The global pet products market has continued its steady growth over the past decade, driven by rising pet ownership, changing consumer lifestyles, and increasing emotional attachment between pets and their owners. In 2025, this growth shows no signs of slowing-particularly in North America and Europe, which remain the world's most mature and influential pet consumption markets.
For pet brands, wholesalers, and importers, the market shift is no longer about selling more products at lower prices. Instead, success increasingly depends on product quality, brand differentiation, customization capabilities, and supply chain reliability.
This article explores the key trends shaping the global pet accessories industry and explains why OEM and ODM manufacturing partnerships are becoming the new standard for wholesale pet businesses.
1. Global Pet Products Market Continues to Expand
According to multiple industry reports, the global pet products market is expected to maintain stable growth through 2025 and beyond, with North America and Europe accounting for a significant share of total demand.
Several factors are driving this expansion:
Rising pet ownership rates, especially among younger households
Increasing disposable income in developed markets
Growing humanization of pets, treating them as family members
Expansion of e-commerce and specialty pet retail channels
In the United States, pet spending has shifted from basic necessities toward premium and functional products, including safety accessories, training equipment, and lifestyle-oriented pet gear. Similarly, European markets show strong demand for products that emphasize durability, sustainability, and design consistency.
For wholesalers and distributors, this growth creates opportunities-but also raises expectations for product quality and supply stability.
2. Consumer Preferences Shift from "Low Price" to "Quality + Brand"
One of the most important changes in recent years is the shift in consumer mindset. While price sensitivity still exists, end customers are no longer choosing pet products based on price alone.
Today's pet owners prioritize:
Product safety and comfort
Long-term durability
Brand reputation and trust
Visual design and consistency
Ethical sourcing and responsible manufacturing
This shift directly affects B2B buyers. Retailers and e-commerce sellers now seek products that align with their brand values and positioning, rather than generic, interchangeable items.
As a result, wholesalers increasingly prefer working with manufacturers that can provide:
Stable quality across repeat orders
Custom design support
Brand-oriented manufacturing solutions
Generic products with no differentiation are gradually losing competitiveness in mature markets.
3. Rising Demand for Customized Pet Collars and Leashes
Among all pet accessories, dog collars and leashes remain core, high-volume categories. However, demand within these categories is becoming more specialized.
Customization trends include:
Material selection (nylon, TPU, leather, eco-friendly fabrics)
Functional design (no-pull structures, safety locks, reflective elements)
Hardware customization (metal buckles, D-rings, quick-release systems)
Logo branding and private-label packaging
For B2B buyers, customization is no longer a "premium option"-it is increasingly a baseline requirement for competing in crowded retail and online marketplaces.
Customized pet collars and leashes allow brands to:
Differentiate from mass-market competitors
Maintain consistent brand identity
Improve perceived value without relying on price discounts
This trend is particularly strong in North America and Europe, where retailers focus on long-term brand building rather than short-term sales volume.
4. OEM / ODM Manufacturing Becomes the Mainstream Model
As customization demand grows, traditional sourcing methods-such as buying off-the-shelf products-are becoming less effective.
In response, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) models are now the preferred approach for many wholesale buyers.
Why OEM / ODM Is Gaining Popularity
OEM and ODM partnerships allow brands to:
Control product specifications
Customize appearance and functionality
Ensure consistency across production batches
Protect brand positioning and market differentiation
Rather than switching suppliers frequently, many B2B buyers now seek long-term manufacturing partners that understand their brand goals and market requirements.
For manufacturers, this shift emphasizes the importance of:
Engineering and design capability
Clear communication during product development
Reliable quality control systems
OEM and ODM are no longer limited to large brands-small and mid-sized pet brands are increasingly adopting this model to remain competitive.
5. Supply Chain Stability Becomes Critical for Wholesalers
In recent years, global supply chains have faced multiple disruptions, including logistics delays, raw material fluctuations, and production bottlenecks. These challenges have highlighted the importance of supply chain reliability for wholesale buyers.
For B2B customers, an unstable supply chain can lead to:
Missed selling seasons
Inventory shortages
Lost retail partnerships
Damage to brand reputation
As a result, wholesalers are placing greater emphasis on manufacturing partners that can offer:
Stable production capacity
Clear lead times
Transparent communication
Experience with international shipping and compliance
Reliable manufacturers help reduce risk and allow brands to plan product launches and promotions with confidence.
6. What This Means for Pet Brands and Wholesale Buyers
The evolution of the pet accessories market presents both challenges and opportunities.
To succeed in 2025 and beyond, wholesale buyers should focus on:
Partnering with manufacturers that support customization
Prioritizing quality consistency over short-term cost savings
Building long-term OEM or ODM relationships
Ensuring products align with brand positioning and end-user expectations
Manufacturers, in turn, must adapt by offering flexible production solutions, reliable quality control, and market-aware product development.