Pet Sitting Statistics By Market, Demographic, Insurance Numbers, Trends and Specifics

Introduction

Pet Sitting Statistics: A pet-sitting service is a business or person who visits someone’s home to take care of their Pet. People often use these services when they go on vacation or for a short trip, but some also hire pet sitters to walk their dogs while they’re at work, ensuring the pets get enough exercise.

Though pet sitting is mostly for dogs, there are services for all kinds of pets, like cats, birds, fish, and even exotic animals. Pet-sitting services are available worldwide, but North America has the largest market, making up about 1/3 of the global pet-sitting industry.

We shall shed more light on Pet Sitting Statistics through this article.

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• About $9.5 billion is spent annually on dog boarding and grooming services.
• Dog owners typically spend $228 yearly on boarding kennels, while cat owners spend $78.
• The most common type of pet-sitting service, called “drop-in” care, makes up 57.25% of all pet-sitting income.
• Experts predict the global pet care market will reach $550 billion by 2032.
• There are over 160,000 pet care and doggy daycare businesses in the US. 40% of people who use pet daycare are between 30 and 49 years old.
• In Colorado, dog daycare laws require one supervisor for every 15 dogs.
• Almost all pet-sitting businesses (99%) are independently owned, and 66% of registered pet sitters have been in business for more than five years.
• 78% of cat owners pay for care for their cats when they’re away, while 22% rely on friends or family to look after them.
• 70% of US households have a pet. The average pet care visit in the US lasts about 29.6 minutes.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that almost 95% of registered pet sitters in the US care for dogs.
• 73% of pet owners who use cameras to monitor their pets check the camera while on vacation. Finally, 6% of total pet care spending goes toward dogs.
• There are about 80 million pet dogs in the US, living in around 50 million households.
• Around 60 million pet cats are in 32 million homes across the US.
• US households also own about 1 million other types of pets.
• The global pet boarding market is worth about $20 billion and is expected to grow to $36 billion by 2031.
• In the US, the pet daycare market brings in about $3.7 billion each year.
• Pet sitters saw more than a 50% drop in business during the pandemic.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that over 75% of professional pet sitters expect their business to increase in the next year.
• Also, 64% of pet owners said they plan to spend more time with their pets after the pandemic.

What Does a Pet Sitter Do?

A pet sitter’s daily routine can be different each day and depends on the type and number of pets they’re caring for. A pet sitter can work from their own home, your home, or another location based on what you prefer and the situation. While this isn’t a complete list, here are some common tasks you might ask your pet sitter to do:

• Walking your dog
• Giving your pet exercise
• Playing with your Pet or spending time with them to keep them mentally stimulated
• Feeding or giving your pet water
• Cleaning your Pet or their space, such as their cage, kennel, or bed
• Taking care of your Pet overnight at your home or theirs
• Taking your Pet to medical or grooming appointments
• Helping your Pet socialize with other animals

(Reference: census.gov)

Some of these tasks can be done outside your home, but others may need the pet sitter to spend time at your house. If the pet sitter is coming to your home for an extended period, they can also take care of other chores to keep your home safe while you’re away. These can include:

• Checking for mail or packages
• Making the house look lived in by opening/closing curtains
• Adjusting lighting timers
• Watering your plants

So, a pet sitter not only provides routine care for your Pet but can also help maintain your home while you’re gone for long periods or assist with routines when your house is empty for certain parts of the day.

General Pet Siting Statistics

• The global pet-sitting industry was valued at $2.4 billion in 2022, with North America accounting for more than a third of this total. By 2032, the market for pet-sitting is expected to reach almost $6.4 billion.
• There are about 35,000 pet sitters in the US. The industry took a big hit during the COVID years, but with more people going back to the office, it’s expected to grow by 11% each year.
• Dog-sitting makes up 83% of the pet-sitting market, and over 75% of pet sitters are women.
• A typical 30-minute pet-sitting visit costs about $25, and overnight care is around $80. Nearly all pet-sitting businesses, about 99%, are independently owned.
• Pet sitters generally make $70,000 a year in total revenue, with the average salary being $25,000 annually. Pet sitters in Connecticut earn more than those in other states.
• In 2024, the pet industry in the US reached a value of $150.6 billion. The average yearly cost of owning a pet dog was around $1,248.
• The number of pets with insurance increased by 17.1% in 2024. Pet eCommerce sales in the US are expected to hit $37.8 billion in 2025. The average price for a visit to the vet in 2024 was $147.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that almost 61% of pet owners in the US are willing to pay extra for food that meets their pets’ dietary needs.
• Dog owners spend an average of $73 a year on grooming. During the Covid-19 pandemic, 21% of pet owners spent more money on their pets.
• Millennials make up 31% of customers in the pet industry. Cat and dog owners usually spend around $300 each year on food and treats for their pets.
• 12% of adults with kids under 18 adopted pets because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Over half of cat and dog owners buy their pets Christmas gifts or treats.
• 69% of Millennials choose natural and organic products for their pets.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that nearly 43% of dog owners and 41% of cat owners buy premium pet food.

(Source: thebusinessresearchcompany.com)

• On average, doggy daycare costs around $35 per day, and dog boarding costs about $40 per night.
• There are more than 20,000 pet care centers in the US, and there are 35,000 pet sitters.
• The US and Canada together have 9,000 boarding kennels.
• Daycare services make up roughly 40% of the pet-sitting market.
• 22% of pet owners use dog walking services and 27% use daycare. Most pet-sitting services look after dogs and cats.
• The pet daycare market is expected to grow by 8% each year until 2032.

Trends and Specifics of Pet Sitting Statistics

• During the Covid pandemic, pet-sitting services saw a big drop. Since many people stayed home instead of going to work, they spent more time with their pets, reducing the need for pet sitters.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that Pet sitters were also affected by the same lockdowns.
• Now that people are going back to work, the pet-sitting industry is bouncing back.
• Since many people got new pets during COVID-19, demand for pet-sitting services is expected to grow by 11% each year until 2030.
• The industry could even double in size over the next 7 years.
• Dogs make up 83% of the pet-sitting market. This includes dog walking, which is also considered a type of pet sitting.

(Source: grandviewresearch.com)

• Other pets, like cats or fish, don’t need as much care, so they represent a smaller portion of the market.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that over 75% of pet sitters are women, with an average age of just over 30.
• The average cost for a 30-minute pet-sitting visit is $25, while overnight sitting usually costs around $80. These prices can vary based on location, type of service, and special needs.
• Almost all pet-sitting businesses are independently owned, with 99% of pet sitters working for themselves rather than being part of a larger company.
• On average, a pet sitter or pet-sitting business earns about $70,000 a year in gross revenue, especially if they have regular clients.
• Pet sitters working for companies make around $25,000 a year.
• Pet sitters in Connecticut make the highest earnings in the US. Rates tend to be higher in cities than in rural areas.

Pet Insurance Numbers Statistics

• The pet insurance market in the US is expected to be worth $6.06 billion by 2025.
• It’s growing quickly and is projected to increase by 20.98% every year, reaching $15.71 billion by 2030.

(Reference: precedenceresearch.com)

• In 2024, over 5.6 million pets in the US had insurance. Out of those, 78.6% were dogs and 21.4% were cats.
• The number of insured pets in the US went up by 17.1% last year.
• In 2024, the US pet insurance market saw over $3.9 billion in total premiums, which is a 21.6% increase from the previous year.

(Reference: precedenceresearch.com)

• In 2024, the average yearly insurance cost for dogs was $675.61, and for cats, it was $383.30. This coverage mainly helps with health issues like digestive problems, infections, and cancer.
• The average monthly cost for accident-only insurance was $17.01 for dogs and $9.68 for cats in 2024.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that nearly 92% of pet owners with insurance said it’s worth the cost. Even 53% of pet owners without insurance said they think it would be worth the expense.
• 55% of pet owners with insurance spent $100 or more on their pets each month in 2024, compared to only 24% of pet owners without insurance.

Dog Sitting Services Statistics

• If medication is given during an overnight stay, it usually costs an extra USD10–USD15 each night.
• 45% of night dog sitters give early drop-off or late pick-up for an extra charge of USD15–USD20.
• If a pet sitter stays at your home (house sitting), the extra cost is usually $20–$30 per night.

(Source: marketresearchfuture.com)

• Dog sitters that offer training during overnight stays charge 30–40% more.
• The additional charge for pick-up and drop-off services is usually USD10–USD15 per trip.
• If a dog is bathed during an overnight stay, it typically costs an extra USD20–USD25.
• If the sitter takes the dog for a walk during the overnight stay, it usually costs USD10–USD15 per walk.
• If the sitter provides updates and photos during an overnight stay, it usually costs an extra USD5–USD10 per day.
• Dog sitters who provide grooming services during night stays rate 27–35% more.
• If the sitter takes the dog to the vet during an overnight stay, it costs an extra USD25–USD30 per trip.
• If the sitter provides homemade meals for the dog during the overnight stay, it costs an extra USD10–USD15 per day.
• Dog sitters that give a 24/7 webcam option during night stays rate 17–25% more on the median.
• Overnight fees for puppies under 1 year old are usually 15-20% higher.

Dog Sitting Booking Pattern and Location-Based Statistics

• The average duration for an overnight dog-sitting booking is 4 nights.
• 85% of dog sitters ask for a meeting before confirming an overnight booking.
• Dog sitters who accept last-minute bookings (within 48 hours) charge 20-25% more.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that almost 80% of dog sitters ask for full payment when the booking is made for overnight stays.
• 90% of dog sitters need proof of vaccinations before agreeing to overnight care.
• 70% of dog sitters offer a 5-10% discount for bookings made more than 30 days in advance.
• 95% of dog sitters expect pet owners to provide food for their dogs during overnight stays.

(Source: marketresearchfuture.com)

• In cities like New York or Los Angeles, overnight fees can be $100-$150 per night.
• Dog sitters in suburban areas charge 15-20% less than those in large cities.
• In areas with a higher cost of living, overnight rates can be 40% more than the national average.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that Dog sitters in rural areas typically charge 25-30% less than the average rate.
• In areas with many dog sitters, rates are usually 10-15% lower than the average.
• 62% of dog sitters offer discounts for bookings longer than 7 nights.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that almost 75% of dog sitters charge extra if you have more than one dog in your home.
• 65% of dog sitters offer a 10-15% discount for each extra dog in the household.

Dog Sitting Seasonal Variation Statistics

• The average cost for overnight dog sitting in the US is $50-$75 per night.
• 30% of dog sitters offer a 10% discount for first-time clients.
• The cancellation fee for overnight dog sitting is usually 50% of the total cost.
• Around 55% of dog sitters give a 15% discount for repeat clients.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that almost 60% of dog sitters offer a 10-15% discount for military members and first responders.
• 50% of dog sitters give a 10-15% discount for both the person referring and the new client.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that almost 60% of dog sitters have loyalty programs, offering bigger discounts for regular customers.
• Nearly 55% of dog sitters offer a 15-20% discount for clients who book overnight stays regularly.

(Source: worldanimalfoundation.org)

• During holidays, overnight dog-sitting fees can increase by 20-30%.
• July and December are the busiest months for overnight dog sitting, with rates going up by 25%.

(Source: worldanimalfoundation.org)

• Dog sitters available during major holidays may charge 50-100% more than their regular rates.
• In tourist-heavy areas, dog sitters charge 30-40% more during busy vacation seasons.
• In college towns, rates increase by 30-40% during move-in and graduation periods.
• In areas prone to natural disasters, dog sitters charge 10-15% more during high-risk seasons.

Pet Sitters Experience and Size-based Pricing Statistics

• Dog sitters with more than 5 years of experience charge 25% more on average.
• Dog sitters certified in pet first aid charge 10-15% more on average.
• Dog sitters with experience handling aggressive dogs charge 40-50% more on average.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that Dog sitters with a background in veterinary care charge 30-35% more on average.
• Dog sitters certified in canine CPR charge 15-20% more on average.
• Dog sitters with over 100 positive reviews charge 20-25% more on average.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that Dog sitters specializing in senior dog care charge 20-25% more on average.
• Dog sitters who speak multiple languages charge 10-15% more on average in diverse urban areas.
• Large dogs (over 60 lbs) incur a 10-15% additional charge for overnight care.
• Special needs dogs typically have a 25-30% higher overnight fee.
• 70% of dog sitters charge more for dogs that are not spayed or neutered.
• Dogs with severe separation anxiety cost 35-40% more for overnight sitting.
• Dogs requiring a special diet have a 15-20% higher overnight rate.
• Dogs with mobility issues have a 25-30% higher overnight fee.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that nearly 75% of dog sitters charge more for dogs that are not fully house-trained.
• Dogs needing potty breaks every 2-3 hours cost 20-25% more for overnight care.
• The fee for giving insulin or other injections is $15-$20 per day.
• 85% of dog sitters charge more for dogs with a history of aggression toward other animals.
• Dogs needing constant supervision during the night cost 30-35% more for overnight care.
• Dogs with allergies or skin conditions have a 25-30% higher overnight rate.
• 80% of dog sitters charge more for dogs that require more than three walks per day.
• Dogs with epilepsy or seizures cost 35-40% more for overnight care.
• The fee for giving oral medications during overnight stays is $5-$10 per day.

Pet Sitter Demographic Statistics

• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that over 34,976 pet sitters work in the United States.
• 3% of pet sitters are women, and 19.7% are men.
• The average age of a pet sitter is 31 years old.

(Reference: zippia.com)

• Most pet sitters are White (68.1%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (18.1%), Unknown (6.4%), and Black or African American (4.3%).
• Atlanta, GA, has the highest demand for pet sitters.
• The nonprofit sector pays the best for pet sitters.

(Reference: zippia.com)

• The most common degree for pet sitters is a bachelor’s degree, held by 45% of them.
• The next most common level of education is a high school diploma, with 22% of pet sitters having this qualification.
• Newport, RI, offers the highest average pay for pet sitters, which is $35,013 per year.
• In 2022, women pet sitters earned 97% of what men earned.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that almost 11% of pet sitters identify as LGBT.
• Connecticut is the top state in which pet sitters can live.
• Pet sitters are 83% more likely to work for private companies than public ones.

Pet Daycare And Boarding Industry Statistics

• In the US, there are about 80 million dogs in nearly 50 million households. Around 60 million cats live in 32 million households, and there are also about 1 million other types of pets.
• The global pet boarding market is valued at $20 billion and is expected to reach $36 billion by 2031.
• The US pet daycare market brings in about $3.7 billion every year.
• During the pandemic, pet sitters saw their business drop by over 50%.
• The average cost for dog daycare in the US is $35 per day, while overnight dog boarding usually costs $40 per night.
• There are more than 20,000 pet care facilities across the US and about 35,000 pet sitters.
• There are also around 9,000 boarding kennels in the US and Canada.
• Daycare services make up 40% of the pet-sitting market.
• Around 22% of pet owners use dog walking services, and 27% choose daycare for their pets.
• Most pet sitters mainly take care of cats and dogs.
• The pet daycare market is expected to grow by 8% annually until 2032.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that over 75% of professional pet sitters expect their business to grow in the next year.
• After the pandemic, 64% of pet owners plan to spend more time with their pets.

Travel Statistics of Pet Owners Statistics

• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that about 70% of US households, which is around 90.5 million families, have pets.
• This large number of pet owners creates a high demand for pet care services when people travel.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that 37% of pet owners travel with their pets at least once a year. However, nearly 63% of pet owners leave their pets behind when they travel, so they need someone to take care of their pets while they are away.
• Nearly 45% of pet owners ask friends or neighbors to help with their pets. Only 35% use professional pet sitters or boarding services, and the rest (20%) rely on family or community services.
• Boarding services can cost anywhere from $25 to $85 per night, depending on the services provided. For long trips, this can get expensive.
• Friends and neighbors often help for free or in exchange for favors, which is much cheaper.
• Pet owners feel more comfortable leaving their pets with friends or neighbors because they already know them and trust them.
• Pets are also more at ease with people they recognize, which helps reduce stress.
• Unlike boarding facilities that have set schedules, friends and neighbors can offer more flexible care. They can follow specific feeding, walking, and playtime routines based on the Pet’s needs.
• Boarding facilities may have a lot of pets to care for, meaning each Pet might not get as much attention.
• Friends and neighbors, on the other hand, are more likely to give one-on-one care to pets.
• While boarding facilities are professional options, they come with some issues:
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that Pets may get stressed being around other unfamiliar animals, and some could get sick.
• Many boarding facilities charge extra for things like playtime, giving medications, or special diets.
• Boarding spots can be hard to get, especially during busy times like holidays, making it difficult to book care for your Pet.

Pet Sitting Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type

• This category includes services like in-home pet sitting, daycare, and boarding.
• In-home pet sitting, where the sitter takes care of pets at the owner’s house, is popular because it’s convenient and keeps pets in a familiar place.
• Pet daycare is becoming more common, especially in cities, as many pet owners need care for their pets while they’re at work.
• Boarding services are used for longer stays, like during vacations, and offer both regular and premium options depending on the pet owner’s budget and preferences.

By Technology

• Technology has greatly improved pet-sitting services with features like app-based booking platforms, GPS tracking, and live video monitoring.
• These tools make it easier for pet owners to schedule and pay for services and also allow them to check reviews, view sitter profiles, and manage appointments.
• GPS tracking and live video help pet owners monitor their pets in real time, giving them peace of mind about their pets’ safety and care.

By End User

• The main users of pet-sitting services are single-person households, dual-income families, and older pet owners.
• Single-person households and dual-income families make up most of the demand for pet sitters because their busy schedules and travel needs often require extra help with pet care.
• Elderly pet owners, who may have limited mobility, also depend on pet sitters to care for their animals.
• Each of these groups has different needs, which shape the types of services offered in the pet-sitting market.

Challenges in Pet Sitting

Building Trust and a Good Reputation

• Pet-sitting businesses need to build trust and establish a solid reputation.
• Gaining the trust of pet owners and showing skill in caring for pets can be difficult, especially for newer or smaller businesses in a competitive market.

Ensuring Pet Safety

• The safety and well-being of pets should always be the main priority in pet-sitting.
• Sitters need to create a safe environment for pets, understand their needs, and be prepared for any emergencies or risks that might come up.

Handling Daily Operations

• Pet-sitting requires managing schedules, staying in touch with clients, and delivering services on time.
• Effective management, like organizing staff, keeping track of appointments, and clear communication, is crucial to meeting pet owners’ expectations and providing a smooth experience.

Meeting Legal Requirements

• Pet-sitting businesses must follow local laws, get the necessary licenses, and have insurance.
• Understanding and following these rules can be challenging, and they can vary depending on the location.

The Future of The Pet Sitting Industry

• The pet daycare market is expected to grow by 8% each year until 2032.
• Pet daycare services were hit hard in 2020 and 2021, but now that people are going back to work, the market is bouncing back.
• Since many people got pets during the pandemic, there’s a big chance for growth in this area.
• Experts predict that pet daycare services will grow by 8% every year for the next decade.
• Over 75% of pet sitters expect more business in the next year.
• Things are looking positive for pet sitters, as most of them expect more clients.
• Pet Sitting Statistics stated that nearly 64% of pet owners plan to spend more time with their pets after the pandemic.
• The pandemic has helped strengthen the bond between owners and pets.
• According to a survey, 64% of pet owners said they intend to spend more time with their pets after the pandemic than before.

India Pet Sitting Market Statistics

• The pet-sitting market in India made $64.3 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to $171.6 million by 2030.
• This market is predicted to expand at a rate of 15.1% each year from 2024 to 2030.
• Dogs were the biggest revenue generators in 2023.

(Source: grandviewresearch.com)

• However, cats are expected to grow the fastest in the coming years, making them the most profitable pet type segment.
• In 2023, India contributed 2.7% to the global pet-sitting market’s revenue.
• The US is expected to have the highest revenue in the global market by 2030.
• In the Asia Pacific region, China is forecasted to lead in revenue by 2030.
• Thailand is the fastest-growing market in Asia Pacific and is expected to reach $27.1 million by 2030.

How Useful is Pet Sitting and Daycare

• One of the main benefits of pet sitting and daycare is that it gives pet owners peace of mind.
• It can be stressful to leave your Pet with someone else, but knowing they are in good hands lets you focus on other things without worrying about them.
• Experienced pet sitters can provide the attention, exercise, and even medical care your Pet needs so you can feel confident that they are safe and well-cared for.
• Pet sitting and daycare also benefit pets. Dogs, for example, are social animals and need human interaction and exercise.
• If they are left alone for too long, they may get bored, anxious, or develop bad behaviors.
• Pet sitting and daycare offer a fun environment where pets can play and interact with others, keeping them happy and healthy while you’re away.
• Another advantage is the personalized care pets get. Unlike traditional boarding places, where pets are often kept in cages, pet sitters and daycare services usually offer a more comfortable, home-like atmosphere.
• Pets are treated like part of the family. This can be especially helpful for pets that have special needs, like older pets or those with health issues, as they require more attention.
• For pet owners who travel often or work long hours, pet sitting and daycare are great options.
• Instead of leaving your Pet alone all day, you can send them to daycare, where they can socialize with other pets, eat regularly, and stay active. This helps prevent boredom, loneliness, or destructive behavior, ensuring they stay happy and healthy while you’re away.

Conclusion

The global pet-sitting market is expected to grow a lot, thanks to more people owning pets and lifestyle changes that require more convenient and professional pet care. Services like grooming, transportation, and special care, along with new technology, have made Pet sitting easier and more attractive. The industry’s focus on becoming more professional and offering services that are customized to customers’ needs is helping it stay competitive and innovative.

As the market keeps growing, it will create plenty of opportunities for both established businesses and newcomers, making it a lively and fast-growing part of the overall pet care industry. We have shed enough light on Pet pet-sitting statistics through this article.