The Rise of Pet Humanization and What It Means for Product Design in 2025
Pets are no longer just animals, they are part of the family. The cultural shift happened several years ago and continue...
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Pets are no longer just animals, they are part of the family. The cultural shift happened several years ago and continues to reshape industries far beyond pet food and pet toys. Nowadays, pet owners want products that reflect the same care, quality, and personalization they expect for themselves. It challenges businesses to rethink how they design products for four-legged customers. The trend is not something that will go away soon. Instead, it is the new standard in product development, branding, and innovation.
Think about it for a second. Nowadays, we see dogs in strollers, cats wearing designer sweaters, and puppies with their own birthday cake. Those are all products of the pet humanization trend. Adjusting to the new shift is not optional, it is essential for companies involved in pet product design and innovation.
Understanding the Better-For-You Trend That Will Shape the Future
The shift began several years ago as owners moved from having animals as property to animals as truly a part of the household and family. People are much more inclined to go to greater lengths to keep their dogs happy and healthy.
Similar to how products in the human food sector emphasize health benefits, there is a need for the same approach in the pet products industry. In the new landscape, pet owners view their furry friends as family.
This growing trend—often driven by younger generations—reflects a broader movement toward the humanization of pets. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge, forming more pet-owning households, often with multiple animals. Many delay traditional life milestones, such as having children, and instead invest heavily in their pets. As a result, the market for premium pet products is thriving.
How Pet Humanization Impacts Design
When we talk about premium products in the pet industry, we are not talking just about food and toys. Every aspect of the pet industry is booming. Activity centers and gymnasiums for pets are becoming more and more popular. Owners want to enrich their pets’ lives. With that in mind, here are some ways that the pet humanization trend impacts design.
New Ways for Communication with Pets
Pet humanization has changed the way we communicate with pets. For example, talking floor buttons, designed to help pets express their desires. Dogs can press them with their paw, and the buttons play pre-recorded messages. Owners like to think that their pets can speak. And that is just a fraction of the new design innovations in the pet toy market.
New Design Schemes
The rise of pet humanization has changed the way companies design products. They have to think not just about function, but also form, safety, and emotional appeal. In terms of functionality, there is an increased demand for ergonomic designs that cater to pet anatomy and behavior.
Many years ago, we saw the rise of ergonomic beds and pillows in the human furniture sector. Now, it translates to the pet world as well. Think orthopedic beds, harnesses designed to reduce joint strain, and more. In the pet toys market, companies have started using comfort-focused, skin-safe, and durable textiles. Customers no longer want cheap materials. They want materials used in human apparel and furnishing for their pets.
Aesthetics are More Important
On the aesthetic front, we see products that resemble human counterparts. For example, sleek packaging, minimalist logos, seasonal color palettes, and personalized options. That is the new standard for pet products. Consumers nowadays buy something and think about how it fits their lifestyle and identity.
Higher Safety Bar
In the last few years, the bar for safety and compliance has risen sharply. Pet products in every sector have to meet standards once reserved for human use. And it ranges from grooming sprays to chew toys. Consumers want toys that comply with non-toxic certifications, hypoallergenic claims, and rigorous third-party testing.
Nowadays, pets occupy a role that is closer to that of a child than a companion animal. Brands have to adopt a design mindset that treats pets as sensitive members of the household.
Smart Toys
As pet owners continue to demand premium and high-quality products for their furry friends, the rise of the smart pet toys market continues. According to some estimates, that market will reach $830 million by 2030.
Technology has taken over in the last few years, and the pet market is no stranger to it. Integration of technology for interactive play and monitoring will be a key factor for growth in the pet market.
Interactive Toys
As the bond between humans and pets deepens, owners prioritize toys that reflect their pets’ needs. They want innovative and safe products that promote well-being, while also providing hours of entertainment.
As a result, we see a rise in the multifunctional toys market. Many years ago, a simple tennis toy was more than enough to play with your pet. Nowadays, owners want products that combine play, feeding, and cognitive stimulation.
Customization
Some would say this is the most important part of the pet humanization trend. Companies can personalize toys according to different categories. For example, they can tailor toys to specific breeds. Or pet preferences. In the chew toys market, we see different toys for small, medium, and large breeds. We also have different designs that fit the chewing style. Not all dogs have the same chewing power, so owners want something that is suitable for their pet.
Final Words
So, what does the pet humanization mean for the future? We live in an era of evolution. Pets are truly becoming man’s best friend. The pandemic had a huge impact on the way owners view their pets. Office workers were home with their pets. As they returned to the office, they experienced a heightened connection to their companions. The result is that they shifted their mind into making sure pets are as happy and as comfortable as possible.
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