How at-home pet services are shaping a $1.2B industry

From mobile grooming vans equipped like luxury spas to outfitted veterinary units capable of performing diagnostic tests in your driveway, the pet care industry is meeting pet parents where they are: at home.

The numbers tell a compelling story. With 67% of U.S. households now including at least one pet (according to the American Pet Products Association), the pandemic pet boom has only accelerated this trend, creating a permanent shift in how we think about pet care delivery.

Mobile services are no longer a niche offering but are quickly becoming the preferred choice for many pet owners. Meanwhile, tech founders are finding exciting opportunities to integrate digital solutions with these mobile services. In this article, we’ll explore the growth of mobile pet care services, what's driving this change, and how it's reshaping the industry.

The new wave of pet parenthood: how Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping pet care

Millennials and Gen Z aren't just pet owners—they're proud "pet parents," and this distinction is reshaping the entire pet care industry. Today's younger pet owners view their animals as integral family members, complete with wellness routines, social calendars, and premium care requirements. These generations are consistently investing in higher-quality services and experiences for their pets, and mobile pet care provides them with convenient at-home solutions.

The convenience factor: at-home services in an on-demand world

Just as e-commerce giants have trained us to expect same-day deliveries and seamless service, pet owners now seek the same level of convenience in pet care. And the benefits of mobile pet care extend far beyond simple convenience:

For pets:

• Reduced anxiety in familiar surroundings

• No exposure to other animals' stress or illness

• Personalized attention without distractions

• Comfortable environment for treatments and procedures

For pet parents:

• Time savings (no travel or waiting rooms)

• Ability to observe treatments and procedures

• Easier management of multiple pets

• More flexible scheduling options

For service providers:

• Lower overhead costs compared to physical locations

• Ability to serve more geographic areas

• Opportunities for personalized service upsells

• Stronger client relationships through home visits

Technology breeds efficiency for service providers

Modern mobile pet care isn't just about bringing services to homes—it's about integrating smart technology every step of the way:

• Smart booking systems: AI-powered scheduling that optimizes routes and timing

• Digital health records: Instant access to pet history and care requirements

• Payment integration: Seamless transactions and automatic billing

• Communication platforms: Real-time updates and easy consultation access

Major players like Woofie, Aussie Pet Mobile, and My Pet Mobile Vet are investing in mobile unit technology and developing custom-built vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and grooming equipment. Their commitment to innovation extends beyond hardware to include sophisticated booking systems, customer relationship management tools, and mobile apps that enhance the client experience.

The technological backbone of modern mobile pet care goes far beyond basic scheduling software. Industry leaders are implementing comprehensive digital ecosystems that integrate every aspect of service delivery. Mobile units now feature cloud-connected health records systems, real-time inventory management, and sophisticated routing algorithms that optimize service delivery routes. These improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Mobile grooming: From niche service to industry powerhouse

When an industry segment jumps from $354 million to a projected $1.2 billion in less than a decade, people take notice. This growth is driven by a combination of factors: the increasing number of pet owners, the desire for convenience, and the recognition that regular grooming is essential for pet health and well-being.

Mobile grooming services offer clear benefits for both pets and their owners. By coming directly to the home, these services reduce the stress that pets may experience in a traditional grooming salon. An often-overlooked benefit of mobile groomers is they can detect early signs of skin infections, allergies, or other health concerns, adding an important preventive care aspect to the service. As the market grows, companies are investing in state-of-the-art mobile units equipped with all the necessary tools for a full range of grooming services, from nail trimming and brushing to breed-specific haircuts.

The growing trend of premium pet care is also evident in mobile grooming. Owners are increasingly opting for high-end services, such as eco-friendly products, organic shampoos, and luxurious add-ons like pet facials and aromatherapy treatments. With more pet owners willing to invest in their pets' appearance and hygiene, the mobile grooming industry is poised for continued growth.

From a business perspective, operating costs for mobile groomers typically run lower than traditional brick-and-mortar salons, without the burden of rent, utilities, and facility maintenance. Mobile groomers can serve a wider geographic area across multiple neighborhoods or towns rather than being limited to a single location's draw, which often results in higher per-client revenue. The business model also generally requires fewer staff members, as mobile units operate with streamlined, efficient teams. 

Mobile veterinary care: Rapid expansion and growing demand

While mobile veterinary services are a relatively newer offering compared to grooming, they are quickly gaining traction. The convenience of having a vet come to your home—especially for pets that are elderly, anxious, or have mobility issues—has made mobile veterinary care a rapidly expanding market.

Mobile vets offer a wide range of services, from routine check-ups and vaccinations to more complex diagnostics like blood work and X-rays. In some cases, mobile vets can even perform minor surgeries, making it a comprehensive solution for many pet owners. The ability to provide care in a pet’s familiar environment can also lead to more accurate assessments and better overall health outcomes, as pets are typically less stressed during at-home visits.

Moreover, mobile vet services are becoming increasingly tech-driven. Telemedicine and mobile apps are being integrated into service offerings, allowing for easier scheduling, monitoring of pet health, and access to veterinary advice. The rise of these services reflects broader trends in healthcare, where convenience and personalization are becoming key differentiators.

The future of mobile pet care: Beyond grooming and vet services

The pet care industry is primed for expansion, with new mobile services emerging to meet evolving pet parent needs. Let's explore what's next in the mobile pet care market.

Physical wellness

• Mobile pet physical therapy: These specialized providers offer comprehensive post-surgery recovery programs alongside ongoing support for senior pet mobility. Their services extend to sports injury rehabilitation, with some vehicles specially equipped for hydrotherapy sessions. Many units now also feature advanced laser therapy treatments, bringing cutting-edge rehabilitation technology directly to pets' homes.

• Mobile nutrition and wellness consulting: Mobile nutrition specialists now provide deeply personalized diet planning services, working directly in clients' homes to demonstrate custom meal preparation techniques. These experts develop comprehensive weight management programs while closely monitoring dietary responses. They're particularly valuable for pets with special needs, creating detailed nutrition plans that take into account medical conditions, age, and lifestyle factors.

• Mental health and behavioral services: These experts conduct thorough in-home behavior assessments to evaluate how pets interact with their environment and family members. They develop customized training programs based on these observations, addressing specific challenges in the actual spaces where problems occur. Anxiety management has become a particular focus, with specialists designing targeted interventions that help pets cope with stress triggers in their daily environment. 

• Health wearables: Modern wearable devices provide continuous real-time health data and activity tracking, while sophisticated systems monitor vital signs remotely. These tools analyze behavior patterns over time, enabling care providers to spot trends and potential issues early. The technology doesn't just collect data—it enables truly proactive care, with mobile providers receiving immediate alerts when patterns change, allowing for early intervention and more targeted treatment approaches.

• Pet hospice and palliative care: Mobile pet hospice providers offer compassionate care that allows pets to spend their final days in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and loved ones. These services include comprehensive pain management protocols, regular wellness checks, and quality-of-life assessments

• Mobile microchipping and preventative services: These providers bring essential routine care directly to pet owners' doorsteps, offering everything from vaccinations and microchipping to flea and tick treatments. The convenience factor has proven particularly valuable for multi-pet households and busy families who might otherwise struggle to keep up with routine care appointments.

Premium services

• Luxury mobile spas: These luxury units offer aromatherapy treatments to calm and rejuvenate pets in their familiar environments. Other common services are hot oil therapies, professional massage services, advanced facial treatments, and skin and coat applications.

• Mobile pet photography and social media: As pets continue to dominate social media feeds, specialized mobile photography services have emerged to meet this growing demand. Professional photographers now bring portable studios directly to clients' homes or preferred locations. Special event photography has become particularly popular for pet birthdays, adoptiversaries, and holiday celebrations.

• Pet transportation: Professional pet taxi services now offer door-to-door transportation options for pets with secure crates, climate control systems, and monitoring equipment to ensure pet safety and comfort. Trained handlers understand pet behavior and can manage anxiety during transit. Many providers have expanded to offer regular routes to popular destinations like daycare facilities, while others specialize in veterinary appointment transport or emergency services.

Support services 

• Pet waste management: Professional waste management services now offer regular yard maintenance specifically designed for pet owners, while specialized sanitization services help maintain healthy outdoor spaces. Pet-safe lawn treatments address common issues while ensuring animal safety.

• Mobile insurance assessments: On-site insurance evaluations provide immediate coverage assessments and help pet parents make informed decisions about their pets' long-term care needs. 

The mobile pet care market shows no signs of slowing down. As technology continues to advance and consumer preferences evolve, we can expect to see continued innovation and growth in this dynamic sector. For entrepreneurs and investors, the key to success will be identifying underserved market segments while maintaining the high-touch, personalized service of mobile pet care.