A new global survey is shining a light on how #petowners around the world shop for toys—and the differences in spending, habits, and even pet preferences are pretty eye-opening. From big spenders in North America to more budget-focused buyers elsewhere, here’s a breakdown of what we learned.
Who’s Spending the Most (and the Least) on Pet Toys
When it comes to dropping cash on pet playthings, American #petparents take the top spot. Last year, 28% of them spent $100 (€85.05) or more on toys, and already in 2025, 1 in 5 have shelled out that same amount.
Canadians aren’t far behind: 23% spent $100 or more on #pettoys in 2024, and 1 in 8 say they’ve hit that number already this year.
On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest spenders are in Brazil. Nearly half (48%) spent less than $25 (€21.27) on pet toys last year, and that share has ticked up to 50% so far in 2025. They’re followed by the UK (44% spent under $25 in 2024, jumping to 51% this year) and Mexico (36% in 2024, now 45% in 2025).
Pet Toy Buying Habits: How Often Do Owners Shop?
Some spending patterns stand out, too. For example, over 1 in 5 Brazilian pet owners didn’t buy any pet toys at all in 2024—and even though Americans spend the most overall, nearly 18% said they never bought pet toys last year either.
When it comes to how often owners pick up new toys, 2024 averages varied a lot:
- Pet owners in Brazil, France, and Mexico bought toys 2 to 3 times a year.
- Canadians and Americans stocked up more than 6 times (they really love spoiling their pets!).
- In the UK, most owners fall into two camps: either they buy toys 2 to 3 times a year, or more than 6 times.
Ask them about the next 12 months, and most pet owners across all countries say they’ll buy roughly the same amount. But there are exceptions: 18% of French pet owners plan to buy less often, while 24% of Brazilians want to pick up more toys for their furry friends.
What Toys Do Pets Actually Love? Country-by-Country Preferences
Every region has its go-to toys—and pets (and their owners) have clear favorites:
- Brazil: 75% of dog owners reach for chew toys (perfect for keeping pups busy), while 77% of cat owners can’t skip scratcher toys (goodbye, scratched couches!).
- Canada: 74% of dog owners favor squeaky toys (that classic “squeak” is hard to resist), and 64% of cat owners lean into catnip toys (no surprise—cats go crazy for it).
- France: Balls are the crowd-pleaser for both dogs and cats. 63% of dog owners and 62% of cat owners choose them first—simple, but always fun.
- Mexico: 90% of dog owners love chew toys, and 81% of cat owners opt for teaser wands (great for interactive play).
- UK: Cat owners split their love between catnip toys and teaser wands (64% for both), while 63% of dog owners go for balls.
- US: 80% of dog owners pick squeaky toys, and 68% of cat owners reach for teaser wands—interactive toys win big here.
What Matters Most: Durability and Safety
One thing all pet owners agree on? Durability counts. Faster wear and tear is the most common reason people replace their pets’ toys—no one wants to buy a new toy every week just because it falls apart.
Beyond that, why do owners swap out toys?
- In Brazil, Canada, France, the US, and the UK, many do it just to try something new (pets get bored, too!).
- In Canada and Mexico, it’s more about their pets losing interest: if the pup or cat walks away from a toy, it’s time for a change.
Safety plays a big role, too—some owners avoid specific toys altogether to keep their pets safe:
- Dog owners: 60% in Brazil steer clear of marrow bones; 63% in Canada avoid rawhide bones; 53% in France skip stuffed plushies. The UK has the highest share of dog owners avoiding rawhide bones (69%), followed by the US (65%) and Mexico (45%).
- Cat owners: A third of Brazilians and French avoid laser toys (worried about eye safety), as do 38% of Mexicans. Meanwhile, 48% of US cat owners stay away from string toys (risk of ingestion), compared to 31% in Canada and 21% in the UK.
At the end of the day, these trends show that no matter where you live, pet owners want the same thing: toys that keep their pets happy, safe, and entertained. Whether you’re spending $100+ a year or under $25, the goal is simple—making playtime special for your furry friend.
Source: GlobalPETS