Pet ownership has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. No longer are pets considered just animals; they are family members, companions, and even emotional support figures. As this cultural shift deepens, the pet services industry has experienced explosive growth, diversification, and innovation. What began as basic grooming or dog walking has blossomed into an expansive ecosystem of services tailored to meet every imaginable pet need.
In this ever-changing landscape, it’s essential to understand what drives the current trends in pet services—and what those trends say about pet owners, the market, and the future of animal care.
This article defines what pet services encompass and explores the most significant categories of trending services in today’s pet-centric society.
What Are Pet Services?
Pet services refer to the professional, commercial, or community-based activities that support the care, well-being, convenience, or enjoyment of domestic animals. Unlike pet products (e.g., food, toys, or accessories), services involve ongoing or one-time human intervention aimed at enhancing a pet’s physical, emotional, or social needs.
Examples of pet services include:
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Grooming
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Pet sitting and boarding
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Veterinary care
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Dog walking
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Training and behavioral consultation
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Pet transportation
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Daycare
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Therapy and wellness treatments
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Pet funerals and memorials
The modern pet services industry is worth tens of billions of dollars globally and continues to grow rapidly. As of recent years, more than 70% of U.S. households own at least one pet, and spending on services is rising across all demographics.
Understanding trends in pet services is key for pet professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and—most importantly—pet owners who want the best for their companions.
Premium and Luxury Services
One of the most prominent trends in pet services is the rise of luxury and premium offerings. Pet owners are increasingly seeking out high-end, customized, and indulgent experiences for their animals. This category includes:
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Luxury pet hotels with private suites, webcams, and daily reports
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Mobile grooming salons offering spa-style treatments
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Gourmet pet catering services and birthday parties
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Designer pet photography sessions
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Personalized training retreats with live-in trainers
This trend mirrors the human wellness and luxury movement. As owners treat their pets more like children, they seek premium services that reflect their own lifestyle expectations. Brands that cater to this market often emphasize quality, experience, and exclusivity.
Health and Wellness Services
The pet wellness boom is in full swing, with many services now focusing on preventive care, holistic healing, and longevity. While veterinary medicine remains foundational, newer services are expanding the definition of wellness.
Key trends include:
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Canine and feline massage therapy
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Acupuncture and chiropractic adjustments
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Hydrotherapy for arthritic or post-surgery pets
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Mobile veterinary care and wellness checkups
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Weight management and fitness coaching
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Nutritional consultation and meal planning
These services aim to address both physical and emotional health. With the rise in chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and anxiety among pets, more owners are turning to a multi-disciplinary approach that mirrors integrative human healthcare.
Technology-Driven Services
Technology has reshaped pet services in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Tech integration is now one of the most disruptive and fastest-evolving categories in the industry.
Trending services in this space include:
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GPS-enabled dog walking apps that allow live tracking and real-time updates
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On-demand pet care platforms (e.g., pet sitters or walkers booked via smartphone)
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Virtual vet consultations through telehealth platforms
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AI-based behavior monitoring via smart collars or cameras
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Subscription boxes powered by algorithms and user data
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Automatic feeders and treat-dispensing robots with mobile control
Pet tech services appeal especially to millennial and Gen Z pet owners who are digital natives and value convenience, connectivity, and automation. They also provide peace of mind to busy professionals who want to stay engaged with their pet’s daily routines.
Pet Transportation and Travel
With people traveling more frequently with pets—or relocating with them across states or countries—the demand for pet transportation services has soared. These services ensure that animals are moved safely, legally, and comfortably.
Trending pet travel services include:
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Pet taxis for local vet appointments or grooming visits
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Long-distance pet transport companies
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Pet relocation specialists for international moves
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Airlines offering in-cabin pet concierge options
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Travel planning for pet-friendly hotels and destinations
This trend aligns with the broader movement toward pet-friendly lifestyles. Many cities now offer dog-friendly patios, parks, and even movie theaters, encouraging more pet-inclusive travel and recreation. Pet service providers are rising to the occasion by removing barriers to safe and comfortable travel.
Behavioral and Training Services
Behavioral support and training are more than obedience—they’re about strengthening the bond between pets and owners. In today’s world, these services are becoming increasingly personalized and specialized.
Emerging trends include:
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Positive reinforcement-only training methods
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Fear-free certified trainers
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Virtual training classes and behavioral coaching
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In-home sessions focused on anxiety or reactivity
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Puppy socialization groups and “puppy kindergarten”
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Specialized training for therapy, service, or emotional support animals
Demand for behaviorists and trainers has grown as more people adopt rescue animals who may need rehabilitation or desensitization. In urban areas especially, proper training is critical for coexistence in apartment buildings and shared spaces.
Daycare and Socialization
With busy schedules and more two-income households, pet parents are turning to daycare services to ensure their animals get adequate attention, exercise, and social interaction during the workday.
Pet daycare trends include:
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Cage-free play environments
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Enrichment-focused programs with puzzles and obstacle courses
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Puppy-specific daycares that focus on early development
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Doggy daycares with webcams and report cards
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Group hikes and adventure outings
For cats, enrichment-based boarding or play lounges are gaining traction, offering stimulation and interaction in species-appropriate ways. Socialization is now viewed as a core component of emotional well-being, not a luxury.
End-of-Life and Memorial Services
A sensitive yet increasingly talked-about trend is the growth of end-of-life services for pets. As people become more emotionally bonded to their pets, the demand for compassionate, personalized farewells is rising.
Popular offerings include:
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At-home euthanasia services for comfort and privacy
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Grief counseling and support groups
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Pet cremation and ashes return options
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Memorial jewelry, urns, or custom artwork
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Pet cemeteries and green burial services
This trend reflects the humanization of pet death, acknowledging it as a deeply emotional event that deserves dignity and respect. Pet hospice services are also emerging, supporting families in managing chronic or terminal illness at home.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Services
Sustainability is no longer a fringe concern—it’s a mainstream priority, and the pet services industry is responding. Eco-conscious pet owners are seeking out providers who align with their values.
Green pet services trending today include:
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Zero-waste grooming salons
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Compostable waste removal or “pooper scooper” services
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Natural and biodegradable grooming products
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Eco-friendly pet boarding with solar-powered facilities
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Organic lawn treatments safe for pets
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Dog walking companies committed to environmental stewardship
Sustainability also extends to transportation (e.g., electric pet taxis) and carbon offsets for pet-related emissions. As climate awareness grows, more service providers are positioning themselves as eco-leaders in their local markets.
Senior Pet Support Services
With pets living longer, senior pet care has become a distinct category within pet services. Older animals often require different routines, monitoring, and physical accommodations.
Key services for aging pets include:
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Senior-specific grooming with gentle handling
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In-home care for mobility-challenged pets
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Physical therapy and mobility aids (e.g., slings, wheelchairs)
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Specialized daycare for low-energy pets
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Medication administration and routine wellness checks
This trend is driven not only by demographics but also by emotional commitment. Many pet owners are eager to ensure their animals experience comfort, dignity, and joy in their later years.
Mobile and At-Home Services
The demand for convenience has led to a surge in mobile and in-home pet services, bringing professional care directly to the pet’s doorstep.
Trending mobile services include:
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Mobile pet grooming vans
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In-home veterinary care
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At-home dog training or behavior coaching
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Pet massage or acupuncture house calls
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On-site pet photography or portrait sessions
This service model minimizes stress for pets who dislike car rides or unfamiliar environments and is especially helpful for senior pets or those with health concerns.
Inclusive and Specialized Services
Another rising trend is the creation of services that recognize the diversity of pets and their people. As society becomes more inclusive, so too does the pet service industry.
Examples of inclusive services include:
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Training for deaf dogs or dogs with mobility issues
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Support for LGBTQ+ pet owners, including inclusive community events
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Cultural sensitivity in memorial services
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Language-accessible pet care resources
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Breed-specific or species-specific services (e.g., reptile boarding or bird grooming)
Inclusivity also includes income accessibility. Sliding-scale pet care services and nonprofit community vet clinics are growing, aiming to provide care for underserved populations.
Trends in Pet Services: The Final Word
The pet services industry is more dynamic today than at any point in history. Driven by changing cultural norms, technological advancements, and an emotional shift in how we view animals, these services now span everything from mobile grooming to telehealth, luxury daycare to eco-friendly poop scooping.
By understanding the current trends in pet services, pet owners can make more informed choices, while service providers can anticipate emerging demands and innovate responsibly. Whether you’re a business owner, pet parent, investor, or enthusiast, staying up to date with these evolving categories ensures you’re aligned with a market that continues to thrive.
The future of pet services isn’t just about convenience or care—it’s about compassion, community, and customization. As our relationships with animals grow deeper, so too will the services we create to support them.