How Pet Wellness Is Changing in 2025: Real Talk from the Industry

Pet wellness is getting a fresh vibe in 2025. It’s less about one-size-fits-all and more about tuning into what our furry friends really need—whether that’s new tech, natural ways to chill out, or just good old-fashioned care. We chatted with some awesome folks in the pet world—from vets to catnip experts—to get the scoop on what’s new and what really matters.

Personalized Care Is the Way to Go

Gone are the days of “one diet fits all.” More pet parents want care that fits their pet’s unique needs—think breed, age, lifestyle, and health quirks. From special nutrition plans to supplements that help with joints or anxiety, people are getting smarter about what their pets need to feel their best.

Mental Health? Oh, It Matters Big Time

It’s not just about the body—pets need their minds cared for, too. Bill Coloe, founder of Kitty Kush, an Austin-based catnip brand, points out, “Herbs like catnip and silvervine are finally getting respect not just as fun treats but as actual tools for reducing stress and boredom for cats.” More pet parents are realizing that good toys and enrichment aren’t just nice extras—they’re essential for happy, healthy pets.

Tech That Actually Makes Life Easier

Pet wearables are more than shiny gadgets—they’re revolutionizing how we care for pets. Many in the industry are very excited about this. Dr. Andrea Johnson from PetVet365 said, “Being able to track activity, heart rates, temperatures, blood glucose, even seizure activity in real time in the pets own environment cannot be replicated in the clinic. This (The new technology) is going to allow a broader and more accurate scope of care for many problems pets face.” With smart tech and AI helping out, it’s easier than ever to catch health issues early and give pets exactly what they need.

Pet wearables and health tech are game changers, and Bill from Kitty Kush agrees they offer real benefits for monitoring pet health. But when it comes to everyday play and enrichment, he wants us to remember that sometimes simple is the best. “They need space to explore, natural enrichment, and a way to burn off energy. Simple, thoughtful stuff often does way more than the latest technology.”

Wellness Plans That Make Sense

Pets are family, no question. Because of this, Dr. Johnson from PetVet365 observes, “The level of care pet parents want is getting closer to what we expect in human medicine.” We’re seeing more advanced treatments and diagnostics, but let’s be real: vet bills can add up, and a lot of us are feeling the pinch. That’s why wellness plans and memberships are gaining traction. They help spread out costs for things like dental cleanings, health screenings, telehealth, and vaccines, making top-notch care easier to manage and less scary on the wallet.

Thinking Ahead with Preventative Care

More pet parents are focusing on prevention now—that is a trend that we are very happy to see. Dental care is a good example, as Dr. Johnson from PetVet365 noted, “Keeping a pet's mouth healthy can add 2-3 years to their life and reduce the risk of kidney, liver and heart valve disease.” Simple care such as brushing or chews could make a huge difference to your pet’s well-being. 

Joy and Comfort Are the New Essentials

A big shift in pet care is the growing focus on pets’ happiness and comfort. Bill from Kitty Kush reminds us to “let your pet embrace their quirks” and that “joy is the goal,” whether it’s a cat rolling in catnip or enjoying simple play. Meanwhile, Dr. Johnson from PetVet365 hopes more vets adopt Fear Free practices to make visits less stressful. “When pets aren’t scared or anxious, vet visits become positive experiences, leading to better care and earlier problem detection.” Together, these insights highlight how wellness today means creating joyful, stress-free lives for our pets.

Wellness is a journey, not a destination. It’s about celebrating what makes each pet unique and making choices that help them thrive every single day. So, what changes have you noticed in how you care for your pet? We’d love to hear your stories and tips!

Brands in this article: 

PetVet365: PetVet365 is Vet Owned. Vet Led. Vet Loved., and dedicated to being The Vet Your Pet Dreams About. Founded in 2019 by two best friends and pet-obsessed veterinarians, PetVet365 delivers the highest quality of care through our rapidly expanding network of locally-owned hospitals. As the only hospital network in the world that is 100% Fear Free Certified, we drive better health outcomes through our stress-free, comfortable environments that benefit the pet, pet parent, and vet. We’re open 7 days a week and pride ourselves on the care of over 100,000 pets across our growing network of 33 hospitals, led by 41 PetVet365 partners. Learn more at petvet365.com.

Kitty Kush: Kitty Kush is a small-batch catnip company based in Austin, TX. Founded by Bill Coloe, it focuses on creating quality herbal blends that encourage natural cat behavior and fun. Discover more at kittykush.co.