Private data, public concern: the booming pet market and the risks of cybercrime
Today, gold is numbers and data. Spain counts over ten million pets, making owner information a valuable asset for businesses and criminals alike. The pet industry is expanding rapidly, with food, accessories, care, veterinary services, transport devices, and toys broadening the product range. It should come as no surprise that hackers have fixated on animal records and the households that hold them. This view comes from Juan Ignacio Codina of the Justice Defense Animal Observatory, who emphasized that the focus is not merely on data, but on a thriving, customer-driven market where every household with a pet represents a potential opportunity for illicit gain.
For professionals dedicated to animal defense and welfare, the sector stands as a powerful example of how money and pets interact. The industry reflects a shift in mindset from owning an animal to actively caring for one. People strive to feed animals well, provide comfortable beds, toys, hygiene products, and safe transport. Veterinary services also play a crucial role. The work involved in maintaining well-being is continuous. This is not about humanizing pets or chasing whims; it marks a global change in how societies treat animal welfare. The market is reinventing itself to deliver products and services that enhance the lives of pet owners, and the scale of this transformation is considerable. Codina notes that the sector has grown substantially in recent years, and the collective responsibility we feel toward animals has intensified alongside that growth.
The theft of data from the pet registry managed by the Consell Valencià de Col·legis Veterinaris began on July 7 and continued through September 29, when the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries alerted the Spanish Animal Protection Agency to the cyberattack. Victims are advised to file a report with the Telematic Crime Group of the National Police Service, which collaborates with security teams at the Valencian Community ICT Security Centre. This incident is not isolated; national cyber security authorities recognize the same pattern in Cantabria and Galicia. The fact that owner data appears to be a prime target underscores the ongoing risk faced by households and businesses involved in pet care.
The Ministry warns that stolen information could be used for unsolicited advertising, the creation of fake profiles, or the impersonation of identities. In response, the Generalitat Valenciana is developing an action plan to strengthen the overall security of the database management system that underpins the registry. The aim is to prevent future breaches and protect the privacy of every pet owner involved. Source declarations from official authorities emphasize the need for robust cyber defenses and ongoing vigilance across regions.
Family expenses around 1,200 euros per year per pet
A Tiendanimal study highlights that a family typically spends about 1,200 euros annually to cover nutrition, hygiene, health, and grooming for each pet. The proportion dedicated to each category varies with the animal and the type or quality of products chosen. Food remains the largest share of this investment, especially for cats and dogs, where it accounts for about 41 percent and 27 percent respectively. These figures reflect practical budgeting decisions families make to support ongoing care and well-being for their companions.
Following food, health care represents the second largest category of pet spending. For example, when a dog visits the veterinarian for the first time, a family typically allocates at least 120 euros for items such as vaccinations and parasite prevention. In addition, families invest in flea and tick prevention products and any necessary medications, which together add to an annual health-related outlay averaging 332 euros per pet. These numbers illustrate how routine care, preventative measures, and occasional medical needs shape the financial landscape of pet ownership.