The global pet sitting market size was valued at USD 2.86 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 6.49 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.56% during the forecast period (2024–2032).
In recent years, the growth of the global pet sitting market can be attributed to several factors, including an increase in pet ownership, rising spending on animal welfare services, and growing disposable income levels, particularly in developing countries. Furthermore, technological advancements and innovations in pet sitting services are estimated to create opportunities for global market growth.
Pet sitting involves caring for pets in their own home environment or in a designated facility when their owners are away. This service is crucial for pet owners who need temporary care for their animals due to travel, work commitments, or other reasons. Pet sitters ensure the well-being of pets by providing essential services such as feeding, walking, administering medication, and offering companionship.
They may also perform additional tasks like watering plants, bringing in the mail, or maintaining home security, depending on the agreement with the pet owner. Pet sitting can range from short-term visits to extended stays tailored to meet the specific needs and routines of each pet. It provides peace of mind to owners knowing their pets are in capable hands, and allows pets to remain in a familiar environment, minimizing stress and ensuring their comfort and happiness during their owner's absence.
The surge in pet ownership worldwide has significantly driven the pet sitting market. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 67% of U.S. households own a pet, up from 56% in 1988. This trend is not limited to the United States; Europe and Asia are also witnessing a rise in pet ownership. As pets are increasingly viewed as family members, the demand for high-quality pet care services, including pet sitting, is escalating.
Owners seek reliable care options for their pets when they are away, leading to a burgeoning market for professional pet sitters. The humanization of pets further fuels this demand, as pet owners are willing to invest more in services that ensure their pets' well-being and happiness. The pet sitting market benefits from this trend as it offers personalized care that resonates with the emotional needs of pet owners. This emotional attachment and the subsequent willingness to spend on pet services are key factors propelling the growth of the pet sitting industry.
One of the primary restraints in the pet sitting market is the high cost associated with professional pet sitting services. While many pet owners desire quality care for their pets, the cost can be prohibitive for some, particularly in lower-income households. The average cost of pet sitting services in the U.S. ranges from $20 to $40 per visit, which can add up significantly over time. This financial barrier limits the market's potential customer base. Additionally, accessibility to reliable pet sitting services can be an issue, especially in rural or less densely populated areas.
Unlike urban centers, where there is a higher concentration of pet sitting businesses, rural areas may lack sufficient professional services. This geographic disparity further constrains market growth. Another factor is the varying quality of services provided by pet sitters. Without standardized regulations and certifications, the reliability and trustworthiness of pet sitters can vary widely, leading to hesitancy among pet owners. These challenges highlight the need for affordable and accessible pet sitting solutions to overcome market restraints and support sustained growth.
The integration of technology in pet sitting services presents a significant opportunity for market expansion. Innovative platforms and applications that connect pet owners with professional sitters are revolutionizing the industry. Companies like Rover and Wag! have developed user-friendly apps that allow pet owners to book and manage pet sitting services easily. These platforms also provide features like real-time updates, GPS tracking, and photo sharing, enhancing transparency and trust. Furthermore, advancements in smart home technology, such as pet cameras and automated feeders, complement pet sitting services by allowing owners to monitor their pets remotely.
The growing adoption of such technologies offers pet owners convenience and peace of mind, encouraging more people to opt for professional pet sitting services. Moreover, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to personalize pet care plans and predict pet behavior is an emerging trend. These technological innovations are creating a more efficient and reliable pet sitting market, addressing previous concerns about cost and accessibility, and opening new avenues for growth and development in the industry.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 9.56% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 2.86 billion |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 6.49 billion |
| Largest Market | North America | Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
Based on region, the global market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
North America dominates the global pet sitting market, primarily due to high pet ownership rates and a well-established pet care industry. The United States leads this trend, with 67% of households owning a pet, as reported by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This high ownership rate is fueled by the increasing humanization of pets, where pets are seen as family members, driving the demand for high-quality pet care services, including pet sitting. The market is further supported by the robust infrastructure of pet care businesses, including veterinary services, pet grooming, and pet training facilities, which complement pet sitting services. Additionally, the presence of large pet care companies, such as Rover and Wag!, also contributes to market growth by providing platforms that connect pet owners with professional pet sitters easily and efficiently. These platforms offer features like real-time updates, GPS tracking, and photo sharing, enhancing transparency and trust between pet owners and sitters.
Furthermore, the high disposable income levels in North America allow pet owners to invest more in premium pet care services. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Americans spent over $103.6 billion on their pets in 2020, with a significant portion allocated to pet services, including pet sitting. Additionally, the region's cultural acceptance of pet-friendly policies in workplaces and public spaces further drives the demand for pet sitting services. Canada also contributes to the regional market growth, with a surging trend in pet ownership and a growing number of professional pet care services. The combination of these factors makes North America a key player in the global pet sitting market, with substantial growth opportunities and a supportive ecosystem for pet care businesses.
The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing significant growth in the pet sitting market, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and changing lifestyles. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are leading this trend. In China, the rise of the middle class and the one-child policy have contributed to a surge in pet ownership as families seek companionship. According to the China Pet Industry White Paper, the pet industry in China was valued at over $30 billion in 2020, with a notable increase in pet services, including pet sitting.
Japan and South Korea also exhibit strong market potential owing to the aging population and the increasing number of single-person households, which often adopt pets for companionship. In Australia, a significant percentage of households own pets, fostering a robust demand for pet sitting services, particularly in urban areas where pet owners often have busy lifestyles. Moreover, the growing trend of pet humanization in the Asia-Pacific region, coupled with rising awareness about pet health and wellness, is fueling the demand for professional pet care services. The expansion of digital platforms and mobile applications for pet sitting further supports market growth, making it easier for pet owners to access and book services.
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The global market is bifurcated into pet type and application.
Based on pet type, the market is segmented into dogs, cats, and others.
Dogs segment dominated the market during the forecast period. There are several reasons why dogs dominate the pet-sitting market. For starters, dogs are the most popular pets in the world, with many households owning at least one. This high ownership rate results in a higher demand for dog-sitting services. Second, dogs require more attention and care than other pets, such as cats, due to their active nature and the need for regular exercise. Pet owners frequently use pet-sitting services to assure that their dogs receive the necessary care and attention while they are away. Third, dog owners frequently regard their pets as family members, which increases their willingness to invest in their care and well-being. Pet sitting services for dogs frequently include grooming, training, and playtime, which adds to their popularity.
Based on application, the market is segmented into drop-in visits and care visits.
Care visits held the largest pet sitting market share over the forecast period, owing to their comprehensive nature and personalized care for pets. Care visits involve pet sitters spending extended periods of time with the pets, providing feeding, exercise, companionship, and any other care that is tailored to each pet's specific needs. Pet owners value this type of service because it provides dedicated and attentive care for their furry companions, especially when they are away for an extended period of time. Care visits have established themselves as a preferred option for pet owners who value their pets' well-being and seek a higher level of service. Pet owners frequently choose care visits to ensure that their pets receive personalized attention and care in the comfort of their own homes, reducing stress and anxiety for the animals. This personalized approach appeals to pet owners who consider their pets to be family members and want them to be well-cared for while they are away.
COVID-19 has positive and negative market consequences, as carbon emissions have decreased globally due to the lockout. COVID-19's reduction in emissions is a short-term benefit. Still, when industries and enterprises attempt to recoup some of their financial losses in the first quarter of the year, carbon emissions will rise dramatically. COVID-19 had a negative impact on global recycling efforts. Countries, notably the United States, have halted or decreased recycling programs to focus on collecting additional domestic waste or because services have been disrupted by the virus.
Also, with industries slowly returning to normalcy following the COVID-19 outbreak, this shift in workplace health and safety is expected to increase due to mandatory social distancing and continuous personal care through sanitization to eliminate even the tiniest possibility of COVID-19 spread. COVID-19 has impacted various companies' revenues, and if the lockdown is lifted, companies will turn their attention to operations to make up for their losses.
