Record participation at Iberzoo Propet 2025: 21,612 professional pet sector visitors attended the event

Iberzoo Propet 2025, Feria Internacional para el Profesional del Animal de Compañía (Pet Industry International Trade Fair) concluded its eighth edition on 28 February, the 16th in the case of Propet—with record participation. A total of 21,612 pet sector professionals visited the exhibition to see the latest innovations from 281 companies—33% more than at the previous event in 2024—comprising 213 Spanish companies (up 25%) and 68 foreign companies (up 71%) from 12 countries. Hall 10 at IFEMA MADRID, with a gross exhibition area of 22,000 m² and a net area of 9,855.5 m² (up 14%), hosted this offering and an extensive programme of seminars that started on 26 February.

Iberzoo Propet 2025 aligns with the objectives of the Directorate General for Animal Rights—part of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, which had an active presence at the fair promoting animal protection and welfare.

The success of the event was made possible by the renewed support of the Madrid Association of Pet Veterinarians (AMVAC) and the Spanish Association of Pet Product Distributors (AEDPAC)—the bodies promoting the event—as well as the other sector stakeholders: the Spanish Association of Clinical Veterinarians (AEVET), the National Association of Pet Food Manufacturers (ANFAAC), the Spanish Veterinary Business Confederation (CEVE), the VET+i Foundation, and the Spanish Employers' Association of the Animal Health and Nutrition Industry (VETERINDUSTRIA).

Iberzoo Propet 2025 once again showcased the most innovative profile of an industry made up of 10,188 companies and 7,021 clinics, which last year turned over 2.863 billion euros - an increase of 9.2% compared to 2023 - and created 44,500 direct jobs. A sector that serves the 15 million dogs and cats in Spain.

In this regard, it is important to highlight the growing importance of pets in Spain, which is closely aligned with the awareness of this matter observed in Spain's neighbouring country, Portugal. In fact, according to the TGM Research Study, 2023, 72% of Portuguese people own at least one pet.  The importance of the Portuguese market to the national industry is also notable. This was the reason behind Iberzoo Propet inviting its first-ever guest country: Portugal.

Analysis of the sector

These circumstances were captured in the reports presented on 27 February during the Afternoon of the Sector, by AMVAC, with the advance of the Sector Report, and by AEDPAC, with its “Barometer of Trends and Habits of Pet Parents in Spain and Portugal.”

Both organisations also took the opportunity to hold their respective professional meetings. The 42nd VetMadrid Congress, organised by AMVAC, focused on “Medicine and Surgery of the Locomotor System and Nervous System” and saw 2,539 registrations this year.

“The congress welcomed over 2,300 veterinarians, with activities taking place in nine rooms over the three days, featuring keynote lectures from 30 renowned speakers in their specialities”, said Víctor Fernández, president of AMVAC and the Organising Committee of VetMadrid, adding that “as in previous editions, clinical assistants and animal protection bodies were also invited this year”. AMVAC has announced that the 2026 edition will focus on Medicine and Surgery of the Cardio-Respiratory System.

Meanwhile, AEDPAC convened “The Forum of Industry and Commerce in the pet sector in Spain", where topics such as whether Spain is a "pet-friendly" country were on the table; an analysis of global trends shaping the development of the international pet care market; new diets for companion animals; the importance of CSR policies for brands in the sector; and the impact of the Medicines Law on the development of the veterinary field, among others.

"This seventh edition solidifies the FORUM as the reference event for discussing, debating, and analysing the current state of the professional sector of commerce, industry, and business in the pet care sector in our country", said Ignasi Solana, the event's commissioner and Secretary General of AEDPAC. He added that it was "a place to generate valuable content and detect the trends of this dynamic market through the insights of leading experts, personalities, and specialists in each field."

The FORUM was attended by over 500 professionals, who participated in several round tables discussions and presentations delivered by 31 speakers during the three days of Iberzoo Propet 2025.

Other activities programmed by Iberzoo Propet 2025 were the exhibitors’ scientific presentations in the Aula Veterinaria or Veterinary Classroom and dog grooming demonstrations by firms like Artero, among others. There were also talks with advice on how to manage a pet business, how to achieve a profitable business, etc., all housed on a stage set up for the purpose.

The high point of the event was the Sector Evening on 27 February. After the presentation of AMVAC and AEDPAC’s reports on the sector, the Antón and Impulso Awards were handed out in recognition of the sector.

In the case of the fourth Antón Awards, the distinction for Professional Career in the Veterinary Field went to clinical veterinarian José Luis Puchol. The award for Professional Career in the Professional Field was won by Gemma Vivet, CEO of Grup Gepork/Centauro; the Best Retailer in Spain award was presented to Tumascota from Pamplona; the award for Career in Corporate Social Responsibility was awarded to Isabel Buis, Director of the Affinity Foundation; the award for Professional Career in the Animal Protection Field went to the Valencia Veterinary Association in the wake of the impact of the DANA (an extreme weather event that caused a devastating flooding disaster); and the award for the Initiative that Fosters Coexistence with Pets in the City went to the company Pipper on Tour.

As for the Impulso Awards, which recognise entrepreneurs and startups in the pet sector, the company UVEMA Servicios Veterinarios was rewarded for its innovative telemedicine veterinary emergency service, which offers permanent telephone assistance everywhere.

After this successful edition of the Feria Internacional para el Profesional del Animal de Compañìa (Pet Industry International Trade Fair) Iberzoo Propet 2025, IFEMA MADRID will start work on the ninth edition, which will be held on the Recinto Ferial from 11 to 13 March 2026.