South Korea’s pet industry is expected to undergo significant changes. In March 2026, a new government regulation will take effect allowing pets in a broader range of public establishments, including cafés and restaurants, key social spaces in Korean daily life. This policy change, combined with South Korea’s aging population, low birth rates, and growing tendency to treat pets as family members, especially among the MZ Generation, is reshaping lifestyles, consumption patterns, and long-term growth prospects across South Korea’s pet industry.
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Pet food spending market drives market expansion
South Korea’s pet food market reached USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow to USD 2.1 billion by 2028, at a 6.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Comparatively, the U.S. pet food market is worth USD 43.5 billion in 2024 but has a 4.3% CAGR. China’s pet food market reached approximately USD 22.2 billion in 2024, accounting for 52.8% of the total USD 41.9 billion pet consumer market.
A significant part of South Korea’s pet market’s growth is driven by pet food, which accounted for 35.1% of monthly pet household spending in 2025, compared to 31.7% in 2023. Cats are the key factor of this momentum. From 2018 to 2023, cat food sales increased by 18% CAGR. Dog food grew at 7.6% during the same period. Despite this, the dog food market still leads in terms of size, with USD 875.6 million in 2023, followed by cat food at USD 614.6 million.
Pet owners are getting younger
According to the KB Financial Group, 15.5 million, or about 30% of Korea’s population, owned pets as of 2024. There is a skew towards older and wealthier owners, with an increase in the share of adults over 50, which is 54.9% of total pet owners. This group shows higher spending tolerance and a stronger interest in quality aspects. However, the majority of new cat owners are in their 20s and 30s. These younger owners favor premium products and digital purchasing channels.
Many pet owners are in Seoul and its surrounding region
Among the most owned pets are dogs, with a population of 5.5 million. Cats are second on the list with 2.2 million. Given that about half of pet households are concentrated in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, the most popular dogs and cats are small-sized and are more comfortable living indoors with limited outdoor exercise. Maltese, Poodle, and Mixed-breed are top dog breeds, while Korean Shorthair, Russian Blue, and Persian are top cat breeds.
Pet owners are spending more on their pets
The average household in South Korea spent USD 132 per month on pets in 2025, a significant 26% growth from 2023. 57.6% of the budget went to food and treats, followed by snacks and nutritional supplements (22.5%). Other expenses include daily supplies and grooming. The cost of veterinary care has risen rapidly as well. The annual treatment spending increased from USD 412 in 2023 to USD 734 in 2025. This is a 78% increase over the last two years.
Rising veterinary costs creates need for preventive pet health and wellness care
Rising veterinary costs combined with longer pet solitude time create demand for monitoring and screening tools. On average, pets spend about six hours at home alone each day. Pet owners want to detect early health signals to determine when professional care is necessary, turning to apps for this.
For example, TTcare offers AI-based health scanning through a smartphone app. Users can use photographs of their pets and track symptoms over time. Fitpet sells at-home urinalysis kits linked to a mobile app. While veterinarians remain in diagnostic authority, veterinary expenses are rising at the same time.
E-commerce makes pet products, especially food, more accessible
Online sales dominate South Korea’s pet industry, especially the pet food segment. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Report, 63% of South Korean pet food sales occur through e-commerce in 2024, followed by pet shops (18.8%), hypermarkets (12.1%), and veterinary clinics (5.4%). Mobile commerce accounts for 81.9% of online pet food purchases. Coupang leads with 22.7% market share, followed by Naver at 20.7%.
Retailers, as well as the March 2026 regulation, support pet-friendly establishments
Offline retailers are building more pet-friendly establishments, building pet routes, rest zones, and pet-related amenities. For example, shopping mall Starfield Suwon opened an eighth-floor rooftop space called Star Garden in January 2024 with a separate area for large dogs and small dogs. Starfield Anseong provides pet stroller rentals, a designated pet lounge near the food court where owners can dine with pets, and an on-site pet park. Lotte Premium Outlet Dongbusan opened a Pet Square in 2025, featuring a 14,200 square feet pet park and dining area for pet owners.
Pet owners are now considered core customers in retail strategy. Retail spaces incorporate dedicated pet infrastructure during their planning phase. Beyond simply allowing pets to enter, it has become essential to engage both pets and their owners in a more compelling and differentiated way.
Additionally, from March 1st, 2026, general restaurants, cafes, and bakeries will be allow pets under specific hygiene, zoning, and management conditions. Before this regulation, pets are prohibited from restaurants, with hygiene as a significant concern. However, under new the regulation, pet owners can spend more time with their pets.
Transparency – not brand legacy – is emerging as a key driver of premium pet food growth
South Korea’s pet food industry is dominated by global veterinary and science-based brands. Royal Canin is the leading pet food brand in South Korea with the largest share. However, domestic premium brands are growing faster with consumer trust and production transparency.
Harim Pet Food achieved a growth of KRW 521 billion revenue with 6.0% operating margin in 2024, which was driven by the success of the brand The Real’s premium positioning and transparent production processes. Harim also runs Happy Dance Studio, which is their factory tour program. Consumers can visit the factory and observe production facilities in person. Trust gaps created by online sales can be filled through transparency.
Other domestic brands follow similar paths. Ingredient disclosure, facility location disclosure, and supply chain visibility can be seen more frequently. Research indicates that production transparency significantly influences consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty in South Korea’s pet industry. Consumers demonstrate a willingness to pay premium prices for products with verified origins, HACCP certifications, and clearly displayed manufacturing information, which reflects the growing importance of transparency and trust in the premium pet food segment.
South Korea’s pet industry is reshaping everyday life with pets
- Food remains a significant portion of pet spending in Korea. South Korea’s pet food market is expected to grow at a CAGR 6.9% (USD 1.5B in 2023 to USD 2.1 billion by 2028).
- E-commerce dominates food spending, with 63% of pet food sales in 2024. Coupang and Naver lead, with mobile accounting for 81.9% of online purchases.
- Major retailers like Starfield and Lotte are integrating pet infrastructure into their venues and a March 2026 regulation will allow pet access in general restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, allowing owners to spend more time with their pets outside of home.
- Veterinary costs rose 78% from 2023 to 2025, driving demand for AI health apps and at-home diagnostic kits.
- Domestic premium brands outpace global competitors through transparency. Consumers pay premiums for verified origins and HACCP certifications.
