Pets are an integral part of the family, and it’s no secret that humans value their beloved animals. As the world’s human population grows, so does the population of pets. Let’s dive into the key statistics for pet ownership in Canada for 2024.
Pet Population Overview
Total Pet Population: The total pet population in Canada is expected to be 28.51 million in 2025. Although Canada doesn’t rank in the top 20 globally for pet population, Canadians certainly cherish their pets. Over half of Canadians have at least one pet, according to Abacus Data.
The 7 Most Popular Pets in Canada
1. Cats
Population: Nearly 8.5 million cats were kept as pets in Canada in 2023, with numbers expected to rise in 2024.
Cost:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Food | 300 |
| Vet Visits | 200 |
| Accessories | 100 |
Key Takeaway: Cats are popular due to their adaptability to apartment living and independent nature.
2. Dogs
Population: Canadians owned 7.9 million dogs in 2022, with the number expected to rise.
Cost:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Food | 500 |
| Vet Visits | 300 |
| Accessories | 150 |
Key Takeaway: Labrador Retrievers remain the most popular breed, reflecting Canadians’ preference for loyal and friendly pets.
3. Fish
Population: There were 8.51 million pet fish in Canada by 2024, with a slight increase expected.
Cost:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Food | 50 |
| Tank Maintenance | 100 |
| Accessories | 30 |
Key Takeaway: Fish ownership is stable, with a small but consistent increase over the years.
4. Birds
Population: Approximately 2.51 million pet birds in 2024, down from previous years.
Cost:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Food | 75 |
| Vet Visits | 100 |
| Accessories | 50 |
Key Takeaway: Bird ownership is declining slightly but remains a steady pet choice.
5. Small Mammals
Population: 1.22 million small mammals in 2024, stable compared to previous years.
Cost:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Food | 100 |
| Vet Visits | 75 |
| Accessories | 50 |
Key Takeaway: Small mammals like guinea pigs and rabbits are a beloved choice for many Canadians.
6. Reptiles
Population: 272,000 reptiles in 2024, with a slow but steady increase.
Cost:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Food | 75 |
| Vet Visits | 100 |
| Accessories | 50 |
Key Takeaway: Reptiles are gaining popularity, especially bearded dragons.
7. Exotic Animals
Population: Canadians keep over 1.4 million wild animals as pets.
Cost:
| Expense Type | Average Annual Cost ($) |
|---|---|
| Food | 500 |
| Vet Visits | 300 |
| Accessories | 200 |
Key Takeaway: Exotic animals like wild cats and reptiles are also part of the Canadian pet landscape.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s love for pets is evident, with a significant portion of the population owning cats and dogs. However, more unique pets like fish, birds, small mammals, and even exotic animals also have a place in Canadian homes. This diversity in pet ownership showcases the varied interests and lifestyles of Canadians.