Millions of dogs and cats adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic are now reaching midlife — a life stage recognized in the latest veterinary science as a critical window for long-term health — yet new global research suggests many pet owners find it difficult to engage with this moment or they actively avoid it.
A new global study commissioned by Royal Canin reveals that over a third of dog and cat owners surveyed (38%) believe nothing can be done about pet ageing, while two thirds (66%) feel upset at the thought of their pet getting older and over half (55%) avoid thinking or talking about their pet getting older because the topic feels too sad.
At the same time, pet owners surveyed are deeply engaged in celebrating their pets’ lives — 74% buy gifts for milestones like birthdays, over half (52%) celebrate them each year, and nearly a third (30%) say they spend more on birthday gifts for their pet than their children.
Despite this strong emotional connection to their pets, many owners may be missing a critical opportunity to support their pet’s future health in addition to celebrating their age. Just over two in five owners surveyed (44%) say they only think about ageing once health issues begin, indicating that there may be a lack of awareness around when to act.
Veterinary experts say this matters, particularly as this large generation of “pandemic pets” reaches midlife — typically around 6 to 7 years of age – when early biological changes associated with ageing begin to develop at cellular levels, often before visible signs appear.
A generation of “pandemic pets” reaches a defining moment, with thousands of owners taking notice on TikTok
Following a surge in global pet ownership during the pandemic, this cohort of pets is now beginning to enter midlife, creating a moment to improve the healthspan of a generation of pets. The shift is also playing out culturally, with viral TikTok posts celebrating “pandemic pets” now turning six.
While pets at this life stage often appear healthy and active, new scientific research presented at the Royal Canin Veterinary Symposium 2026 shows that ageing is a gradual biological process that begins earlier than many expect. Subtle physiological changes – for example changes in energy levels in cats or reduced mobility in dogs – can occur well before visible signs appear, meaning this period offers an important window to support long-term wellbeing.
However, this early stage can be easy to overlook. Nearly a third (31%) of owners surveyed say they delay taking early action because their pet “seems fine,” highlighting an opportunity to shift towards a more proactive care approach.
Ageing is not fixed — and earlier action can make a difference for pets
While ageing itself is inevitable, how pets age is increasingly understood to be influenced by factors such as nutrition, regulation of body weight, exercise, and regular monitoring with early intervention.
Scientific insights presented at the Royal Canin Vet Symposium 2026 highlight the concept of “healthspan” – the period of a pet’s life spent in good health before the onset of age-related chronic clinical diseases and disability. Supporting pets during midlife can play an important role in maintaining health, vitality and overall wellbeing in later years.
Yet misconceptions remain. Over a third (38%) of owners surveyed believe nothing can be done about ageing, and one in four (25%) are unaware of how certain health risks, such as diabetes, can increase as pets grow older.
Dr. Tanya Schoeman, veterinary specialist physician and Royal Canin feline health specialist, said, “We now understand that our pet’s ageing begins much earlier than many of us expect, often during midlife when cats and dogs still seem healthy and full of energy. This stage offers a valuable opportunity to take simple, proactive steps that can support long-term wellbeing.
“As both a veterinarian and a pet owner, I see how easy it is to focus on the present when our pets appear well and the thought of them ageing can be distressing. But by starting conversations and health checks earlier and paying attention to small changes, we can help support not just longer lives, but healthier and better quality of life for our pets as they grow older.”
“Simple steps can make a meaningful difference, including maintaining regular veterinary check-ups, proactively discussing healthy ageing with your vet, and paying attention to subtle changes in behavior, mobility or energy levels.”
As a generation of pandemic pets reaches midlife, these insights show ageing isn’t something to fear – but an opportunity for pet owners to take small, proactive actions that can help keep our beloved pets in their prime for longer.
