U.S. Pet Hard Goods Market: Wholesale And Retail Sales By State

Market Overview

The U.S. pet hard goods market size was valued at USD 31.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2025 to 2030. The U.S. pet hard goods market (or pet durables market) comprising non-consumable products like bedding, toys, grooming tools, and containment suppliesremains a critical but currently challenged segment within the overall pet industry. This is particularly due to macroeconomic pressures like inflation in the U.S. and reduced discretionary spending, as many consumers delay non-essential purchases such as collars, crates, and apparel.

Pet toys, grooming tools, and feeding supplies remain among the most frequently purchased hard goods, according to CRC surveys. Toys, in particular, consistently rank as the top item pet parents buy every six months. Grooming supplies and feeding accessories such as automatic feeders and ergonomic bowls have also shown slight increases in recent consumer surveys. These categories benefit from recurring usage and wear, unlike longer-lasting items such as crates or carriers. Premiumization is gaining traction in toys and grooming tools, with shoppers placing high value on product quality and longevity-a trend visible in both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels.

Growing Preference For Digital Channels In The U.S. Pet Hard Goods Market

The U.S. pet hard goods market is undergoing significant transformation as digital channels, especially Amazon, continue to reshape how consumers shop for pet products. With evolving shopper behavior favoring online convenience and value-driven purchases, traditional retailers and legacy brands are facing new competitive pressures.

Amazon is increasingly capturing market share in the pet supplies sector, particularly in pet hard goods, disrupting traditional players like Petmate. This shift reflects broader consumer preferences moving from brick-and-mortar to online retail. Amazon’s own private label (1P) offerings, such as AmazonBasics, are directly impacting legacy brands’ performance evident in declining gross merchandise value (GMV) year-over-year. Competitors like Petco and Chewy are also losing ground within the pet supply category as Amazon strengthens its position through pricing, convenience, and private label dominance.

As Amazon’s private label products like AmazonBasics continue to gain market share, traditional pet retailers (e.g., Petco, Chewy, PetSmart) face pricing pressure. These private labels often undercut branded SKUs, leading to margin compression and forcing retailers to either reduce prices or differentiate more effectively on quality and in-store services.To withstand private label encroachment, legacy brands are investing in premiumization, sustainability, and unique product features. This is especially vital in categories like pet beds, grooming tools, and tech-enabled accessories where innovation drives consumer interest.

U.S. Pet Hard Goods Wholesale Market: Trends & Outlook

The U.S. pet hard goods wholesale market is currently navigating headwinds caused by muted consumer demand, slower pet household formation, and constrained non-essential spending. Category growth for 2024 is projected at a marginal 0–1%, with a similar forecast for 2025 as per GlobalPETS. While demand remains stable in certain segments like toys and feeding supplies, high inflation and economic pressures have suppressed broader category movement. Additionally, wholesalers face increasing challenges from low-cost substitute products especially in the e-commerce space prompting suppliers to shift focus toward differentiating through quality, sustainability, and origin-based branding (e.g., U.S.-made goods).

The market's evolution is further influenced by rising cat adoption rates, which create opportunities for innovation in feline-specific products like cat trees and premium toys. However, the overall outlook remains cautious, with growth hinging on vendors’ ability to offer meaningful innovation and tap into quality-driven preferences. Trade events such as SUPERZOO trade show hosted in Las Vegas in August 2024 highlight an industry shift towards premiumization.

U.S. Pet Hard Goods Retail Market: Trends & Outlook

In the retail channel, pet hard goods are experiencing ongoing challenges tied to economic sensitivity, particularly for non-essential purchases. Consumer surveys indicate a consistent pattern in hard goods purchasing, with toys leading sales, while categories like bowls and grooming products are showing a slight uptick. Quality remains the most important purchase driver across both dog and cat owners, reinforcing demand for durable, premium-positioned products in physical retail and online platforms alike.

A notable shift is the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. DTC players capitalize on convenience a top consumer priority by offering seamless purchasing experiences and home delivery. Their success has prompted pet specialty retailers to invite select DTC brands into brick-and-mortar spaces to boost traffic and counteract channel erosion. However, some DTC brands are cautious about losing brand control and instead focus on scaling through partnerships with e-commerce platforms like Amazon or TikTok Shop. Going forward, retail success will depend on balancing in-store innovation, quality messaging, and omnichannel integration to compete with growing DTC influence and reengage value-conscious pet owners.