The pet industry in Vietnam reported a 35 percent year-on-year rise in 2023 as dogs and cats have been increasingly valued, heard the Super Pet Fest held in Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday.

In the next five years, the industry is expected to maintain double-digit growth, Associate Professor Dr. Le Quang Thong, dean at the faculty of animal science and veterinary medicine of Nong Lam University and head of the Vietnam Small Animal Veterinary Association, said at the event.

Thong suggested firms which specialize in providing food, pet toys, and relevant pet services, and veterinarians should equip themselves with in-depth knowledge and improve the quality of their products and services for sustainable industry development.

“In the past, dogs and cats were raised to guard houses or catch mice, but the trend has changed. Many pet owners are seeing them as family members,” said Do Thi Mong Tho, deputy head of the association.

“Dogs and cats are regarded as companions and friends that help pet raisers reduce stress."

Pet owners are willing to splurge on high-end food, pet toys, and medical care to best treat their pets, according to Tho.

Agricultural Attaché Jane Luxner from the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, said that pets are gaining increasing value in both Vietnam and the States.

She drew attention to the immense potential for growth in Vietnam's pet food and care industry.  

The Super Pet Fest is part of the Pet Health Month program in Vietnam in October, featuring over 20 booths showcasing pet food, accessories, toys, and pet grooming tools.

The program, co-organized by the Vietnam Small Animal Veterinary Association and the American Feed Industry Association, runs until the end of October.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!