Deepening connection

“Despite the growing popularity of e-commerce across industries, fish and reptile owners demonstrate dedication to in-store shopping,” said Peter Scott, President and CEO of American Pet Products Association (APPA), following the release of the „2024 Fish and Reptile Report: Strategic Insights from the National Pet Owners Survey,” the APPA’s third pet owner insights report of the year. “We are eager to see that the data continues to reveal evolving trends on the growing emotional connection between people and their pets and the increased prioritisation of health and wellness.”

The report provides nearly 200 pages of comprehensive analysis and visuals on owner shopping trends, sentiment, demographics and behaviours with dedicated modules on fish and reptile ownership. The data of the report include four key findings: In-store shopping is preferred among fish and reptile owners for pet and product purchases. Secondly, trends demonstrate a deepening connection between owners and their pets. Thirdly, pet health and wellness are a growing priority for fish and reptile owners, demonstrated by an increasing number of owners purchasing medications, vitamins and supplements. And fourthly, fish and reptile owners are invested pet owners who actively obtain new and/or replace pets when their pets pass away.

In detail: Regarding instore-shopping most fish and reptile owners obtain pets at fish or pet superstores. Among fish owners, 65 per cent learn about the availability of fish from retailers, up from 59 per cent in 2018. Fish stores are the top location for obtaining fish, with 37 per cent purchasing there, a 32 per cent increase from 2018. Relatively far behind are word of mouth with 30 per cent, the internet with 25 per cent and social media with 19 per cent.

51 per cent of saltwater fish owners and 63 per cent of freshwater fish owners purchase food in person, up from 46 per cent and 60 per cent in 2018, respectively. Among saltwater fish owners, 35 per cent purchase medication and 48 per cent purchase additives and supplements in person. Among freshwater fish owners, 52 per cent buy medication and 51 per cent buy additives/supplements in person.

Product purchases at fish stores, including medications, supplements and water conditioners, have grown significantly among pet owners: 31 per cent purchase medications from fish stores, a 24 per cent increase from 2018. 38 per cent purchase supplements, and 37 per cent purchase water conditioners, an…