"The study shows that estimated annual sales in the last five years have risen by 1.6 bn euros," explained Prof. Ohr. Of the total of 10.7 bn euros, dog owning accounts for around 5.6 bn euros and cat owning for 3.9 bn euros. Together with the sales generated by other types of pet such as cage birds, hamsters, guinea pigs or fish, pet owning in Germany is responsible for the creation of roughly 210 000 full-time jobs.
Over half of the total annual sales comprise expenditure on pet requisites (5.7 bn euros), thus on food and accessories. Owners invest over 3 bn euros in the health of their pets, including in alternative medicine and insurance.