The 3 most common pets in the UK are consistently dogs, cats, and then either indoor fish or rabbits, depending on the specific survey and year, with dogs and cats firmly in the top two spots by both household ownership and total population, followed closely by fish or rabbits in third place, reflecting strong national affection for these companions.
Dogs. Dogs reign supreme as the most beloved companions in British households. With a whopping population of 12 million, these loyal pooches occupy a special place in our hearts. Approximately 31% of British households proudly call themselves dog parents.
Dogs sit at the top of the chain, with a population of 12 million, with 31% of British households having at least one pooch. Compared to the previous year, there are 1 million fewer dogs. Cat populations also dropped to 11 million from 12 million in 2022, according to the latest data from UK Pet Food.
The most popular pets in the U.S. are:
You'd be forgiven for thinking the rat or fox might be the most common wild species, but the field vole (Microtus agrestis) holds the title of the UK's most abundant wild animal – and most common mammal, with an estimated 75 million spread across grasslands, heathlands, moorlands, and even gardens.
England's national animal is the lion, but what about the other UK nations?
In almost every area of the country we found that dog ownership far outpaced cat ownership. In some areas, such as Northern Ireland and the North East, this margin was as high as 40% where dog ownership rests at 78% and 75%, respectively. It seems the further north you go, the more popular our canines become.
WHAT IS THE FRIENDLIEST ANIMAL IN THE WORLD? Determining the friendliest animal is subjective and depends on individual experiences. However, some contenders for the title include dolphins, manatees, and capybaras. These animals are known for their gentle nature and positive interactions with humans.
1. Dogs: The Ever-Loyal Companions. Dogs continue to reign as the number one pet in households worldwide.
Birds, Reptiles, and Fish
Smaller bird species, such as parakeets or finches, are typically quieter and easier to house than larger parrots. They appreciate daily interaction and a clean, roomy cage. Reptiles like turtles, snakes, or geckos thrive in temperature-controlled environments.
Despite being the third most popular pet in the UK, rabbits are among the most abused and neglected. Too many spend miserable lives confined to a hutch, alone and with little or no space to exercise. And around 67,000 rabbits a year end up in rescue centres.
The Queen was very fond of corgis since she was a small child, having fallen in love with the corgis owned by the children of the Marquess of Bath.
The most popular dog breeds in the UK
The Scottish Crossbill (eBird) is a bird that occurs only in the United Kingdom. The Orkney Vole (ARKive WM), the Skomer Vole (BBC), and the Saint Kilda Field Mouse (Wikipedia) are endemic mammal subspecies.
Corgi. Perhaps one of the most British dog breeds of all time, the Corgi is world renowned for being the Queen's favoured canine companion. Yet, despite their royal reputation and small size, they were actually originally bred to herd cattle, sheep and even horses!
Dogs Are the Most Popular Pet in the UK, Owned by 39% of Households. According to a post written by the UK pet food association PFMA, dogs are the most popular pets across the United Kingdom. There are approximately 10 million homes that have at least one dog.
Here's an inside look at the latest pet stats compiled by the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
The most popular pet in Australia is the dog, found in nearly half of Australian households (around 49%), followed by cats, with about 34% of households owning them, making dogs the clear favourite, although fish and birds are also very common. These figures come from recent surveys, showing a strong and consistent preference for dogs as companions across the nation.
Fish. Our small finned friends are number three on the list, with10.5 million fish owners living in the United States. One of the best pets for kids, fish are great for teaching responsibility without requiring much care.
The Amur leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the world, with only around 100 individuals left in the wild.
Dogs are famously known as “man's best friend” for a good reason. Their loyalty, affection and eagerness to please have made them beloved companions worldwide. Dogs form strong emotional bonds with humans, offering comfort, protection and unconditional love.
Water Buffalo have a gentle nature, often seen in their interactions with humans, belying the immense strength and resilience they possess.
The 3-3-3 rule is a roadmap for the first three days, three weeks, and three months after pet adoption. It emphasizes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help pets acclimate to their new environment.
Findings from a study in the United Kingdom indicate that almost 75% of dogs in Britain exhibit signs of depression or anxiety, with 18% displaying symptoms on a weekly basis. Surprisingly, the study highlights that only 36% of owners are able to recognize these signals.
A Guide to the UK's Most Popular Pets