5 Pet Trends for Dog Parents (2024 Guide)

It wasn’t so long ago that people viewed pets as property – something they “owned.”
It is truly heartening to witness the positive shift in perspective over the years, as people have come to recognize that pets are not mere possessions but cherished companions. The evolving understanding of the unique bond between pet parents and their animals has fostered a more compassionate approach, enriching the lives of both humans and their beloved pets in ways that go beyond mere ownership. This growing appreciation for the emotional depth of the human-animal connection reflects a beautiful transformation in our societal values.

We’ve come a long way in terms of understanding animal psychology, behavior and better ways to parent the pets we care for. You can see a lot of that science going to good, practical use through the 2023 Pet Innovation Awards

Today I want to dive into the trends (already here and right around the corner) that are revolutionizing the one-of-a-kind bond between humans and their animals! I’ll also introduce you to a little of the genius behind the 2023 Pet Innovation Award winners and some leading pet brands shaping a new era for pets..

Sustainable practices for pets and their humans.

Mindless consumption, waste and use of non-sustainable resources are out! Thoughtful purchases are in. You should expect to see a growing boom of truly sustainable products.

There are many companies that are prioritizing sustainability through environmentally friendly practices, ethical sourcing, and green manufacturing, ensuring their products are not only made to last but also embrace concepts such as reusability, compostability, and reduced energy consumption.

I’ve seen some incredible products on the market. Here’s a few of my faves!

P.L.A.Y is a B Corp that uses recycled plastic bottles to create many of their products, including dog beds and toys! Fun fact: Their plushies meet the same standards as infant/children safety standards!

Pet parents want help parenting while working from home

The work-from-home trend has become a permanent fixture in people's lifestyles, leading to an ongoing demand for products and services that cater to the unique challenges faced by pet parents in this environment. From managing incessant barking during conference calls to ensuring pets are entertained and enriched enough to allow focus on work, the need to address issues like keyboard walks and impromptu appearances in video calls highlights the growing necessity for solutions that seamlessly integrate pet parenting with the work-from-home experience. Balancing the demands of both worlds requires innovative approaches to keep pets content and parents productive.

Pet perks as employee benefits

In the post-pandemic era, companies are finding it challenging to lure their workforce back, recognizing that traditional perks such as free gym memberships, gourmet lunches, half-days off, monthly chair massages, and occasional taco trucks are no longer sufficient to attract and retain top talent. As the landscape of employee expectations evolves, businesses are exploring innovative benefits, including pet-related perks, to create a more appealing and accommodating work environment.

Holistic health approaches to pet care

The trend of embracing holistic health approaches in the pet care space is set to deepen, with a growing emphasis on expert formulations. Medical concerns shared by both humans and animals, such as brain health, gut health, anxiety, and depression, are increasingly being addressed through complementary and holistic methods, marking a shift toward a more comprehensive and integrated approach to pet well-being. This holistic perspective recognizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of health, promoting overall wellness for our beloved animal companions.

Companies like bSerene are creating calming solutions. There are also probiotic grooming products to take care of our pet’s skins. Skout’s Honor Pet Supply Co. is a leader in this space of caring as much about what we put on our pet’s bodies as well as what we put in it. Pets are even getting a water upgrade. OxyPet offers oxygenated water, which has been shown to amp up the immune system and support breathing bones & joints, digestion.

Holistic health will continue to boom. We’ll probably even see services like reiki healing, dog massage, and aura photography for pets to become more popular.

Pet parenting is looking a lot like human kid parenting – and so are products

Goods that resemble products for humans are trending. Doggy diaper bags, clothes and costumes, wearable pet carriers, strollers and mommy-and-me clothing are gaining immense popularity as pet owners increasingly seek to extend the joys of personal style and companionship to their furry friends. The trend encompasses a wide range of products, from doggy diaper bags and fashionable pet apparel to adorable costumes, wearable pet carriers, stylish pet strollers, and even matching "mommy-and-me" clothing sets. This growing market not only reflects the deepening bond between pet parents and their animals but also underscores the desire to integrate pets seamlessly into various aspects of daily life, all while adding a touch of fun and flair to the pet ownership experience.

Some hot products in this space include Juno’s doggy diaper bags (named Pack Product of the Year), Zoo Snoods’ dog head covers (named Clothing Product of the Year) and BooDog Lifestyles for the mommy-and-me accessories like matching human and dog scarves.

There you have it – my guide to what we can expect in the world of pets in 2024 and beyond! Personally, I'm most excited about the trend towards sustainable practices for pets and their humans. Witnessing the pet industry embrace eco-friendly and ethical approaches not only reflects a positive shift in consumer values but also demonstrates a shared commitment to the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. One thing is for sure. Humans are continuously finding ways to strengthen the human-pet relationship, blurring the lines between traditional pet ownership and a more integrated, mutually enriching companionship. As these trends unfold, it's heartening to see the evolving narrative of how we care for and connect with our beloved animal companions.