Almost half of households in Germany have a pet

It is said that having a pet is the best friend a person can have, and residents in Germany must agree. Almost every second home in the federal republic has an animal within its walls, according to a survey. But which types of pets are the most popular?

More than 33 million pets in Germany

Birds, hamsters, chickens, dogs and cats - Germany is teeming with pets. Indeed, there are 33,4 million animals to be found in households across the federal republic. 

Based on a survey by market research firm Skopos for the German Pet Supplies Industry Association (IVH) and the Central Association of the Pet Industry (ZZF), 43 percent of German households had at least one pet in 2025. 

Families with children, in particular, have a love for animals with 67 percent housing an animal companion, compared to 28 percent of single people. “These figures confirm the important role of pets as family members and social companions," said ZZF president Norbert Holthenrich in a press release.

Germany’s favourite animals to have as pets

Through it all, cats are the paw-over-foot favourite pet to have in Germany, with 15,7 million felines considered part of a family. Dogs follow close behind in second place with 10 million pooches in the country.

Next up are small animals (4,4 million), such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and mice, followed by birds (3,3 million) and fish (2,1 million). A few households also have farm animals such as chickens or quail.