Pet Sitting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Pet Type (Dogs, Cats), By Service Type (Care Visits, Drop-in Visits), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Pet Sitting Market Size & Trends

The global pet sitting market size was estimated at USD 2.69 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% from 2025 to 2030. Factors such as rising pet humanization, rising pet expenditures, growing pet service options, and growing adoption of subscription-based pet services are the main drivers responsible for market growth. According to a 2024 survey by Pet Sitters International (PSI), their members provide services for a variety of pets: cats (97%), dogs (93%), birds (68%), freshwater fish (64%), reptiles (55%), etc. Moreover, according to the American Pet Products Association, Inc., pet parents spent an estimated USD 38.3 billion on vet care and product sales in 2023. This number is notably greater than the USD 35.9 billion vet care & product sales estimated in 2022.

The pet sitting market suffered greatly due to the onset of COVID-19, as a result of the temporary halting of all of the nonessential services, such as pet care, pet grooming, pet sitting, and pet travel, and limitations on pet care service providers, due to the social distancing norms. For instance, a prominent player in the pet sitting market, A Place for Rover, Inc., had to lay off 41% of its workforce due to financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wag! Group, another leading company, reported a staggering 63% booking decline in 2020 due to the lockdown. However, pet sitting companies experienced a favorable growth shift in the post-pandemic situation.

The rising expansion of pet service offerings is a key market driver. Owing to the younger demographic's increasing ownership of pets and the trend of pet humanization, the rate of pet adoption has been steadily rising. Furthermore, customers' growing disposable income has increased their purchasing power, enabling them to spend more on the welfare of their dogs. These factors have increased the demand for pet services and prompted the emergence of new companies offering boarding, grooming, pet sitting, and photography services.

Pet services like boarding, grooming, and pet sitting are in high demand due to the rise in pet ownership, pet humanization, and purchasing power. Since most pet owners travel with their animals and a sizable percentage of hotels now accept pets, the pet sitting industry has significantly grown as owners are seeking dependable care for their animals while they are away. The figures, according to May 2023 data published by Texas Hotel & Lodging Association, reveal that 75% of the nation's hotels are pet-friendly and provide both accommodation care and services for pets. Additionally, it is estimated that roughly 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

Pet sitting companies may focus on specific markets or regions, which lessens direct competition and encourages collaboration between service providers; however, as the industry grows and becomes more consolidated, there may be more competition, which would compel pet sitting businesses to gain a competitive edge through innovation, specialization, and strategic alliances. The pet sitting market exhibits a low market concentration; pet care preferences vary substantially and, because the market is fragmented, there is a very little rivalry between companies in the pet sitting industry, despite the big risk of substitutes.

In terms of growth stage, the market is positioned at a medium level, characterized by consistent but significant expansion. Factors such as the growing trend of treating pets as integral family members, rising adoption of pet sitting services, and increasing awareness among pet owners fuel the market growth. Pet owners now have more options to choose from, making it easier to find suitable care for their pets. For instance, according to the Trusted Housesitters website, there are 260 house & pet sitters listed from Denmark. These numbers represent individuals rather than companies specifically focused on pet sitting services. The presence of a significant number of individual pet sitters in Denmark represents a thriving and dynamic pet sitting sector, characterized by customized care, community engagement, and different possibilities for pet owners.

The market demonstrates a moderate degree of innovation, characterized by ongoing collaboration between market players, and supportive initiatives. For instance, in December 2023, Eight new Joint Venture Partners (JVPs) have joined Vets for Pets (Pets at Home) since 2023. This enables veterinarians, Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs), and practice managers to manage their own practices while taking advantage of Vets for Pets' assistance & direction. Moreover, certain businesses provide advanced dog training services that enhance a dog's abilities by teaching tricks and enrolling in agility classes.

The market is witnessing a moderate level of mergers and acquisitions activity, indicative of ongoing consolidation and strategic partnerships among industry players. These transactions are often driven by the desire to expand market reach, access new technologies or expertise, and achieve economies of scale. In January 2023, for instance, Wag! Group Co. acquired Dog Food Advisor's assets from Clicks and Traffic LLC with the intention of expanding Wag!'s presence in the pet market for foods and treats.

The market experiences a low to moderate impact of regulations. Different regions have different laws regarding animal welfare, which presents opportunities as well as challenges for pet sitting companies. Compliance with laws such as the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) in the U.S. is essential to guarantee the moral treatment and welfare of the animals in their care. Respecting these guidelines protects the credibility and reputation of pet sitting companies in addition to ethical values. To guarantee complete compliance and reduce legal risks, it is necessary to carefully monitor and comprehend the intricacies of regulations in various jurisdictions.

The risk of substitutes is expected to be moderate to high. The market for pet sitting is highly vulnerable to competition from other services, such as boarding facilities, private pet sitters, or entrusting friends and family with pet care. Traditional pet sitting businesses face competition from pet owners who choose alternatives based on personal relationships, cost, or convenience. For instance, Pet grooming at A Place for Rover, Inc. is approximately USD 70 per night, whereas Swifto Inc. charges approximately USD 110 per night. The risk of substitutes increases as a result of these cost variations. Pet sitting companies need to set themselves apart from competitors by providing distinctive value propositions, customized services, and top-notch care that are difficult for competitors to match to lessen the threat of substitutes.

In January 2023, Fetch! Pet Care announced new franchise opportunities to expand across the U.S. apart from the current 130 locations. Major companies are putting similar efforts to grow by expanding regional operations in the market.

Service Type Insights

The care visits segment dominated the market in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% over the forecast period. The segment growth is attributed to mainly pet owners who opt for pet sitting when they are unavailable to care for the pet for a long period. In these cases, the owner expects and needs a trained individual who can care for the pet. Based on the type of pets and their nature, some require attention for much longer durations. Generally, these care visits last for a few hours. A typical shift lasts approximately 9 to 10 hours, while an extended shift can last up to 12 hours. One visit per day is typically scheduled in these care visits. In addition, in care visits, the pet sitter has a lot of bonding time with a pet, which can lead to the pet feeling secure with its new caretaker.

The drop-in visits segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Typically, a drop-in visit last for around 30 minutes. The pet sitter comes & feeds, gives medications, lets the pet go to the bathroom, plays with them, etc., during this visit. Pets like reptiles, fish, rodents, birds, etc., may not always need a pet sitter for a long period. However, they may need someone to check on them once or twice a day to take care of the feed, water, etc. These drop-in visits are generally done for pets that have low separation anxiety, require specialized/end-of-life care, and are uncomfortable in pet boarding places, among other factors.

Pet Type Insights

The dogs segment dominated the pet sitting market in 2024 with the largest share of 82.9%. This is because dogs are generally the most preferred type of pets owing to various reasons. According to a September 2023 Petfood Industry study, 25% of all the households in Europe own a dog. Another 2022 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that approximately 44.6% of the households in the U.S. own a dog. All these factors are leading to the rising popularity of specialized pet sitters. Individuals are increasingly opting for training to become dog sitters. These individuals are trained to handle every aspect of a dog’s behavior without any roadblocks. All these drivers combined have led to the dog segment with the highest share in the market.

Cats segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030. In the last few years, the popularity of cats has skyrocketed globally. According to an article published in February 2024 Business News Network (BNN), the cat population across Europe increased from 113 million to 127 million from 2021 to 2022. This rise reflects a major alteration in lifestyle and society in general. Cats are independent in nature and generally have lower maintenance requirements compared to dogs. They can easily align with changes in the living conditions of many Europeans. Germany and France are considered canine-centric nations but are now leading the region in cat ownership.

Regional Insights

North America pet sitting market held the largest share of 37.0% of the global market in 2024. The region is expected to continue its steady expansion, maintaining its dominant position over the forecast period. This growth is driven by factors such as increased pet ownership, higher spending on pets, and growing concerns for pet health and wellbeing. A report from Rover in March 2022, titled the 'True Cost of Pet Parenthood', highlighted a rising willingness among pet owners to invest in their pets. This shift is reflected in purchasing behaviors, with pet parents increasingly prioritizing pet care and prefer products and services that resonate with their values.

U.S. Pet Sitting Market Trends

Increasing collaboration among pet care service providers in the U.S. drives the pet sitting market by improving service offerings, enhancing convenience for pet owners, expanding reach & customer base, achieving cost savings, improving quality, and gaining a competitive edge in the market. For instance, in February 2022, Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. partnered with Rover.com to offer pet sitting, boarding, and dog walking services to Petco customers. This collaboration enhances Petco's comprehensive ecosystem of pet care offerings by enabling customers to easily access Rover's services for their dogs & cats directly through the petco.com platform.

Europe Pet Sitting Market Trends

Pet sitting market in Europe is witnessing growth & expansion due to several factors, such as a surge in pet ownership, the trend of humanizing pets, and the emergence of specialized & personalized services. Technological advancements, such as the incorporation of technology into pet sitting services, improved safety protocols, and the availability of insurance coverage, also contribute to market growth. The market is highly fragmented, with numerous individual pet sitters and established pet sitting businesses.

Germany pet sitting market isexperiencing a steady increase in pet ownership over the years, with more than 58% of households adopting pets such as dogs, cats, and small mammals. This rise in pet ownership directly correlates with the demand for pet sitting services, as pet owners seek reliable care for their animals while they are away.

Asia Pacific Pet Sitting Market Trends

Asia Pacific pet sitting market is expected to register the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by factors such as increased pet adoption, rising disposable incomes in countries like China & India, and a growing number of pet sitters. India is anticipated to grow at a significant rate within the APAC region due to rising pet ownership and higher spending on pets, subsequently boosting the demand for pet care services, including pet sitting.

Pet sitting market in India is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR of 16.43% in the pet sitting market. The pet industry in India is experiencing substantial growth, driven by factors such as the increasing trend of pet humanization & rising pet ownership. Pet parents are willing to invest significantly in premium care for their pets, including pet sitting services, with the market showing a 20% growth in the past decade. Despite challenges such as lack of awareness and regulatory hurdles, the Indian pet care market is expected to continue expanding, offering significant opportunities for pet sitting businesses to meet the growing demand for high-quality pet care services. For instance, in September 2023, Patmypets, an Indian platform, revolutionized the pet care industry by offering comprehensive and affordable grooming, training, and boarding services, aiming to meet the needs of pet owners across major cities.

Latin America Pet Sitting Market Trends

The Latin American pet sitting market is experiencing steady growth, fueled by increasing pet populations, and the humanization of pets. Brazil is the largest pet care market in the region, accounting for well over USD 2 billion. Dogs are the most popular pets in Latin America, with Brazil ranking second in terms of dog population.

The Brazil pet sitting market is expected to grow, with many pet owners preferring premium products & services, especially for dogs and cats. The country has a strong pet population of around 60 million dogs and 38 million cats, and pet humanization, coupled with the continuance of premiumization, is driving demand for high-quality pet care services. Emerging startups like DOGERO Online Agency for Services for Pets Ltd., based in Brazil, offer a variety of pet services, including pet sitting.

Middle East & Africa Pet Sitting Market Trends

The market for pet sitting throughout the Middle East and Africa is dynamic. The key drivers of the MEA pet sitting market include rising pet ownership, changing lifestyles, increased travel and tourism, pet humanization, the rise of digital platforms, and awareness of pet welfare issues. There is a growing trend of pet humanization in the MEA region, where pets are increasingly considered members of the family. Pet owners are willing to invest in premium services, including pet sitting, to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of their pets, driving demand for high-quality pet care services.

South Africa pet sitting market growth has accelerated rapidly post-pandemic. With the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic, pet owners increasingly require reliable care for their animals, especially as they return to offices & resume pre pandemic routines.

Key Pet Sitting Company Insights

The market is fairly competitive owing to the presence of a large number of small-scale service providers in various countries competing with established service providers. Players in this market are constantly involved in various strategic initiatives, such as regional expansion, mergers & acquisitions, and new service launches, to gain a higher market share. For instance, in November 2023, Dogtopia Enterprises established its 250th dog daycare center, exceeding 500 total registered franchise agreements in the United States. 

Recent Developments

• In November 2023, a definitive agreement was signed by Rover Group, Inc. to be acquired by Blackstone in a deal estimated to be worth USD 2.3 billion, exclusively in cash.

• In September 2022, PetSmart launched a line of couches, beds, stands, and other furniture that is especially made for the comfort and requirements of pets and their pet owners in partnership with interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent.

• In May 2022, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants partnered with Wag!, offering on-property & at-home walks and drop-ins for guests staying in their hotels across the U.S.

Pet Sitting Market Report Scope

Global Pet Sitting Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global pet sitting market report based on pet type, service type, and region.

• Pet Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Dogs

  • Cats

  • Others

• Service Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Care Visits

  • Drop-in Visits

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Netherlands

    • Poland

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • India

    • China

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait