7 Pet Trends That Animals Experts Say Are Taking Over 2025

dog on bed — Credit:
miodrag ignjatovic / Getty Images

Modern pet parents are stepping it up when it comes to their pets' overall wellness—and the pet industry is responding. Along with shifting consumer preferences and advances in technology, a deeper understanding of pet behavior and development is innovating our entire approach to pet care. Enter human-grade food, smart gadgets to monitor health and minimize vet visits, and new ways to comfortably take our furry companions on the go.

To stay on the cutting edge, we consulted our top pet experts for some of the hottest emerging pet trends of 2025.

Petrina Firth, CSAT, CAPBT, APDT, CAB, professional pet behaviorist and CEO and founder of The Pet Coach
Mark Van Wye, CEO of Zoom Room Dog Training
Aziza Glass ("Dr. Aziza"), DVM, CVA, expert veterinarian at Freshpet and owner of CAWLM Veterinary Hospital + Spa

01 of 07

Prioritizing Mental Enrichment

American Eskimo Dog playing a training puzzle game — Credit: Lenti Hill / Getty Images

In order to keep pets at the peak of their game, mental stimulation is key. “Mental enrichment is the new exercise,” declares Mark Van Wye, CEO of Zoom Room Dog Training. “Modern pet parents understand that a well-exercised brain is just as vital as a well-exercised body,” He recommends puzzle toys, scent work, and structured activities like agility classes to help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Cat toys and cat structures are also gaining in popularity. Pet behaviorist Petrina Firth warns that a sedentary life for felines, "where they do not get many chances to act on their natural instinct," can lead to behavioral problems. She recommends catios, which allow safe access to an outside area, for increased mental stimulation and to help fulfill a cat’s biological needs.

02 of 07

More Pet-Friendly Public Spaces

Cities and businesses are increasingly embracing a pet-inclusive future with more parks, workplaces, hotels, and retail spaces welcoming well-behaved and safely secured dogs and cats. “This cultural shift reflects a deeper change in how we live with our pets,” explains Van Wye. “They’re no longer just home companions, but integral parts of our daily lives.”

Firth believes we'll see more airline carriers offering pet-friendly flights throughout 2025—and some have already taken flight. Virgin Australia recently announced that they will have two pet-friendly rows for domestic flights, and there's even BARK Air, an air travel company specifically for dogs.

03 of 07

Concierge Medicine and Telehealth

Cat Sitting In Front Of Laptop — Credit:
Marcin Kilarski / EyeEm / Getty Images

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have retained a preference for the convenience of at-home services—and this extends to veterinary medicine. Mobile veterinary practices are on the rise, eliminating the need for travel and time wasted in the waiting room. “Clients tend to prefer these services if they have elderly pets, pets scared of car rides, or pets that are difficult to [physically] bring to the vet,” explains expert veterinarian Aziza Glass. “Pets that tend to have anxiety at the vet office are more comfortable in their home environment.”

Some states also offer telehealth vet appointments, allowing clients to save money and time on veterinary visits. “These visits are ideal for rechecks, quick questions, and consultations,” says Glass, as they can help streamline appointments, boost time efficiency, and decrease stress on the pet.

04 of 07

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Pet Products

Modern pet owners are looking to minimize their environmental footprint by seeking out eco-friendly and sustainable options within the pet care industry. Thus, Van Wye predicts “a rise in biodegradable waste bags, plant-based pet food packaging, and upcycled materials in toys and bedding.”

In response to the eco-conscious consumer demand, more brands are launching sustainable product lines. “These products are often associated with non-toxic materials, thereby making them a much safer option for the pets to chew or come into close contact,” adds Glass.

05 of 07

Smart Pet Tech

woman sitting and looking at phone with dog — Credit: AleksandarNakic / Getty Images

From AI-powered cameras that detect anxious behavior in dogs to heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, and geo-tracking collar tags, pet tech is everywhere. “Technology is enhancing how pet owners monitor and understand their companions,” Van Wye explains. These devices can help a pet parent ensure that their animal is safe while avoiding any expensive vet visits—but it’s not just the gadgetry that’s exciting.

As a veterinarian, Glass gets excited when she witnesses the benefits of smart pet tech and how it increases owner participation. “The intersection of technology and pet care is a hot industry,” she says, citing portion control smart feeders and music devices preloaded with anxiety-reducing playlists as such recent innovations to pet care.

06 of 07

Pet Insurance

The increasing accessibility of pet insurance is a coup for pet parents who are often blindsided by the inordinate cost of veterinary care, especially when it comes to their older pets. Even 10 years ago, pet insurance was a rarity and harder to come by—but luckily, today, policies are much more common, easing some of the financial burden of devoted pet parents.

Because there are more companies offering these policies, pricing is also more competitive, notes Glass. “Pet insurance is a great way to offset the cost of veterinary medicine,” she says. “With the rise in costs for manufacturing, medications, labor, and more, pet parents are experiencing sticker shock at the vet clinic.” However, the current increase in the availability of pet insurance can offset these unexpected costs, making responsible pet ownership more viable in some cases.

07 of 07

Preventative Aging Care

woman holding her Boston Terrier dog at the veterinary clinic — Credit: Rido Franz / Getty Images

Preventative care is the norm as we age, but now it's also being prioritized in the pet health space. “As veterinary medicine advances, so do efforts to extend pets’ lifespans and improve their quality of life,” asserts Van Wye. Wellness remedies abound, with holistic pet care companies popping up everywhere. It’s as refreshing and heartening a phenomenon as the products they offer—from daily multivitamins (just like yours) to hormonal supplements, skincare, and probiotics.

“Supplements targeting cellular health, regenerative therapies, and tailored fitness programs for senior dogs are becoming more mainstream,” he notes.