Pet Care in Vietnam

Pet care continues to register strong growth as view of pets evolves

The role that dogs and cats play in Vietnamese society has changed dramatically in recent years and although many people still regard feline and canine domestic animals solely as rodent control or guard animals, a new generation of consumers is emerging who regard pet cats and dogs primarily as companion animals. Among the affluent denizens of major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang, keeping pedigree cats and dogs is a sign of economic and social status and small breed dogs, in particular, have emerged as fashion items for many affluent young people.

Passing of laws regulating the breeding of pets also a sign of changing attitudes

Although attitudes towards dogs and cats were previously quite negative among the population of Vietnam, as the country’s society continues to evolve, more modern attitudes towards keeping canine and feline pets are emerging. However, it should be noted that keepings dogs and cats as pets is viewed far more favourably among younger generations of consumers than among older people, many of whom still regard these animals as inherently unclean and untameable beasts that are unsuitable for human companionship.

Mars Inc remains strong leader in pet care through widespread distribution and price promotions

Although overall sales in pet care are generally quite fragmented, Mars Inc was able to maintain its unassailable opposition at the top of the leader board in 2018. The company maintains very strong positions in both dog food and cat food with the Pedigree and Whiskas brands respectively.

Pet shops remains dominant as pet owners prefer to shop local

Vietnam’s retailing industry is still somewhat underdeveloped, with small independent retailers still able to compete strongly on the basis of proximity, familiarity, personal service and tradition. This also applies to the retailing of pet care products, with pet shops the dominant distribution channel in all categories in 2019.

Further positive growth slated for pet care over the forecast period

With attitudes towards the keeping of dogs and cats as pets set to continue improving over the forecast period, the country’s pet population is likely to see further growth, underpinning an expansion in demand in all pet care categories. Furthermore, as disposable incomes are rising and living standards improving, especially for the urban middle class that forms the core of the country’s pet-owning population, higher spending on pet care is also likely to be seen.

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