By: Ashley Carestia//December 23, 2024//
As we move into 2025, the pet industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, driven by growing pet ownership, innovation, and a rising demand for luxury and customization. Pet parents are now treating their furry friends not just as companions but as integral family members, often mirroring their lifestyle choices through their pets’ fashion and play. Here’s a glimpse into the trends set to shape pet fashion and dog toys in the upcoming year.
PET FASHION
High-Tech Meets Haute Couture: In 2025, pet fashion will take a leap into the future with the integration of wearable technology. Smart collars and vests with built-in GPS, heart rate monitors, and even LED displays will become staples for tech-savvy pet parents. Not only will these items offer utility, but they will also feature sleek designs to ensure that pets look stylish while staying safe and healthy.
Customization Takes Center Stage: Personalized pet fashion is already trending, and 2025 will see it reach new heights. From monogrammed jackets to custom-made hats and boots tailored to a pet’s size and personality, individuality will dominate. Brands are investing in on-demand manufacturing processes that allow pet parents to design bespoke pieces, ensuring their furry friends stand out from the crowd.
Sustainability as a Standard: Eco-conscious pet parents are driving demand for sustainable pet fashion. Expect to see more brands offering clothing made from recycled materials like ocean plastics, organic fabrics, and vegan leather. Upcycled pet accessories—such as leashes made from climbing ropes or collars crafted from recycled denim—will also be a big hit.
Seasonal and Coordinated Looks: Matching outfits for pets and owners will continue to be popular. Holiday collections, including Halloween costumes, Christmas sweaters, and even Valentine’s Day ensembles, will become more intricate and playful. Seasonal collections tailored to specific climates, like raincoats for wetter regions or lightweight sun-protective clothing, will further cater to a wide range of pet parents.
Gender-Neutral Designs: Just as human fashion trends are embracing gender-neutral options, pet fashion will follow suit. Neutral tones, minimalist designs, and versatile pieces that work for all breeds and personalities will make their way into the mainstream, offering pet parents more inclusive choices.
TRENDING DOG TOYS
Interactive Puzzle Toys: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for dogs, and in 2025, interactive puzzle toys will dominate the toy market. Advanced designs that challenge dogs to problem-solve, retrieve treats, or navigate mazes will keep them entertained and engaged for hours. These toys will increasingly use durable, non-toxic materials, catering to heavy chewers and active pups.
AI-Powered Playmates: Artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize dog toys. Imagine a toy that can move unpredictably, mimic a game of fetch, or respond to a dog’s behavior in real-time. AI-powered playmates will cater especially to busy pet parents who want to ensure their dogs remain active and entertained while they’re away.
Multi-Sensory Toys: Toys that engage multiple senses — sight, sound, smell and touch — will gain traction. Expect to see toys that emit calming scents, make intriguing noises, or light up in response to touch. These innovations will cater to dogs of all ages, especially puppies who are exploring the world and senior dogs who need extra stimulation to stay sharp.
Eco-Friendly Options: Just as sustainability is influencing pet fashion, it’s reshaping the dog toy market. Biodegradable chew toys, recyclable fetch balls, and plush toys made from organic cotton will appeal to eco-conscious pet owners. Brands are also leaning toward minimal packaging and using non-toxic dyes in their products.
Toys for Specific Breeds and Needs: Breed-specific toys are on the rise, designed to match the size, play style, and strength of different breeds. For example, a Labrador might enjoy a sturdy rope toy, while a Chihuahua might prefer a lightweight plush toy. Additionally, toys catering to special needs, such as orthopedic chew toys for senior dogs or calming toys for pets with anxiety, will see increased demand.
EMERGING THEMES
Luxury Pet Experiences: Luxury is becoming a defining characteristic of the pet industry, and this trend extends to fashion and toys. High-end brands are collaborating with designers to launch limited-edition collections, while premium toys are being crafted from top-tier materials for discerning pet owners.
Health and Wellness Integration: Pet fashion and toys that support health and wellness are gaining momentum. Cooling vests, joint-supporting harnesses, and toys designed to improve dental hygiene are becoming more sophisticated, reflecting pet parents’ growing focus on their pets’ overall well-being.
This is poised to be a groundbreaking year for pet fashion and toys — and I, for one, can’t wait to see how our beloved pets continue to redefine what it means to live stylishly and play smart.
A successful fashion model for 25 years, Ashley Carestia also is founder/CEO of Bark Fifth Avenue, a luxury retail boutique and brand. She has earned the respect of her colleagues through arduous work and dedication, being awarded the Small Business of the Year Award by the Atlanta Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the Women of Influence award from Pet Age and Entrepreneur of the Year by Women in The Pet Industry.