Pet ownership surged as a result of the pandemic, with around 3.2 million being purchased within the first 12 months. Pets at Home has seen great success during this period, achieving £1 billion worth of sales for the first time ever thanks to its omnichannel and highly personalised approach.

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.

As financial struggles lead many to forgo traditional life markers, pets are becoming more deeply embedded in the family unit. And pet parents are expecting a deeper level of care for their furry friends as a result. Tapping this is The Vets, a tech-enabled platform for at-home pet care.

With over a year of lockdowns, many dogs got accustomed to their owner’s constant presence. But as people return to the office, some dogs are finding the adjustment difficult. To cope, pet owners are turning to insurance coverages to address the needs of their distressed and lonely pets.