Number of dogs in Russia 2010-2022

The gradually growing number of pet dogs owned by Russian families dropped in significantly in 2019, measuring at 16.8 million dogs countrywide. In 2022, the figures recovered up to 17.6 million pet dogs in Russian households.  

Domestic pets in Russia

The love for domestic animals in Russia is well-known. So much so that, the share of households owning at least one cat or dog has been growing year-on-year. When compared, cats are the most favored pets by Russians, with 34 percent of households owning at least one in 2021. Such affinity has been translating into the steadily growing population of domestic cats in the country. 

Domestic animals’ tax in Russia

In 2019, Russian mass media repeatedly voiced legislation related to tax imposition on domestic animals to allegedly be approved during 2020. The main driver behind this measure as sources claim is to improve domestic animals’ wellbeing countrywide. Nonetheless, many argue that such measurements could have the opposite effect and soar the issue of homeless pets in the country. In 2019, nearly every fifth pet owner in Russia picked up their domestic animal on the street .