Owning a dog is not cheap. According to a 2024 analysis, the annual minimum cost per dog in Switzerland is around CHF 890, which equals CHF 74 per month. The largest expense is food, at CHF 65 per month, and for larger dogs, this cost increases.
Additional expenses include veterinary visits, vaccinations, insurance, grooming products, and dog taxes, which vary by canton between CHF 75 and CHF 160 annually. Unexpected costs, such as illnesses, accidents, and boarding services, are not included—meaning the costs can be nearly unlimited.
A Billion-Franc Industry: The Pet Market Is Booming
Many dog owners spend far more than the basics though - investing in special diets, orthopedic dog beds, and even GPS trackers. The pet industry is thriving due to this dedication: In 2022, Swiss retail sales of pet products reached CHF 821 million - and continue to grow.
The trend is also evident internationally: In 2023, Fressnapf Group exceeded EUR 4 billion in revenue, with a 19% growth outside Germany. Swiss companies like Landi are also expanding their pet product offerings.
Dogs as an Economic Factor
Love for pets is not just emotional - it has macroeconomic significance. A 2018 study shows that pet expenditures in Germany reached nearly EUR 11 billion, amounting to 0.32% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Given Switzerland’s wealth, similar spending proportions are likely.
And the global pet market will continue to expand: Bloomberg forecasts it could surpass CHF 400 billion by 2030, driven by growing pet ownership and increased focus on quality, sustainability, and animal welfare.
For companies in the pet industry, this is great news. And while dogs enjoy treats and long walks, the business with our furry companions is booming.
Dogs on historical securities
For centuries, dogs have symbolized loyalty, protection, and vigilance. They frequently appear on bonds and stock certificates of banks, insurance firms, and security companies as a visual representation of trust. The message is clear: investing in this company is as secure as having a faithful watchdog guarding its territory.
The Fidelity Insurance Trust and Safe Deposit Comp., Share from 1877, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
Fidelity Insurance Trust & Safe Deposit Comp.
Founded in 1866 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Fidelity Insurance, Trust & Safe Deposit Company offers insurance services and trust management. Notably, it is one of the first banks in the United States to provide safe deposit box services.
The name Fidelity comes from the Latin "Fidelitas," meaning loyalty and reliability—values essential for a trust and insurance institution. The company's stock certificates often feature a dog, symbolizing trust and security, as seen on this 1877 certificate.
The Thomasville Shooting Club , Share from 1924, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
The Thomasville Shooting Club
Stockbroker George W. Davis establishes the Thomasville Shooting Club in 1894 after exploring hunting locations across the South. He ultimately chooses Thomasville, Georgia, as the ideal site. The club attracts members from elite families, including the Colgates, Drexels, and Biddles. Over time, the club leases 60,000 acres of land and remains active until nearly 1960.
In hunting societies, dogs are essential partners, aiding in tracking and retrieving game. The depiction of a dog on its stock certificates highlights the club’s strong connection to hunting dogs. The club likely issued stock to finance its operations and facilities, just like this one from 1924.
Anglo United Development Corporation Limited, Share from 1986, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
Anglo United Development Corporation
The Anglo United Development Corporation Limited, based in Ontario, Canada, issues stock on October 10, 1986, featuring Greek hunting goddess Artemis, accompanied by greyhounds.
The company originates from Wayne Petroleums Ltd. and is believed to have operated in the oil sector. The imagery of the greyhounds on its stock certificates symbolizes speed, precision, and vigilance - qualities that build investor confidence. The hunting goddess likely represents resource protection and a dynamic business strategy, though it may not be directly related to the company's actual industry.
Farmers Deposit National Bank, Share from 1906, Source: Stiftung Sammlung historischer Wertpapiere
Farmers Deposit National Bank
The Farmers Deposit National Bank of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, also features a dog on its stock certificates, representing loyalty, protection, and vigilance.
This iconic imagery is inspired by the bank’s famous dog, Prince, a white bull terrier that becomes part of the institution in the 1890s. Originally a gift to cashier (later bank president) Thomas Hartley Given, Prince soon becomes the bank’s mascot, roaming freely through its offices and winning over customers.
His memory lives on for decades, as Prince’s image appears on checks, calendars, stationery, and even the bank’s stock certificates.