The UK pet market has reached a “decisive turning point” with demand returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report by the UK’s largest pet rehoming platform Pets4Homes.
The company analysed the data of more than eight million pets rehomed through the platform from January 2019 until December 2025 for the 10th iteration of its UK Pet Industry Report and found evidence of an upturn in demand for new puppies.
Head of Breeder Relations Mike White said: “The UK pet market reached a decisive turning point in 2025. For four consecutive years, demand had been subdued, alongside declining breeding activity and falling prices. Yet in 2025, demand returned to levels exceeding pre-pandemic norms.
“Puppy adverts averaged 200 weekly views, up 43% year-on-year. Pets are finding homes faster, with listings typically live for around 20 days, down from 40 days in 2023.”
This rebound in demand has coincided with a reshaping of breed preferences, White continued.
“For the first time in a decade, the French Bulldog is no longer the UK’s most commonly advertised puppy, having been overtaken by the Miniature Dachshund, which has risen sharply from 16th place in 2018. The Cocker Spaniel now ranks second, while the French Bulldog has dropped to third amid growing awareness of health concerns associated with brachycephalic breeds.
“Pedigree breeds now represent 65% of puppies sold, down from 82% a decade ago, while crossbreeds account for 35% of the market, up from 18% in 2014. The Goldendoodle is now the most in-demand dog.”
Rising demand through 2025 was accompanied by an increase in prices. Although prices remain more than 50% below their 2021 peak, 2025 marked the first year-on-year rise after four years of decline, with the average puppy price reaching £989 in December 2025, up 19% on the year before, White noted.
Alongside dogs, the cat market has also strengthened, with the number of kittens advertised growing 8% in 2025 and the average price of a kitten reaching £541 in December 2025, up 8% year-on-year.
