Nearly 7.5 million dogs live in South Africa, and new data indicates that dog ownership is becoming more common as the population ages and among wealthier households. The overall pet economy in the country is estimated at 8–10 billion rand annually, with over 20 million pets in the country.
According to the 2025 Household Survey by Statistics South Africa, 21% of households own dogs, which accounts for approximately 7.48 million dogs nationwide. The agency notes that dogs are ubiquitous: from friendly greeting family pets to farm dogs that are the first to notice visitors.
Most dog owners keep small packs; more than half have only one dog, and just over a quarter have two. Households with five or more dogs are relatively rare.
However, the love for dogs in South Africa varies greatly depending on the place of residence. The Northern Cape leads in dog ownership, where over a third of households have pets, followed by the Western Cape and Eastern Cape. In Limpopo, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga, dogs are significantly less common, with less than one in every six households owning a pet.
Rural households also tend to own dogs more often than urban ones, but since most South Africans live in cities, nearly two-thirds of dog-owning households are in urban areas, with about three million of the 7.48 million dogs living in metropolitan areas.
Older Pet Owners
Only 11% of households headed by people aged 15 to 34 years old own dogs. By the time the head of the household reaches 75 years or older, this figure rises to almost a third—nearly three times higher than among the youngest group. A similar trend is observed with cats, whose share has increased from 2.9% to 10.2% in these age groups.
Children also influence this statistic. Less than one in five households without children has a dog, compared to about a quarter of households with three or more children. As stated by Statistics South Africa, larger families are more likely to include furry members, whether it's children asking for 'at least one puppy' or families enjoying the company of pets.
Financial status also plays a role. Approximately one-third of households in the wealthiest quintile own dogs, while only 13% in the poorest do, making wealthy households more than twice as likely to own pets. More than four out of ten households in the highest income brackets own dogs, which is roughly double the national average.
Another common trait among dog owners is homeownership. More than eight out of ten dog-owning households live in detached houses, and dog ownership is most prevalent among homeowners.
Billion Rand Market
These millions of dogs represent a significant consumer market. Dion Chang, a trends analyst and founder of Flux Trends, noted that with over 20 million pets in South Africa, the local pet industry is valued at 8–10 billion rand per year, placing the country fourth globally in pet friendliness.
Major South African retailers are actively competing for these expenditures. Chang points to Woolworths' acquisition of Absolute Pets in 2024, the Pick n Pay pet club, and the launch of autonomous Petshop Science stores alongside new Checkers locations.
Spar has also entered this market with Pet Storey, which plans to reach 100 stores by the end of 2026, according to Chang in an article published on mba.co.za. Globally, these expenditures can amount to huge sums; Chang cites Louis Vuitton's Bone Trunk—a portable feeder containing two bowls built into a tray—which costs around 330,000 rand.
Pets
Chang believes that South Africa is following a broader global trend where pets are increasingly viewed as family members, stimulating spending on everything from daily necessities to luxury items and services. He added that demographic changes, including an aging population and changing perceptions of what constitutes a family, contribute to the growth of the global pet economy.
International Dog Day is more than just a celebration of beloved pets. Statistics South Africa emphasizes that this day draws attention to animal adoption, responsible ownership, and the outstanding contribution of dogs to society, assisting people with disabilities, supporting police and military units, and helping search and rescue teams save lives.
The agency also added: 'While every pet owner may insist their pet is the best and smartest, the data clearly shows one thing: when South Africans choose a pet, they much more often choose a dog.'