He Pet care It has ceased to be an exclusive practice of certain sectors to become a generalized trend in Guatemala And the rest of Central America.
In that line, also the market of pet food In Guatemala, he experiences sustained growth, driven by the change in the perception of animals inside the home.
According to recent data, more than 30 thousand Guatemalan homes They started buying pet food In the last two years, which reflects a cultural change in the way of integrating animals into the family nucleus.
Pets: Important members in Guatemalan homes
During the pandemic, many families found in the pets a way to cope with confinement, relieve stress and maintain mood. This phenomenon was not only a temporary response, but deepened a trend that was already observed in the new generations: Pets are considered family members.
According to the veterinarian Victor Girónthis change of perception began about six years ago, but was consolidated in the last three. “After the pandemic, the Guatemalans no longer sought only one veterinarian, but a specialist who guaranteed the well -being of one of the household members,” he explained.
The demand for specialized pet care grows
According to Girón’s experience, the number of customers he attends has doubled in recent years. In addition, it has noticed a remarkable increase in cat care, a species that was previously less frequent in its office.
This trend has taken him to modernize its veterinary clinics to offer the same space and services both to dogs and cats.
Increase in pet food consumption in Central America
A study by the consultant Kantar points out that pet food market In Central America a 41% in volume during the last two years, compared to 2022.
The report also reveals that, with the exception of Panama, all countries in the region have added New buyers.
Homes that joined the purchase of pet food in 2022-2023:
| Country | New homes | Predominant socioeconomic level |
| El Salvador | 105,550 | High |
| Guatemala | 30,189 | Low |
| Honduras | 42,766 | High medium |
| Nicaragua | 6,680 | Low |
| Costa Rica | 52,238 | High and a half high |
El Salvador leads growth, with more than 105 thousand new homes that acquired Dog foodfollowed by Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala.
Changes in consumption preferences in Guatemala
Study data reveal that Guatemalans prioritize the consumption of Premium concentrated foodfollowed by canned wet food, Snacks And, recently, Seasonal toys and clothing For your pets.
This evolution has promoted the diversification of products and services available in the local market.
In Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Nicaraguafood concentrates the greatest number of new buyers. In contrast, in Hondurasthe Pet snacks They have gained greater popularity than traditional food.
New demands for veterinarians in Guatemala
Pet owners are also raising the level of demand in medical care.
According to Girón, it is increasingly common for people to look for specialized veterinariansparticularly in the urban area and in young couples who decide to live together and adopt a pet.
“In countries like Costa Rica there is already a broad list of veterinary specialists, and in Guatemala you begin to see a boom in the demand for professionals with advanced knowledge,” he said.
Premium services for animal care
The growth in the humanization of pets has also brought Requirements in Aesthetic Services.
Girón explains that, due to the demands of the owners, they now offer not only traditional grooming but an experience where the Water used in the animal bath is ozonizedwhich allows less aggressive cleaning.
In addition, the veterinarian now, offers in their clinics the service of phototherapya light based technique to treat or prevent conditions such as allergies or dermal lesions.
How much does the care of a pet in Guatemala cost?
In Guatemala, the prices of services and products for basic pet care vary according to the location of the veterinary clinic, the type of pet and its size.
Next, the average ranges are presented:
- Grooming (haircut and grooming): between Q150 and Q250
- Traditional bath: between Q100 and Q150
- Dental cleaning: between Q200 and Q500depending on whether it is a dog or cat and its size
Prices for pet concentrate:
| Category | Dog concentrate | Cat concentrate |
| Economic | Q3.56 | Q8.55 |
| Average | Q8.50 | Q15.40 |
| Premium | Q19.99 | Q50 |
Profile of new Guatemalan homes with pets
According to Kantar’s study, the 69% of new households with pets in Guatemala It belongs to the urban population. Although a preference for products is observed Premiumconsiderable consumption of economic brands.
Most purchases are made in the Traditional channelsuch as neighborhood stores, minisuper and local markets.
This phenomenon shows that, although many of these homes belong to Low socioeconomic levelthey are willing to invest in the well -being of their pets, consolidating a growing market that increasingly demands more variety, quality and professionalism.