Pet Sitting Market

Market Overview:

The global pet sitting market size reached USD 2.9 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, the market is projected to reach USD 7.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.18% during 2025-2033. The increasing trend of pet ownership among the masses, changing lifestyles and work demands resulting in lesser quality time with pets, and the growing awareness of pet health and well-being are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Pet sitting is a service that provides care and attention to pets in the absence of their owners. It involves a professional or experienced individual, known as a pet sitter, who visits the pet's home or stays overnight to ensure the well-being and comfort of the animals. It also encompasses various responsibilities, such as feeding, exercising, grooming, administering medication if required, and providing companionship to alleviate any stress or anxiety experienced by the pets due to their owners' absence. This service is particularly beneficial for pet owners who travel frequently or work long hours, as it allows their beloved companions to remain in a familiar environment while receiving personalized care and attention.

The global pet sitting market growth is majorly driven by the augmenting demand for personalized services to cater to the individual needs of pets. In addition to this, the escalating demand for trained and certified pet sitters, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety, is propelling the growth of the market. Moreover, an enhanced focus on the safety of pets is resulting in an augmented demand for pet sitting agencies prioritizing safety measures and pet-sitter background checks. Also, the introduction of custom feeding schedules, exercise routines, and medication administration services by service providers are providing an impetus to the market. Furthermore, the growing usage of pet-sitting platforms and mobile apps that connect pet owners with professional sitters is impacting the market favorably. Apart from this, the increasing popularity of in-home pet sitting to minimize disruption and provide a familiar environment to the pet is further contributing to a positive pet sitting market forecast. Some of the other factors supporting industry growth include rapid urbanization, inflating disposable income and rising trend of pet humanization.

Pet Sitting Market Trends/Drivers:

Considerable rise in pet ownership rates

The rising number of pet owners worldwide has significantly impacted the demand for pet sitting services. As more individuals and families embrace the companionship and benefits of having pets, the need for reliable and professional care during absences or busy periods becomes crucial. With the increasing popularity of pet ownership, there is a growing realization that pets are not just animals but cherished members of the family. Pet owners are seeking ways to ensure the well-being and happiness of the pet, even when they are unable to be physically present. This has led to a considerable rise in the demand for pet sitting services, where professional pet sitters offer dedicated care, attention, and companionship to pets.

Increasing hectic lifestyles and work demands

Modern lifestyles often involve long work hours, frequent travel, and busy schedules, making it challenging for pet owners to provide adequate care for their pets consistently. Pet sitting offers a practical solution by ensuring pets receive the necessary attention, exercise, and care they require, even when their owners are away or occupied with other commitments. With the demands of modern life, pet owners may find themselves unable to devote sufficient time to their pets, leading to feelings of guilt and worry. Pet sitting services alleviate these concerns by providing dedicated caregivers who can step in and provide the necessary care and companionship that pets need. For midday walks, feeding, or spending quality time with the pets, pet sitters help bridge the gap between busy schedules and pet care responsibilities, allowing owners to fulfill their commitments while ensuring their pets' well-being.

Growing concerns regarding pet health and well-being

Pet owners are increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining their pets' health and well-being. They recognize that leaving their pets alone for extended periods can lead to loneliness, anxiety, and behavioral issues. Pet sitting services address these concerns by providing companionship, exercise, and mental stimulation, promoting pet happiness and reducing the risk of health problems. Pets thrive on social interaction and mental engagement, and prolonged isolation can have detrimental effects on their well-being. Pet sitters play a vital role in providing the necessary socialization, exercise, and mental enrichment that positively contribute to the overall health of the pet. By engaging pet sitting services, owners ensure that their pets receive the attention they need, minimizing the risk of stress-related health issues and fostering a balanced and fulfilled life for their furry companions.

Pet Sitting Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global pet sitting market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on pet type and service type.

Breakup by Pet Type:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Others

Dogs dominate the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the pet type. This includes dogs, cats, and others. According to the report, dogs represented the largest segment.

Increasing dog ownership rates are impelling the dog segment of the market as more individuals and families adopt dogs, resulting in higher demand for dog sitting services. With busy lifestyles and work schedules, consumers find it challenging to provide sufficient care and attention to their dogs, leading them to rely on professional pet sitters who can ensure proper care, exercise, and companionship for their pets. Additionally, when pet owners go on travel or vacation, they prefer pet sitting services over traditional boarding facilities to keep their dogs in a familiar environment and receive personalized care during their absence.

On the other hand, cats, despite their independent nature, require care and attention when owners are away, leading cat owners to opt for pet sitting services that provide feeding, litter box maintenance, and playtime in their homes. Pet sitting services reduce stress for cats by allowing them to stay in their familiar environment, serving as a less disruptive alternative to boarding facilities. Additionally, pet sitting services cater to multiple-cat households, ensuring that all cats in a household receive care simultaneously, eliminating the stress of separation and maintaining consistent care routines.

Breakup by Service Type:

• Care Visits
• Drop-in Visits

Care visits hold the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the service type has also been provided in the report. This includes care visits and drop-in visits. According to the report, care visits accounted for the largest market share.

The main factors that are propelling the growth of this segment are the growing geriatric population with pets. Care services are preferred among these consumers to ensure their companions receive proper care and attention despite their own physical limitations. Additionally, care visits are crucial for pets with special needs, allowing professional pet sitters to administer medications, monitor health conditions, and provide necessary treatments. Regular care visits provide peace of mind for pet owners with demanding schedules or extended absences, knowing their pets are well taken care of by professionals.

On the other hand, drop-in visits provide flexible scheduling for pet owners with unpredictable needs, offering shorter durations focused on feeding, bathroom breaks, and brief playtime. They are cost-effective compared to overnight pet sitting services, making them a preferred choice for basic care and check-ins, particularly for shorter durations. These visits minimize disruption to pets' routines and alleviate stress or discomfort, especially for cats and small animals, by providing essential care in their familiar environment without the need for relocation. These factors are propelling the growth of this particular segment.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

North America exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest pet sitting market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa.

North America holds the highest rank as it boasts a considerably higher rate of rising pet ownership rates. Additionally, most of its households possess either dogs or cats. Further, North American busy lifestyles often mean work, family, and a plethora of commitments that keep most individuals on a hectic schedule and consequently increase the demand for professional pet sitters.

In addition, with the increasingly common trend of pet humanization in North America, there has been a huge increase in pet owners showing special care toward making their loving companion happy and fit, by booking pet sitting services. Also, the rapid urbanization in North America is reducing free space for pets within small living accommodations and, with inadequate access to outer areas, are necessitating booking for pet sitting services.

In addition, prevailing travel culture throughout North America, be it for tourism or business journeys, compels pet owners to avail of these pet sitting services. Increasing tendency of pet-owners to be dependent on sitters to send their dogs through regular exercise activities, play periods, and taking them out during toiletry needs is further increasing the penetration of these service among the masses.

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Pet Sitting Market Analysis

The United States pet sitting market is growing due to increasing rates of pet ownership and the need for premium pet care services. According to recent reports, 45.5% of households in the United States owned dogs and 32.1% owned cats as pets in 2024.  As people consider pets family members, personalized and professional care for them has become a rising need. More hectic lifestyles, working trips, and working hours are motivating people to look for reliable pet sitters who will ensure in-house care, exercise, feeding, and companionship. The availability of pet sitting services, facilitated by online booking platforms and mobile applications, has increased their accessibility and made it easier for pet owners to quickly find a trusted professional to take care of their pets. Moreover, increasing disposable income lets pet owners spend money on superior services, including overnight pet care, transportation for pets, and special care for older or pets with special needs. Increasingly, pet sitting services are also providing extra services that range from grooming to coaching and veterinary support to fulfill all customer needs. Moreover, the shift toward work from home and variable schedules has created increased demand for part-time and drop-in pet sitting services. The growing footprint of pet-friendly communities, growing awareness about pet wellness issues, and increasing service networks are adding to the stream of growth in the market. With more professionals entering the industry and pet owners seeking convenient solutions, the market is poised for continuous expansion.

Europe Pet Sitting Market Analysis

The Europe pet sitting market is expanding due to the growing number of pet owners who seek high-quality, reliable care. The rise of pet humanization is encouraging them to invest in professional services ensuring that their pets receive personalized attention in their absence. Many individuals work and travel outside their homes and are thus in more need of competent pet sitters who can cater to the physical needs of feeding, exercising and providing companionship in the household. The growth in disposable income and increasing number of service providers for pet care is also helping the market to grow steadily while catering to diverse pet care preferences across Europe. As per recent reports, the household real income per capita witnessed an increase of 0.4% during July-October 2024, recording a rise from 0.3% during April-June 2024. Moreover, the improvement of digital means of booking from mobile applications facilitates access to well-known pet-sitting services, ensuring convenience and assurance. Strong pet welfare and responsible ownership trends in the region are also fueling demand for specialized services such as overnight stays, pet training, and veterinary-assisted care. Flexible work arrangements and remote jobs also create opportunities for part-time and on-demand pet sitting services. Pet-friendly policies in cities and workplaces also contribute to market growth, as owners seek solutions that meet their pets' needs throughout the day.

Asia Pacific Pet Sitting Market Analysis

The Asia Pacific pet sitting market is growing because of the growing rates of pet ownership and the demand for premium pet care. With increasing urbanization, more pet owners are seeking reliable pet sitting solutions to cater to busy work schedules and travel commitments. According to industry reports, in 2024, 52.9% of the total population in the Asia Pacific region lived in urban areas. Pet humanization has also been driving the demand for professional in-home care, exercise, feeding, and companionship services. The growth of digital platforms and mobile applications makes pet sitting services more easily accessible for owners who can connect with reliable caregivers. Additionally, increased disposable income in the region allows pet owners to make investments for high-quality care, such as overnight stays, grooming, and special care for senior or medically dependent pets. The expansion of pet-friendly communities, combined with the rising consciousness about pet well-being, is further driving the market. With the pet industry becoming more professionalized and the number of trained pet sitters on the rise, the industry is growing steadily across the region's various countries.

Latin America Pet Sitting Market Analysis

The Latin America pet sitting market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the rising rate of pet ownership and the increasing demand for professional pet care services. As more individuals view pets as members of their family, the demand for reliable in-home care, feeding, and exercise services is expanding. Growing urbanization and busier lifestyles are prompting pet owners to seek convenient and trustworthy pet sitters. As per recent reports, 88.1% of the population of Latin America lived in urban areas in 2024. The rise of digital booking platforms and mobile applications also makes accessibility much easier, so pet owners are easily connected with experienced caregivers. Furthermore, the growth of the middle class and their disposable incomes enables pet owners to invest in quality services, such as overnight stays and special care for ailing or aged pets. Expansion of pet-friendly policies and awareness about pet wellness is further supporting the growth of the market, thus offering more professional pet sitting options in the region.

Middle East and Africa Pet Sitting Market Analysis

This market for pet sitting in the Middle East and Africa is growing as pet ownership rises, along with the demand for premium pet care services. Urbanization and changes in lifestyle encourage pet owners to seek professional pet sitters so that pets can get in-home care, feeding, exercise, and companionship. For instance, 44.5% of the population of Africa lived in urban areas in 2024. Also driving the pet sitting demand is the rise in expatriate communities, most particularly in the Middle East. With many pets owned by them, they seek reliable care during travel. Improved online platforms and mobile apps further facilitate pet sitting solutions, bringing greater convenience for pet owners. Increased disposable income and a greater awareness about pet wellness also increase demand for high-quality pet care services, such as overnight stays and special attention to older or medically dependent pets. Pet-friendly communities and services, combined with growing numbers of professional pet sitters, are contributing to market expansion across the region.

Competitive Landscape:

The top players in the market are expanding service offerings to provide comprehensive pet care solutions, including dog walking, pet transportation, and grooming. Also, these companies are integrating digital platforms and mobile applications for online booking, real-time updates, and secure payments, thereby enhancing convenience. In addition to this, they are prioritizing professional training and certification for their pet sitters for establishing credibility. They are focusing on conducting thorough background checks of pet-sitters, maintaining liability insurance, and actively gathering customer feedback. Furthermore, they are entering into strategic collaborations with veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and pet businesses to provide a holistic pet care experience. Apart from this, they are investing heavily on marketing efforts for higher brand visibility and introducing loyalty programs.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• A Place for Rover Inc. (Rover.com)
• CareGuide Inc.
• Dogtopia Enterprises
• Fetch! Pet Care
• Holidog
• PetBacker
• Pets at Home Inc.
• PetSmart LLC
• Swifto Inc.
• Wag Labs Inc

Latest News and Developments:

• 31 October 2024: Rover, a renowned online pet care marketplace, has completed its acquisition of Cat In A Flat, an accredited cat-sitting community founded by people who love cats for cat lovers. Along with the ten countries that the Rover marketplace already serves, the acquisition broadens Rover's European reach into Austria, Belgium, Ireland, and Switzerland.
• 1 May 2024: Wagmo, a renowned supplier of employer-based pet health insurance, has established an alliance with Rover, the largest digital marketplace for petcare. As part of Wagmo's first-of-its-kind pet health plans, with this partnership, a select group of Wagmo partner firms and their staff will be able to access Rover’s various premium pet care services, including pet sitting, drop-in visits, and daycare for dogs, at discounted rates.
• 26 April 2024: Fetch! Pet Care Spring Hill, a leading provider of pet care services, has announced its formal opening, which will deliver expert dog walkers and pet sitters to pet owners in Spring Hill, Aripeka, Trinity, River Ridge, Moon Lake, Jasmine Estates, and the surrounding neighborhoods. This inauguration highlights Fetch! Pet Care’s dedication to transforming the pet care industry by offering the best dog walking and pet sitting services for dogs of all sizes and kinds.
• 14 November 2023: The launch of its 250th dog daycare facility marks yet another milestone for Dogtopia, one of the most prominent dog wellness franchises in the United States. The facility will open on November 20, 2023 in Fort Myers, Florida under the direction of franchisee and local veterinarian Dr Stacie Stilinovic.

Pet Sitting Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the pet sitting market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global pet sitting market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the pet sitting industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.