By James Coleman, Director at Prolog Fulfilment
The UK is proudly a nation of pet lovers, with dogs and cats topping the list as the most popular companions. As of 2024, an estimated 36 million pets lived in UK households, with 57% of homes including at least one furry family member.
This outpouring of love for our animals has driven owners to look at new ways to treat their fur babies and invest in their health and happiness. As a result, we are seeing a rise in the popularity of pet-focused subscription boxes. These subscription boxes are thoughtfully tailored to individual pets, taking into account factors such as size, breed, and dietary needs – and often include treats, toys, grooming products, and accessories. Many also prioritise high-quality, natural, and eco-friendly items, reflecting the evolving values of today’s pet owners.
According to IMARC Group the UK pet care market was valued at £8.5 million in 2024, and is growing rapidly with a projected value of £13.7 million by 2033. Within this expanding market, pet subscription boxes are expected to see significant growth in the coming years. For example, in 2023, Butternut Box, a UK-based dog food subscriptionservice, secured $354 million in funding. This investment was aimed at supporting the company’s expansion into European markets, enhancing its subscription service by providing high-quality meals for dogs.
Trends in pet subscription boxes
Whilst busy pet owners are attracted to subscription services that offer auto-replenishment of essential items like food and supplies, there’s also growing interest in subscription boxes that provide specialised supplements, vitamins, and functional foods targeting specific health needs.
Emerging trends highlight an increase in curated boxes tailored to individual pets based on factors like size, breed, and preferences. There’s also a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with data analytics playing a key role in customising each subscription.
Some subscription services are focused on creating a sense of community among petowners, encouraging interaction and engagement. Some even go further by offering region-specific products and services to reflect local preferences and needs.
The Prolog solution
Running a successful subscription box service hinges on having a dependable fulfilment partner, and that’s where Prolog steps in! Our subscription box pick and pack process is designed to ensure accuracy, timely delivery, and an unforgettable unboxing experience – whether it’s curating beauty products for Mrs. Smith in Slough or sending ethical dog treats and a squeaky mouse to Butch in Burnham!
When a customer subscribes, the order details are integrated into our warehouse management system (WMS). This system then generates picking lists, for our team of experts. Once all the products for a specific subscription box are gathered, they proceed to the ‘packing’ stage. At Prolog we offer custom packaging solutions, branded materials, and can include any personalised elements or inserts specified by the client. The final packed box is then securely sealed, labelled for shipping, and handed over to our trusted carrier partners for prompt delivery, all while the WMS provides real-time tracking and inventory updates.
As fulfilment specialists, we recognise the fluctuating demands of product launches and seasonal peaks throughout the year. Our services are designed to flexibly accommodate the evolving needs of growing businesses.
We’ve been working with Denzel’s, a dog treat brand selling premium, all-natural dog treats for over a year now, helping them to get their all-natural treats to consumers and retailers across the UK. From managing their stock to nationwide delivery, our scalable solutions have facilitated their expansion across the UK.
Nathan Perry, Co-Founder at Denzel’s, shares his experience: “Prolog have taken the time to understand our business, and their expertise has been invaluable, helping us to navigate the complexities of fulfilling orders across multiple sales channels.”
In summary
With 71% of Brits willing to spend more on their pet than on themselves, the pet treat market is a thriving sector, and as the demand for pet subscription boxes continues to grow, so too does the need for fulfilment experts to understand this market, and the demands of today’s conscientious consumers – and their furry friends!
