Pet Sitting Market

Market Overview:

The global pet sitting market size reached USD 2.9 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market 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 market 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 creating a positive market outlook. Some of the other factors contributing to the market 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 represents the largest region since the region has a substantially increasing rate of pet ownership, with numerous households owning dogs and cats. Moreover, the busy lifestyles commonly experienced by individuals in North America, characterized by numerous work, family, and other commitments, creates a rising need for professional pet sitters.

In addition to this, the rising prevalence of pet humanization in North America is resulting in the growing number of pet owners prioritizing the well-being and happiness of their beloved companions, thereby investing in pet sitting services. Apart from this, the growing trend of urbanization in North America resulting in smaller living spaces and limited access to outdoor areas for pets, are also necessitating pet sitting services.

Furthermore, the prevalent travel culture in North America, encompassing both leisure and business trips, leads pet owners to adopt pet sitting services. Rising reliance of pet owners on pet-sitters to ensure their dogs receive regular exercise, playtime, and necessary potty breaks is further leading to a higher uptake of these services among the masses.

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
   

Pet Sitting Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global pet sitting market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global pet sitting market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global pet sitting market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive pet sitting market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the pet type?
• Which is the most attractive pet type in the pet sitting market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the service type?
• Which is the most attractive service type in the pet sitting market?
• What is the competitive structure of the global pet sitting market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global pet sitting market?

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.