Pet Care Services

The 23,700 pet care services firms in the US provide pet boarding, grooming, sitting, and training, but exclude veterinary services. Firms may specialize in a particular area, such as pet waste removal or dog walking, or offer a range of services. The industry consists primarily of franchises and independent operators. Some large veterinary services chains and pet supply retailers also offer pet care services.

Competition From Alternative Providers

Pet care service providers face competition from a variety of sources, including veterinarians, pet supply retailers, and providers closer to home.

Pet Industry Projected To Grow

Improved economic conditions and the ongoing “humanization” of pets are expected to drive growth in the pet industry, which includes pet care services.

Jul 20, 2026 - Pet Spending Growth Slows

• Slowing industry growth and more selective consumer spending are creating a more value-conscious market for US pet care service providers as rising ownership costs reshape purchasing decisions, according to Morgan Stanley Research. Pet industry growth is expected to slow from nearly 20% in 2021 and an average 9% annually through 2025 to about 4% through 2030, although US spending could still reach $242 billion. Essential services remain resilient, with services accounting for more than 40% of pet industry spending in 2025 and veterinary care continuing to command the highest priority. However, affordability pressures—especially among younger pet owners—are reducing pet ownership intentions and encouraging more deliberate spending. Meanwhile, online pet purchases are expected to rise from 35% to 39% of spending over the next six months, creating opportunities for pet care businesses that pair in-person services with digital booking, subscriptions, loyalty programs, and other convenience-focused offerings.
• The latest consumer confidence surveys suggest household sentiment is improving, a positive sign for US pet care service providers as easing concerns about personal finances could support spending on discretionary services such as grooming, boarding, daycare, and training. The University of Michigan's preliminary July Index of Consumer Sentiment rose 9.9% month over month to 54.4, while the Current Economic Conditions Index increased 15.1% to 54.9 and the Consumer Expectations Index climbed 6.5% to 54.0, though all three remained below year-ago levels. Meanwhile, the Conference Board's June Consumer Confidence Index edged up to 91.2 from 90.6 in May as improving expectations for business conditions and incomes offset weaker labor market perceptions. Its Present Situation Index fell to 116.4, while the Expectations Index rose to 74.4. Together, the surveys suggest consumer confidence is recovering but remains uneven, supporting demand for essential pet care while discretionary services may remain sensitive to inflation and labor market uncertainty.
• The US pet grooming industry continues to outperform the broader pet care market, driven by increasing acceptance of premium pricing, strong demand for grooming services, and a persistent labor shortage that has given salons greater pricing power, according to a June report by Teddy Grooming Software. The shortage of qualified groomers has led to longer wait times and significant price increases since 2019, including a 46% rise in average full-groom prices. Independent salons and mobile grooming providers are gaining market share, while large chains have seen slower growth. Technology adoption is also accelerating, with 60%–70% of grooming businesses now using software for scheduling, customer communication, and operations. For grooming operators, the current environment supports higher prices, technology investments, and expansion opportunities despite rising labor and insurance costs.
• Growing consumer interest in sustainability is creating new opportunities for the US pet care services industry, particularly for pet boarding, daycare, and grooming businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices, according to a Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine report. The report notes that about 70% of global pet owners are concerned about climate change, while Millennials and Gen Z now represent nearly half of US pet-owning households and increasingly favor brands aligned with environmental values. More than half of Gen Z pet owners are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services, suggesting green initiatives could support customer loyalty and premium pricing. The article also highlights potential operational savings from energy-efficient upgrades and waste-reduction programs, with some facilities reportedly reducing costs by 25% to 30% within two years. For pet care providers, sustainability is becoming both a competitive differentiator and a potential profitability driver.

Industry size & Structure

The average pet care services provider operates out of a single location, employs fewer than 8 workers, and generates $421,000 annually.

• The pet care services industry consists of 23,700 firms that employ 191,000 workers and generate $10 billion annually.
• The industry is highly fragmented; the top 50 companies account for less than 9% of industry revenue.
• Some large veterinary services chains and pet supply retailers offer pet care services.
• The industry consists primarily of franchises and independent operators.
• Camp Bow Wow (owned by Mars), Fetch! Pet Care, and All American Pet Resorts are large pet care services franchises. Large pet retailer PetSmart also offers pet grooming, training, day care, and boarding.