Calling all pet parents!

Are you a dog person or a cat person? Although it’s an easy question for some, others find it impossible to pick just one. Maybe you just prefer birds…or fish…or lizards…

April 11 is National Pet Day in Canada, so whether they bark, meow, swim or fly, be sure to give your pet some extra love and attention on this day.

In celebration of all the household animals we love, we’ve rounded up some numbers about pet care in Canada.

In December 2023, there were 6,319 businesses across Canada in the veterinary services industry, including  animal hospitals and clinics, surgery services, testing labs, as well as livestock veterinary services.

There were 5,900 businesses nationwide in the pet care industry, whose services included animal shelters, pet sitting, grooming, training and dog walking. There were also 3,549 pet and pet supplies stores across the country. Prices for pet food and supplies were up 2.1% in January 2024 on a year-over-year basis. 

Although booking appointments with the vet or groomer can become a pet-peeve, keeping our pets healthy is an important part of being a pet parent. Luckily, it may be a little less of a hassle to get that appointment booked, as the number of workers has increased across most pet-related industries.

There were 640 job vacancies for veterinarians in the fourth quarter of 2023, down by roughly one-third (-32.6%) from the same quarter in 2022.

Numbers followed a similar trend for animal health technologists and veterinary technicians, with vacancies of 585 in the fourth quarter of 2023, down 47.8% from the same quarter the previous year.

With spring right around the corner, your pet might need a little hair cut to help shed that winter coat. It may be a little trickier to get an appointment at the local groomer as job vacancies for pet groomers and animal care workers increased by 7.0% over the same period.

Spring also means leaving our own winter coats behind and getting outdoors. If you are a dog owner, taking your dog out for a walk will not only get their tail wagging, but it will also get your legs moving—an easy way to get your daily exercise in, while also enjoying some fresh air. In 2021, 91% of Canadian households had a park or greenspace close to home, and more than three-quarters (77%) of Canadian households reported going for walks close to home—walking was by far the most popular outdoor activity.

From dogs and cats to reptiles and birds, the loyal companionship of our pets brings joy and love into our lives every day, making the vet visits and food expenses all worth it.