Americans are spending more on their four-legged friends than ever before, with expensive dog food, high-design spaces, and ‘barkitecture’ becoming more popular. As many new homeowners take their pets into account when purchasing property, how is pet ownership affecting our homes and living spaces?

Increasingly dedicated pet parents are looking for ways to take care of their pets’ emotional and physical health. As owners turn away from ‘unwholesome’ store-bought pet food, Butternut Box, a dog food subscription service, offers meals good enough for owners to tuck into themselves.

The pandemic has caused significant changes to Britons’ relationship with their pets – from the use of tech to alleviate separation anxiety to the rise of sustainable pet food. Canvas8 spoke to eight pet owners from across the UK to understand how their concerns and expectations have evolved.

The pet economy has soared in recent years, with Gen Yers, in particular, seeing pets as part of the family. As a result, sales of premium treats and accessories have grown, and with a survey showing that owners are concerned about their pets’ health, the pet wellbeing space looks likely to thrive, too.