Pet Sitting Market Boom: US$ 6.4 Billion by 2032

Introduction

The Global Pet Sitting Market is forecasted to grow significantly, expanding from US$ 2.4 billion in 2022 to an estimated US$ 6.4 billion by 2032, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.50%. This surge is underpinned by several pivotal trends and market dynamics that are shaping consumer behaviors and lifestyles.

A notable increase in pet ownership globally serves as a fundamental driver of the pet sitting market. The rising number of pets has led to increased expenditure on pet care services, including professional sitting. Additionally, lifestyle shifts, such as higher travel frequency and returning to office-based work post-pandemic, have bolstered the demand for reliable pet sitting services that align with busy schedules.

The market is experiencing diversification in service offerings, extending beyond traditional sitting to include pet transportation, grooming, and specialized care for a variety of animals. This expansion caters to a broader spectrum of needs and enhances consumer convenience and satisfaction. Furthermore, the integration of technology and enhanced safety protocols, such as contactless services and digital payment options, are making pet sitting services more accessible and appealing.

Professionalization within the industry is also evident, with pet sitters achieving significant financial success, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This growth is supported by resources and networks provided by organizations such as Pet Sitters International, which aid in elevating the professionalism and skills of pet sitters. Moreover, targeted services that cater to specific pet and owner needs are distinguishing offerings in a competitive market, enabling providers to capture niche segments.

Recent developments include PetBacker’s update to their mobile app in September 2024, designed to improve user interaction and streamline the booking process. In April 2024, Swifto raised $2.5 million to further enhance technological integration within their services. Additionally, Pets at Home acquired The Vet Connection in November 2023, expanding their digital capabilities to include remote veterinary consultations, which significantly enhances their service portfolio. These strategic moves highlight the sector’s adaptability and drive for innovation, reinforcing a robust growth trajectory for the pet sitting industry.

Key Takeaways

• The pet sitting market is set to grow from $2.4 billion in 2022 to $6.4 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.50%.
• Dogs are the leading pet type, capturing 54.2% of the market in 2022, due to their high popularity and diverse service needs.
• The cat segment remains robust, presenting substantial opportunities through their role as companions.
• Care visits are the most popular service type, holding a 58.2% share in 2022, due to their thoroughness.
• Drop-in visits are the fastest-growing service, appreciated for their affordability and convenience.
• Dog walking is the most demanded application, indicating a strong need for regular and engaging pet activities.
• Increased pet ownership and the humanization of pets are key drivers expanding the demand for pet sitting services.
• The cost of high-quality services poses a challenge, potentially restricting access for lower-income pet owners.
• The rise in zoonotic diseases offers new growth avenues in professional pet care.
• North America leads the market with a 38.5% share, driven by high rates of pet ownership and greater awareness of pet care needs.

Pet Sitting Statistics

• In the USA, $89 billion was spent on pets during 2023.
• Pet food sales in the USA rose by 16% in 2023.
• Among generations, millennials lead in pet ownership, with 33% owning pets.
• The pet-sitting industry was valued at $1.94 billion in 2021, with expectations for growth.
• In 2023, 2.2 million dogs and 2.6 million cats were adopted from shelters.
• Post-pandemic, millennials and Generation Z are expected to drive pet market growth by up to 14% by 2030.
• A 4.6% growth in the global natural pet food market is projected from 2023 to 2033.
• Around 42% of pet owners prefer spending more on premium pet foods.
• Purchases of raw dog food have surged by 147% over the past five years.
• Approximately 40% of pet owners purchase pet food and treats online.
• A dog grooming session costs between $70 and $80 on average.
• In 2022, 48% of pet owners used CBD oil in their pets’ edible treats.
• Sales of pet supplements hit $2.49 billion in 2023.
• The pet grooming product market is expected to reach $14.5 billion by 2025.
• Of the 3.1 million insured pets in the US, 83% are dogs and 17% are cats.
• From 2022 to 2025, the pet accessories market is poised to expand by $9.2 billion.
• Over 50% of pet owners are inclined to invest in eco-friendly pet products.
• The pet technology market anticipates a 22% annual growth rate from 2022 to 2027.
• Americans spent $490 million on Halloween costumes for their pets in a recent year.
• On average, dog owners spend $228 and cat owners spend $78 annually on boarding.
• The “drop in” care segment dominates pet sitting, making up 57.25% of industry revenue.
• In 2021, U.S. pet owners spent a total of $123.6 billion on pet care.
• The average annual revenue for U.S. pet care business owners was $68,699 in 2021.
• The U.S. boasts over 160,000 pet care and doggy daycare businesses.
• Around 40% of pet daycare users are aged between 30 and 49.
• Colorado law requires one supervisor for every 15 dogs in dog daycares.
• Nearly all pet-sitting businesses (99%) operate independently.
• Over two-thirds of pet sitters have been in the business for more than 5 years.
• In 2021, registered pet sitters made over 12 million home visits.
• 78% of cat owners employ services to care for their cats when away.
• 22% of cat owners choose friends or family to care for their cats.
• Seventy percent of U.S. households have at least one pet.
• The typical duration for a basic pet care visit in the U.S. is about 29.6 minutes.
• Ninety-five percent of registered U.S. pet sitters provide care for dogs.
• Seventy-three percent of pet owners use cameras to check on their pets while on vacation.
• Dogs account for 6% of the total revenue in the pet care industry.

Pet Daycare & Boarding Industry Statistics

• In the US, nearly 80 million dogs are owned across approximately 50 million households.
• About 60 million cats reside in 32 million US households.
• US households also own around 1 million other types of pets.
• The global pet boarding market is valued at $20 billion, projected to reach $36 billion by 2031.
• Annually, the US pet daycare market generates approximately $3.7 billion.
• During the pandemic, pet sitters experienced a business decline exceeding 50%.
• The average cost for doggy daycare in the US is $35 per day.
• Overnight dog boarding in the US averages $40 per night.
• Over 20,000 petcare facilities operate across the US.
• The US is home to about 35,000 pet sitters.
• There are around 9,000 boarding kennels in the US and Canada.
• Daycare services make up 40% of the pet-sitting market.
• Approximately 22% of pet owners utilize dog walking services, while 27% opt for daycare.
• Most pet-sitting services cater primarily to cats and dogs.
• The pet daycare market is expected to grow by 8% annually until 2032.
• Over three-quarters of professional pet sitters anticipate a business increase over the next year.
• Post-pandemic, 64% of pet owners intend to spend more time with their pets.

Pet Industry Data For India

• India is home to around 30 million pet dogs.
• Over 9 million stray cats roam freely across India.
• The nation has approximately 5.5 million domestic pet cats.
• The pet care market in India holds a value of about $900 million.
• By 2024, the Indian pet food market is projected to approach $650 million.
• Mars International leads as the top pet food company in India.
• Purchases of pet accessories constitute 20% of the industry’s total.
• Annually, about 500 million kilograms of pet food are sold.
• A significant 80% of pet food sales occur through offline channels.
• Pet dog numbers in India might increase to 43 million by 2026.
• An annual growth rate of 19% is anticipated for the industry over the next decade.
• By 2025, the pet services sector is expected to value $0.5 billion.

Emerging Trends

• Automation and Digitalization: The pet sitting industry is embracing technological advancements, leading to more automated operations. This trend streamlines various processes such as onboarding, scheduling, and billing, enhancing overall customer experience. Automation not only simplifies the management aspects of pet sitting but also allows for more efficient communication between pet owners and service providers. As a result, it is setting a new standard in the industry for convenience and efficiency.
• Personalized Services: Customization is becoming a cornerstone of pet sitting. Service providers are increasingly offering personalized care tailored to the unique needs of each pet, including specialized diet plans and health care routines. Additionally, luxury services such as pet spa treatments are becoming more popular, reflecting a broader trend of treating pets as valued family members and focusing on their overall well-being.
• Technology Integration: The integration of smart home devices and IoT technology is transforming the pet sitting industry. These technologies enable pet sitters to provide real-time updates and interactive experiences to pet owners, greatly enhancing the transparency and trust in these services. This technological shift not only improves the quality of care provided to pets but also reassures owners about the safety and happiness of their pets while they are away.
• Eco-friendly Practices: There is a growing emphasis on sustainability within the pet sitting industry. More businesses are adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable waste products and promoting operations that minimize environmental impact. This shift not only appeals to environmentally conscious consumers but also aligns with a broader societal move towards sustainability.
• Health and Wellness Focus: A significant trend in the pet sitting industry is the increased focus on the health and wellness of pets. Services now often include activities that support both physical fitness and mental stimulation. This holistic approach to pet care is gaining popularity as more owners become aware of the importance of maintaining both the physical health and mental well-being of their pets.
• Niche Markets and Specialized Care: The industry is seeing a rise in specialized services catering to niche markets, including care for senior pets or those with specific health needs. This specialization enables pet sitters to offer more detailed and attentive care, meeting the growing demand for such services and helping them stand out in a competitive market.

Use Cases

• Emergency and Short-notice Services: Modern technology facilitates on-demand pet sitting services, providing pet owners with immediate solutions when unforeseen circumstances arise. Platforms leverage technology to connect owners with sitters quickly, ensuring that even last-minute needs are met with reliability and efficiency. This trend underscores the growing demand for accessible and flexible pet care options, reflecting a shift towards more agile and user-friendly services in the pet industry.
• Virtual Pet Sitting: The advent of technology has introduced virtual pet sitting, where sitters engage with pets remotely via video calls. This service provides pets with companionship and oversight without the sitter’s physical presence, catering to the digital lifestyle of modern pet owners. It reflects the innovative use of technology to maintain and enhance animal welfare, making pet care more adaptable to various living situations and schedules.
• Community and Referral Networks: Pet sitters increasingly collaborate with local businesses such as veterinary clinics and pet shops to expand their services and establish a trusted network. This strategy not only broadens the sitter’s customer base but also integrates a sense of community among service providers. Such networks enhance the reliability and reputation of sitters, illustrating a proactive approach to business growth and customer satisfaction in the pet care sector.
• Integration with Pet Health Technology: Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in pet sitting practices marks a significant evolution in pet care. These technologies are employed to monitor pets’ health metrics and anticipate medical needs, ensuring timely preventive measures. This use of advanced technology emphasizes a proactive approach to pet health, aligning with the increasing consumer priority on the well-being and longevity of their pets.
• Advanced Security Measures: With the integration of sophisticated technology in pet sitting, sitters and services now incorporate advanced security measures such as surveillance cameras and automated systems. These tools enhance the safety and security of pets during sitting engagements, providing peace of mind to owners and ensuring a secure environment. This trend highlights the sector’s commitment to combining care with cutting-edge technology to foster a safe and trustworthy service environment.

Conclusion

The global pet sitting market is poised for substantial growth, driven by a notable increase in pet ownership and changes in consumer lifestyles that demand convenient and professional pet care services. Enhanced service offerings that include grooming, transportation, and specialized care, coupled with technological advancements, have made pet sitting more accessible and appealing. Additionally, the industry’s move towards professionalization and the provision of tailored services cater to a wide range of consumer needs, fostering a competitive and innovative market landscape. As the market continues to evolve, it is expected to offer robust opportunities for both existing and new market entrants, making it a vibrant and dynamic sector within the broader pet care industry.

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