The Australian pet industry, is valued at around AUD 13 billion and is dominated by some large pet retail chains are Petbarn, PETstock, and PetO, with each majorly owned by notable players and each playing a significant role in a growing market. Petbarn, part of Greencross, is owned by TPG Capital and offers a wide range of pet products and services across Australia. Woolworths recently acquired a 55% stake of PETstock, while PetO, a family-owned brand primarily based in New South Wales, expanded substantially after acquiring several PETstock and other pet retail locations as part of Woolworths’ divestiture required by the ACCC.
Bunnings (part of the Westfarmers Group which still retains a 15% share of Coles) is primarily known as a hardware and home improvement retailer, though they have moved into the pet market in Australia by creating a pet care category which includes approximately 1,000 products, featuring a range of items from bedding to pet food.
In addition to these big players the number of independent pet stores is estimated to be around 3,000, playing a significant role in the overall pet retail landscape. These stores cater to local communities, offering personalized service and expertise in pet care.
Independent pet stores in Australia often source their products from a variety of suppliers. Many of these stores may be part of cooperative groups such as IndePet, which supports over 40 independent retailers across Australia and New Zealand. These cooperatives allow independent stores to pool resources, access a wider range of products, and leverage better purchasing power while maintaining their local character.
The fastest-growing pet sectors currently focus on premium nutrition, health supplements, and wellness products. In Australia and globally, natural and high-quality pet foods are in high demand, with owners seeking products free from artificial additives. This trend mirrors a broader “humanization” of pet care, where owners increasingly select premium items similar to human wellness products. Functional treats, including those supporting joint health or digestion, and supplements like collagen and probiotics are becoming popular.
Additionally, pet accessories that emphasize safety and convenience, such as GPS collars, are seeing rapid growth, while interactive toys and calming products, like lick mats, are also gaining traction as pet owners look to improve their pets’ mental well-being.
In both the U.S. and U.K., pet health and nutrition items are expanding quickly as part of an overall push towards high-quality care products for pets.
Although growth rates in these categories is strong it does vary slightly due to consumer behaviour and economic factors, with overall growth projected to slow slightly over the next few years.
Australia aligns with these global trends, showing robust interest in premium and health-focused products across pet care categories meaning there are significant opportunities for quality Overseas brands to be launched in the Australian market.