Booming Market for Animals as Taiwanese Choose Pets Over Children
By Fuhua Hung/Alex Chen/Howard Chang/Sandy Chi
Taiwan's pet market is booming with more people doting on their animal companions and spending more on their food, supplements, health care and other products and services in what has become a US$1.9 billion industry.
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More Taiwanese Couples Choose Pets Over Children Amid Changing Demographics
In the Hsiung family’s Taipei home, 6-year-old Pudding enjoys a life filled with endless scrubs, toys and snacks. To her owners, she is more than just a pet—she is their “doggy daughter.”
For Chen Yu-ting and her partner, Pudding has taken the place of a child. Initially open to having kids, the couple eventually realized that raising a dog suited them better. “Kids as they get older start to talk back to you, rebel and become uncontrollable,” said Chen. “But I think Pudding is pretty obedient, so I think raising a dog is easier to manage.”
Her partner, Hsiung Wei-chieh, echoed the sentiment. “I have never had a kid before, but it seems nice to keep a dog. You can love it, and it knows you love it. I think it is pretty much the same as having kids.”
They are not alone in their decision. Many young couples in Taiwan are choosing to raise pets instead of children, citing financial concerns and lifestyle preferences. “We prefer to not have kids and keep pets instead,” said one pet owner. “[Having a kid] is a lot of pressure for families where both parents work. And when you have kids, you will be busy looking after the child, so you and your partner may not be as close as before.”
This growing trend reflects Taiwan’s demographic shift, as birth rates decline and the population ages. Government data shows the number of registered pets in Taiwan surpassed the number of children under 15 in 2020. This statistic does not account for unregistered pets, meaning the actual number is likely higher.
As more families welcome pets instead of children, Taiwan’s pet industry has boomed. In 2023, the market reached over US$1.9 billion, with pet food accounting for nearly half of total sales. The country hosts more than 10 pet expos annually, providing opportunities for pet owners to pamper their furry companions.
“Our pets eat fresh food,” said one dog owner at an expo. “We cook it ourselves because we think pet food might require some supplements, but we prefer to use vegetables and so on.”
Cat owners also report high expenses for pet care. “They need health supplements,” one cat owner explained. “We feed them two meals a day, and it costs at least US$150 to $180 per month. Taking care of a cat means looking after its coat, gut health and immunity, so supplements are essential.”
Industry experts predict that as pets live longer, demand for specialized products and services will continue to rise. “I can see a few directions [for the market], including pet health care, pet wellness, and pet insurance,” said Ben Shen, a sales manager at a pet food company. “In recent years, products for younger dogs have not been selling as well, but products for older dogs are performing exceptionally well.”
For a growing number of families, prioritizing pet care over child-rearing is a lifestyle choice that reflects broader societal shifts. And as Taiwan’s pet industry grows, so does the commitment of owners to provide their pets with the best lives possible.
