Grow. Innovate. Connect.
Thank You for an Incredible CONNECT 2026
Thank you to the retailers, groomers, distributors, manufacturers, service providers, and pet professionals who joined us March 4 and 5, 2026 at CONNECT in Niagara Falls.
Over two incredible days, the Canadian pet industry came together to share ideas, discover new products, attend education sessions, and build the relationships that continue to move our industry forward. From the busy show floor to the CONNECT Tool Box vendors and networking events, the energy and collaboration made this year’s event truly special.
CONNECT has always been built by pet professionals for pet professionals, and it is your participation, passion, and commitment to the industry that make the event what it is.
Thank you for being part of CONNECT. We look forward to seeing you again next year.
Paul Ford
"Connect truly delivers. It’s a standout event for high-quality conversations, intentional networking, and a genuine sense of community.
Everything runs seamlessly thanks to the Team Connect crew, who go above and beyond to support attendees. Plus, the experience is top-notch with great food, comfortable carpeted aisles, and social events that perfectly bring everyone together."
Craig MacIntyre
"An absolute success and blast at the Connect Pet Expo! Unmatched networking opportunities and such excellent energy. The professionalism and support from Grant, and his team at Connect make it a perfect venue and experience to connect with new prospects, educate for stronger retail, and catch up with current and old partners. Highly recommend for anyone in the Pet Industry sector to attend."
Codie Bonner
Connect Pet Expo offers a truly valuable and refreshing experience. The environment allows for meaningful, one-on-one time with brands, creating space for real conversations, thoughtful questions, and stronger relationship building. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive of the pet specialty community. It’s an event that prioritizes connection and quality interactions.
Connect:
A B2B pet trade event celebrating the Canadian pet industry hosted and created with a team that is 100% built with individuals and vendors from the Canadian Pet Industry.
Canadian pet food inflation down in 2024; Prices high still
Canadian pet food inflation down in 2024; Prices high still
The cost of pet ownership may be influencing Canadian dog and cat owners’ purchasing decisions.
August 1, 2024
Created by Tim Wall using DALL-E
Although pet food inflation eased in Canada during 2023, prices remained high in 2024. The cost of pet ownership may be influencing Canadian dog and cat owners’ purchasing decisions. Packaged Facts analysts reviewed the Canadian pet food market and reported results from their survey of pet owners in Canada.
Get your FREE daily Petfood Industry newsletter
Pet foods and products outpaced overall inflation during the pandemic and its aftermath. At its peak, Canadian pet food inflation increased nearly 13% between January 2022 and January 2023. Compare that to pre-pandemic inflation growth of 2% between January 2019 and January 2020. Quarterly consumer spending on pet food, supplies, veterinary and other pet services ranged from a low of CAD2,996 million in the first quarter of 2022 to a high of CAD3,284 in the first quarter of 2024. Packaged Facts referenced the Consumer Price Index from Statistics Canada for this data.
“Although inflation has diminished, the resulting high prices persist,” analysts wrote. “In Packaged Facts June 2024 survey, 70% of respondents reported spending more on pet products than they used to.”
In the Packaged Facts survey, more than half of pet owners stated that they had spent more in 2023 than in 2022.
“Packaged Facts survey results confirm growing concerns about pet expenses, with over three-quarters of pet owners agreeing that many pet products are becoming too expensive,” they wrote. “One way that pet owners have been dealing with higher prices is by seeking out more value-focused products.”
As Canadian pet owners embrace premium private-label brands, they increasingly base their shopping decisions on the availability of those brands.
About the Canadian pet food industry
The Canadian pet food industry has experienced steady growth over recent years. The market is characterized by a preference for natural marketing claims, reflecting broader consumer trends toward health and wellness. Pet owners are increasingly seeking products that not only meet their pets' nutritional needs but also align with their own values, such as sustainability and ethical sourcing. Canadian pet owners also increasingly demand transparency, with manufacturers providing more detailed information on sourcing and production processes.
Innovation drives the Canadian market, with companies investing in research and development to introduce new products, including alternative protein sources like insects and plant-based ingredients. E-commerce continues to grow as a distribution channel, with many pet owners preferring the convenience of online shopping. However, brick-and-mortar stores remain significant, especially for premium and specialty products.
For full article and more from PETFOOD Industry click here
2026 Exhibitors
