16/04/2026

THURSDAY | APR 16, 2026

6

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Young couples drive dog ownership in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Pet ownership in Malaysia is becoming increasingly lifestyle-driven, with more young couples embracing dogs as integral family members and reshaping how they live, spend and plan their daily routines. According to PuppySchool-certified dog trainer Rubini Maruthian, one of the most noticeable changes is the growing number of young couples choosing to own dogs, a trend closely linked to the rise of pet-friendly condominiums and residential developments in urban areas. More significantly, pet owners are no longer simply adapting their pets to their environment but are actively choosing living spaces that accommodate them. “Dogs have genuinely become integrated family members rather than mere pets kept at home. This shift reflects a broader cultural change, where pets are no longer peripheral but central to lifestyle decisions, from housing to leisure activities,” she said. Beyond demographics, there has been a marked shift in how Malaysians approach dog ownership. Rubini observed that owners are becoming more inquisitive, asking deeper and more thoughtful questions about their pets’ behaviour, focusing on

o Shift towards pet-first living fuels demand for training, better care and pet-friendly homes

Malaysian pet owners found that while emotional attachment to pets is strong, spending remains modest for many households. A total of 61% of respondents spend under RM300 per month on their pets. The study also found that cats are the most common pet in Malaysia owned by respondents (71%), followed by dogs (26%) and fish (23%). The most common way Malaysians acquire pets is through rescuing or taking in strays (31%), followed by receiving pets as gifts (19%), adopting from shelters (17%) and purchasing from pet shops (13%). Emotional motivations remain dominant regardless of how pets are acquired, with a combined 59% citing companionship and emotional support as their primary reasons for getting a pet, aligning with observations that dogs are increasingly valued for the comfort, structure and companionship they provide in urban environments. Challenges persist despite growing enthusiasm. High veterinary costs were cited as the top concern by pet owners (37%), followed by limited access to pet friendly public spaces (34%) and travel restrictions (30%). Housing limitations also remain a barrier, particularly in densely populated urban areas. These constraints may partly explain why professional pet services remain underutilised. The study found that 44% of respondents had not used services such as grooming, boarding or training in the past year, while only 6% reported having pet insurance or using online veterinary consultations.

understanding underlying causes rather than simply correcting problems. “Owners are moving from ‘how do I stop this behaviour?’ to ‘why does my dog do this?’” she said. This reflects a more informed and empathetic approach, with emphasis on building genuine relationships with pets. It is also evident in spending habits among committed owners, with increased investment in quality nutrition, professional training and proper boarding services. A March study by market research platform Milieu Insight involving 776

will fundamentally change their life. They are willing to adapt and build a consistent relationship with their dog,” she said. Looking ahead, awareness among pet owners is expected to grow further, driven by increased access to information and resources. Demand for pet-friendly infrastructure, including parks and cafes, is also set to rise as more Malaysians integrate pets into their daily lives. The pet care industry is expected to diversify further, offering more specialised services in training, nutrition and behavioural support, reflecting a maturing market moving beyond basic care towards more holistic and tailored solutions. “Pet ownership is becoming more intentional and more integrated into everyday life,” she said.

Among those who do engage such services, a shift towards early and preventative care is evident. Rubini noted that more owners are seeking training during puppyhood to establish good habits before behavioural issues develop. “The most common issues we see – excessive barking, leash-pulling and difficulty staying calm in public – are often interconnected. What has changed is that owners are coming to us earlier, which makes training more effective,” she said. This proactive mindset reflects a broader trend towards personalised pet care, with owners recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and seeking solutions tailored to their lifestyle, living environment and individual pet. “The owners who succeed are the ones who recognise that owning a dog

Rubini said pet ownership is becoming more intentional and more integrated into everyday life. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. 03-7784 6688 advertise@thesundaily.com

thesun.my