Photo: Unsplash (free licence).
Quick answer: according to the 3rd Petparents Barometer in Spain, produced by the industry association Aedpac, average annual spending is €1,956 per dog and €1,728 per cat, with 39% going on food. Almost eight in ten owners buy their pet a Christmas present, spending around €27 on average. Useful figures for planning your Black Friday and Christmas shopping.
The barometer was presented in April 2026 at the Iberzoo+Propet trade fair, but its findings are particularly relevant now, on the eve of the end-of-year shopping season. Here is what it says about how we live with our pets and how much we invest in them.
What the 2026 Petparents Barometer shows
The study is based on 713 online interviews carried out between late January and early February 2026, covering a total of 879 animals. Some of its findings:
- 53% of Spanish households live with pets.
- 82.6% of dog owners and 80.3% of cat owners consider them members of the family.
- The vet is the main influence on purchases (56.8%).
- Six in ten owners would not switch to cheaper alternatives, even to save money.
- More than half of dogs eat only dry food, while mixed feeding (dry and wet) is close to 60% among cats.
A sector that keeps growing
Other recent reports point the same way. The EAE Business School report cited by Xataka in June 2026 estimates that the pet economy in Spain is worth €5,770 million a year, growing by 8.3%, with around 12,300 companies and 75,000 direct jobs.
How to plan your Black Friday and Christmas shopping
If almost eight in ten families are going to buy their dog or cat a present, it pays to shop wisely:
- Prioritise what will actually be used: enrichment toys, a new bed or their usual food in a value pack.
- Compare the price per kilo or per unit before being swayed by a discount.
- Choose safe toys in the right size, and supervise the first few play sessions.
- Do not switch food suddenly just to take advantage of an offer: change gradually.
ZONLIDOOG Box monthlyView product
Large snuffle matView product
LED light-up ball 7.5 cmView product
Dreameazzzy round bedView product
See more dog toys, value packs and seasonal offers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dog cost per year in Spain?
According to the Aedpac barometer, average reported spending is €1,956 a year for a dog and €1,728 for a cat. Each case varies with the animal’s size, age and health.
Where does most of the money go?
Food is the largest item, at 39% of the total. The rest is spread across other items, such as vet care, accessories or services.
What is the most useful Christmas present for a dog?
Enrichment toys, such as snuffle mats or fillable toys, and a good bed tend to get the most use. Always choose the right size.
Keep reading
- Christmas presents for dogs: ideas by budget (2026)
- Seasonal pet shopping: decide with a handy list
- Dry food price per kilo: how to work it out and save