The global pet sitting market is set for significant growth, according to a recent report by Coherent Market Insights (CMI).
The market, valued at $2.41 billion in 2024, is projected to more than double to $5.35 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% over the forecast period. This increase is driven by growing demand for professional pet care services, particularly when pet owners are away on business or holidays.
Pet sitting services provide pet owners peace of mind, offering in-home care for their animals. Daily visits by sitters ensure pets are well-fed, walked, and given attention while their owners are absent. This level of care, combined with the convenience of pet sitters visiting pets in their home environment, has contributed significantly to the industry’s rapid expansion.
Market Dynamics and Key Drivers
One of the primary factors driving the growth of the pet sitting market is the rise in pet ownership, alongside the increasing humanisation of pets. According to the American Pet Products Association, over 70 million households in the U.S. own at least one pet, with many pet owners viewing their animals as part of the family. The benefits of pet ownership on mental and physical health are widely recognised, but owners face challenges when it comes to caring for their pets while travelling or during extended absences. This has fuelled the demand for professional pet sitters who provide in-home care.
Additionally, the rise of nuclear families and dual-income households has left many pet owners with limited time to care for their pets. As a result, there is a growing reliance on pet sitting services to ensure pets receive proper attention when owners are away. This shift in lifestyle and responsibilities has contributed to the market’s steady growth.
Emerging Trends in Pet Sitting
Technological advancements have also played a role in transforming the pet sitting industry. Online platforms and mobile applications have made it easier for pet owners to connect with local pet sitters and manage their pet’s care. Companies such as Rover.com have developed platforms that allow users to book services such as pet walking, feeding, and drop-in visits, bringing convenience and transparency to the process.
Mobile apps, like the one offered by Wag!, provide pet owners with real-time updates on their pets’ activities, track sitters’ locations, and even facilitate payments. These tech-enabled services are particularly popular among millennial pet owners, who are often frequent travellers and value the added security and ease of use. The integration of technology into pet care is expected to further drive the market as more owners seek out flexible, on-demand services.
Opportunities in the Pet Sitting Market
Among the various services offered by the pet sitting industry, care visits are a dominant segment, accounting for approximately 60% of the market. Care visits involve daily visits from pet sitters to feed, walk, and play with pets, ensuring their routine remains consistent in the owner’s absence. These regular visits are especially beneficial for pets that experience anxiety or stress when left alone for extended periods. As more people own pets and travel for work or leisure, the demand for reliable care visits is expected to rise steadily.
Another growing segment in the market is drop-in visits. These short, pre-scheduled check-ins provide pet owners with a convenient and cost-effective option for shorter absences. As busy lifestyles and short trips become more common, the flexibility offered by drop-in visits makes them an attractive option for many pet owners.
Growth Projections and Market Leaders
The pet sitting market is expected to maintain a strong growth trajectory with a 12.1% CAGR between 2024 and 2031. The dog segment is projected to hold a dominant share of the market, accounting for approximately 65% of the total revenue. This is largely due to the popularity of dogs as pets and their regular need for attention and care when left alone.
Regionally, North America is set to lead the market, with the U.S. alone accounting for over 45% of the global market share. The region’s high levels of pet spending and strong demand for professional pet care services are key factors contributing to its dominance. As pet ownership continues to rise in North America, the market for pet sitting services is expected to expand further.
Several major players are active in the global pet sitting market, including A Place for Rover, Inc., Pets at Home, Inc., and Wag! Group Co. The industry is also expected to undergo significant consolidation in the coming years, as larger companies seek to enhance their market share through mergers and acquisitions.
