It also frees up shelter space for other animals. Many adopters cite companionship, mental health benefits, and the joy of providing a home to those in need as primary reasons.
What are the main challenges in pet adoption?
Behavioural issues deter some potential adopters, with 54 per cent concerned about this. Financial pressures, such as rising costs of living, lead to rehoming, affecting 13 per cent of households in 2022. Overcrowded shelters and euthanisation rates highlight the need for more awareness and support.
How has pet ownership changed recently?
Recent data shows an increase in adult pet adoptions, with more men opting for adult cats. Pandemic-related adoptions have stabilised, but rehoming due to work-from-home shifts has risen. Exotic pets like reptiles are also gaining popularity, with 2.2 million in the UK.