HCM CITY — Việt Nam’s pet market is entering a period of rapid expansion, driven by rising pet ownership and shifting consumer attitudes, creating significant opportunities for businesses across the supply chain.

The trend was highlighted at the Petfair Vietnam Talk Series, titled Vietnam Pet Market 2026: Retail Transformation & Growth Opportunities, held in HCM City on April 22.

Diệp Ngọc Trúc, president of the Vietnam Small Animal Veterinary Association, said: “Việt Nam’s pet industry has recorded remarkable growth in recent years. Projections suggest the country could be home to around 16 million pets by 2027, while the pet food segment alone is expected to surpass US$220 million by 2029, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of roughly 9.4 per cent.”

More striking than the figures is the shift in consumer mindset. Pets are increasingly regarded not merely as animals but as cherished members of the family. This transformation is reshaping demand, with owners placing greater emphasis on nutrition, healthcare and overall wellbeing, she said.

As a result, the retail landscape is evolving beyond simple product distribution. Pet businesses are becoming part of a broader care ecosystem in which customer experience and service quality play a central role. To remain competitive, companies must adopt flexible omnichannel strategies, combining online convenience with in-store experiences to build trust and long-term customer relationships, she added.

Nguyễn Bá Vinh, director of Minh Vi Exhibition and Advertising Services Company, the event’s organiser, said Việt Nam’s pet market is maintaining a compound annual growth rate of around 11 per cent. The pet food segment alone is estimated to reach nearly $168 million in 2025.

He emphasised that the growing tendency to treat pets as family members is opening up considerable commercial potential, particularly for specialised products and services.

“However, to effectively capitalise on this potential, businesses must rapidly transition from traditional models to a modern omnichannel retail ecosystem,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vũ Ngọc Anh Thuyên, chief marketing officer of TGM Research, highlighted evolving consumer behaviour in her presentation on pet parenting trends towards 2026.

According to TGM’s latest report, 55 per cent of pet owners expect to increase spending on their pets over the next three years, reflecting strong financial optimism.

She noted that the humanisation of pets, where animals are treated as family members or companions, is a key driver of broader changes in lifestyle, emotions and consumer behaviour.

Shopping habits are also diversifying, with a notable shift towards independent pet shops and online platforms to suit busy urban lifestyles. This trend highlights the growing demand for flexibility and reinforces the importance of omnichannel strategies that integrate both digital and physical touchpoints.

From a regulatory perspective, Hồ Mộng Hải, deputy head of the Livestock Breeding Division under the

Authorities have tightened regulations on the import and quality control of pet food and veterinary products. Management is gradually shifting from pre-inspection to a system based on digital oversight, decentralisation and stricter post-market supervision.

Businesses are therefore required to ensure clear labelling, traceability of origin and compliance with safety standards to mitigate risks and avoid penalties. These measures are expected to foster a more transparent and professional market environment, he said. — BIZHUB

Trade fair for the pet industry HCM CITY — The Petfair Vietnam 2026, the third international trade fair for the pet industry in Việt Nam, will be held between June 10-12 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in HCM City. With more than 250 exhibitors from 20 countries and territories, including national pavilions from South Korea, China and Europe, the event serves not only as a product showcase but also as a gateway for international trade connections. A major highlight of this edition is the debut of several specialised zones, including the Buyer Pavilion, Paw Innovations Showcase and Aquarium Display Area. These, together with established features such as the Pet Sourcing Hub and Pet Retail and E-commerce zones, are designed to set trends and enhance transaction experiences across customer segments, he said. Over the years, Petfair Vietnam has positioned itself as a key platform connecting domestic and international players. Beyond its role as an exhibition, the event contributes to the professionalisation of the sector, supports ecosystem development and facilitates collaboration among businesses and experts. — BIZHUB