Independent parcel carrier Yodel has reported that pet food deliveries have more than doubled since 2018, as UK consumers turn to online deliveries as a more convenient way to care for pets.

The increase in pet ownership across the UK during the pandemic has been a driver in the growth of pet food deliveries, with more than three million households taking on a new pet since lockdown began in 2020.

Yodel said the biggest rise was in London, where pet food deliveries were up by 277% since 2018. It reported that this was closely followed by the West and Midlands regions, which both increased by 227%.

Carl Moore, chief operating officer at Yodel, said: “With millions of new furry friends on the scene and Covid restrictions over, people are looking for the most convenient way to give their companions the best nutrition and care. Online shopping, particularly with subscription services, gives people one less thing to worry about and means no more hauling big bags of pet food back from the shops.

“Growth in the pet food sector is representative of an overall shift in consumer behaviour towards online delivery, with many now using our services for products which they may not have in the past. This shift also demonstrates our ability to deliver parcels of different shapes and sizes, across a wide range of sectors.”