Global Pet Sitting Market Outlook to 2028

Global Pet Sitting Market Overview

The global pet sitting market was valued at USD 2.41 billion, driven by the rising trend of pet ownership and the humanization of pets across various regions. Increased disposable incomes and a growing desire for reliable, personalized pet care have pushed this market's growth. Pet parents are now seeking services such as walking, transportation, and sitting to cater to the needs of their pets while they are away.

In terms of geographic dominance, North America leads the market due to higher pet ownership rates and a growing inclination towards professionalized pet care. Cities in the U.S., such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, exhibit strong demand, driven by their large urban populations and higher disposable incomes.

Governments in regions like North America and Europe are increasingly supporting pet care licensing programs to enhance service standards. In the U.S., the federal government has introduced initiatives to provide certifications to over 100,000 pet sitters by 2024, ensuring standardized care practices. The UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has implemented similar programs to regulate the professional handling of animals, ensuring that the growing pet sitting market meets safety and ethical standards.

Global Pet Sitting Market Segmentation

By Pet Type: The market is divided into dogs, cats, and other pets. Dogs hold a dominant position within the market due to their widespread ownership and the close bond they share with their owners. Pet sitting services for dogs are essential, especially for dog walking and transportation. The increased focus on health benefits from owning dogs, such as physical activity through dog walking, further drives this segments dominance.

By Service Type: The market is segmented by service type into care visits and drop-in visits. Care visits, which involve full-day or overnight services, are the dominant sub-segment. This dominance is due to the growing concern for pets well-being, especially among pet owners who need comprehensive care for longer durations while they are away. Typically, pet owners who require services for pets with special needs, like medication administration or end-of-life care, opt for care visits, ensuring that their pets are under constant supervision by professional sitters.

By Region: The regional segmentation of the market includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America dominates the market, primarily due to the high rate of pet ownership and the proliferation of pet care services. The U.S. leads the market with its urbanized population and a strong culture of pet companionship. Furthermore, professional pet sitting services in the U.S. are also bolstered by strategic partnerships between local pet care providers and larger players, such as Petco and Rover.

Global Pet Setting Market Competitive Landscape

The market is dominated by key players that provide a range of services across various regions. These players maintain a competitive edge through technological innovation, strategic partnerships, and extensive service offerings.

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Key Services Offered

Revenue (USD)

Employees

Regional Presence

Partnerships

Customer Base

Technology Integration

Rover.com

2011

Seattle, USA

PetBacker

2014

Kuala Lumpur, MY

Fetch! Pet Care

2002

California, USA

Swifto Inc.

2012

New York, USA

Petco Health and Wellness

1965

San Diego, USA

Global Pet Setting Market Analysis

Market Growth Drivers

Increasing Pet Ownership Due to Changing Demographics: The market is being driven by a notable rise in pet ownership worldwide. According to data from various national pet surveys, countries such as the USA report over 85 million households having pets in 2024, up from 76 million in the early 2010s. This surge in pet ownership is not only a demographic shift but also represents growing reliance on professional services like pet sitting.

Rising Expenditure on Pet Care Services: The overall expenditure on pet-related services continues to rise globally. In 2024, U.S. pet owners alone are expected to spend over $110 billion on pet care services, a considerable increase from $99 billion just a few years ago. This trend is mirrored in countries like the UK and Australia, where pet services, including sitting, account for a portion of household spending on animals.

Growth of Urban Middle Class and Busy Lifestyles: With over 4 billion people globally living in urban areas in 2024, the urban middle class is driving demand for pet services, including pet sitting, due to their busy lifestyles. In major urban centers such as New York, Tokyo, and Paris, over 60% of pet owners utilize professional services due to time constraints.

Market Challenges

Lack of Standardized Regulations: One of the primary challenges in the market is the lack of standardized regulations for pet care services. While there are over 1.5 million pet sitters in the United States, there is no unified governing body to enforce standardized practices across the industry.

Increased Competition from Alternative Pet Care Solutions: The pet sitting market faces competition from alternatives such as pet hotels, boarding kennels, and in-house pet caretakers. In the U.S., there are over 5,000 pet boarding facilities, and many pet owners are choosing these services over traditional sitters due to enhanced amenities.

Global Pet Setting Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the global pet sitting market is expected to see growth, driven by increased pet ownership, especially among millennials and Gen Z. As people increasingly consider pets as family members, the demand for professional and reliable pet care services will rise.

Future Market Opportunities

Expansion into Emerging Markets: Over the next five years, the market is projected to expand into emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. As pet ownership rises in countries like Vietnam and Brazilwhere pet populations are expected to grow by 25 million and 15 million by 2029, respectivelythe demand for pet sitting services will follow.

Increased Focus on Sustainable Pet Sitting Practices: Sustainability is expected to play a significant role in the pet sitting market's future. In 2024, over 100,000 pet owners in the U.S. and Europe opted for eco-friendly pet sitting services that emphasize sustainable practices such as reducing waste and using biodegradable pet products.
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