With more time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, dog ownership in the Netherlands has surged steadily. Today, 1 in 5 households owns a dog, increasing the canine population from 1.7 million in 2019 to 1.9 million in 2020 (Dibevo, 2021). Dutch pet parents pull out all the stops for their four-legged family members, according to a study by natural pet food brand Edgard & Cooper. Nearly half treat their dogs like children, a quarter allow them to sleep in the owners' or family members' beds, and about 15% even join them in the shower or bath. Women under 30 stand out, often buying clothes for their pups, while almost half plan to vacation with their dogs once travel restrictions ease.
Cheering Up the Family
Virtually all Dutch dog owners regard their pets as full-fledged family members. Half greet their dog first upon returning home, before other housemates. Over 80% say their dog lifts their spirits when they're feeling down. While this deep bond is heartwarming, it's worth remembering the significant responsibilities of dog care, even beyond the pandemic.
Dogs Boost Daily Activity
The study highlights that more than 80% of owners walk their dogs for an hour or more daily. This benefits both pet and owner: CBS data (2020) shows nearly half of Dutch adults fall short of Health Council exercise guidelines. A dog can help many reach the popular 10,000-step goal.
Premium Treats and Nutrition Owners take pet nutrition seriously. Seven in ten thoroughly researched the best dog food before choosing. Nearly 80% prioritize ingredients and composition over price, sticking loyally to their selected brand. Dogs often dine alongside the family, enjoying snacks or dinner leftovers. For extra pampering, treats like bones, steak, or bananas (sometimes with peanut butter) are common.
Dogs Dominate Social Media
1 in 3 Dutch people have more photos of their dog than of relatives or friends on their devices (tablet/computer/phone).
Over 30% of owners feature their dog in their profile picture.
A striking 10% of dogs even have their own social media accounts.
