The WIN Worldviews survey conducted for World Animal Day 2026 showed that 56% of residents of 45 countries and territories have at least one pet at home. The study covered 45 thousand respondents and confirmed that dogs and cats remain the unconditional leaders — they are kept by 32% and 28% of those surveyed, respectively.
Among other animals, birds (5%), fish (4%), turtles and rodents (1% each) are noticeably less common. At the same time, 73% of owners limit themselves to one species of pet, while 27% keep animals of several species. The highest level of pet ownership was recorded in the age group of 25–44 years (59%), whereas among people over 65 years the figure drops to 43%.
Marital status strongly influences the decision to get an animal. Among single parents with children, 64% have pets, among couples with children — 60%, and among those living alone — only 43%. Geographic differences are also significant: the highest figures are in Mexico (71%), Ecuador (70%), Argentina and Paraguay (69% each), the lowest — in Vietnam (20%), South Korea (25%) and Japan (28%).
The methodology of the WIN Worldviews survey makes it possible to compare data across countries and demographic groups, identifying not only overall prevalence but also the social factors that determine the choice in favour of a pet. The results show that animals have already become firmly embedded in the daily life of most families, especially where there are children.
For manufacturers of pet food, veterinary services and pet products, these figures mean sustained global demand that will grow along with urbanisation and changes in the structure of households. In countries with low pet ownership rates, new markets are opening up, while in the leading regions competition for owners' attention is intensifying.
Thus, pets have ceased to be a rarity and have become part of everyday life for more than half of the planet's population.
