The rise of the at-home pet economy

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📈 A bite-sized stat tastier than kibble: Pet care delivered to your door

Global mobile pet care market generates more than half a billion dollars annually

The global mobile pet care market was valued at $641 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $1.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8% during this period. Veterinary care leads the market, with mobile services for dogs—such as grooming and basic health check-ups—driving demand. The industry is seeing new household mobile pet care brands, many driven by capital-light franchise models.

🐾 The purr-spective: This growth is driven by increasing pet ownership, particularly in urban areas where busy lifestyles and the expectation of on-demand require convenient services. Technology has accelerated this trend as many mobile pet care businesses are powered by verticalized software with mobile apps. Pets are family members, and people expect pet care services that are on par with or better than what's available for humans. Pet owners, especially first time millennial or Gen Z owners want access to these services where they are—physically and emotionally. Alongside this increased willingness to pay, we see the rise of DINKWADs: Dual-Income, No Kids With A Dog, and they love mobile pet services.

🎾 What we’re chasing: Rise of at-home pet care

Cleaning up after your pet—made easy

As busy pet owners juggle daily life and don’t want to do the dirty work, at-home poop scooping services are becoming increasingly essential. Whether it's regular service for residential yards or one-time cleanups for special events, companies like DoodyCalls and POOP 911 help maintain a clean, healthy environment for pets and their owners.

Pet waste removal services offer a reliable solution, keeping yards, parks, and other outdoor spaces clean and safe for all. This convenient service allows pet owners to enjoy peace of mind, reducing stress and letting them focus on what truly matters—spending quality time with their loved ones, both human and furry.

In-home, peaceful end-of-life pet care

As our pets grow older, many families turn to in-home services like CodaPet for end-of-life care, providing a peaceful and familiar environment during a difficult time. In-home euthanasia allows pets to pass comfortably in their own space, free from the stress of a clinic visit. Families can expect a calm and compassionate experience, from initial discussions to sedation and aftercare.

In-home hospice care is also gaining popularity to help manage a pet’s comfort and pain in their senior years. Whether through palliative care or advanced hospice support, services from companies like Caring Pathways and Lap of Love allow more meaningful time together and reduce the strain of regular vet trips.

On-demand pet massages and reiki

As pet wellness becomes a priority, in-home pet massage services are helping dogs of all ages, from easing tension in active dogs to promoting recovery from injury. Whether for a sporting dog, a pregnant pet, or a growing puppy, these sessions are tailored to meet your pet’s specific needs.

Beyond physical benefits, many pets respond well to complementary therapies like Reiki, which promote emotional and physical healing. Additionally, more pet insurance providers are covering alternative treatments to make these services more accessible.

🤝 Upcoming event: Pet Connect USA in December

The Digital PawPrint is an official media partner of Pet Connect USA in Los Angeles. Please join us in person for this great event that connects industry leaders. Sign up HERE!

🐕‍🦺 The long leash: Mobile pet care services

The dominance of mobile grooming and vet care—and the next market

As more people embrace pets as family members, the demand for personalised pet care is surging, with mobile services offering the flexibility to meet these needs. With busy lifestyles and a shift towards on-demand options, mobile pet care allows owners to access grooming, veterinary care, and more, right at their doorstep—removing the hassle of travel.

Our article examines the rapid growth of mobile pet care services, from luxury grooming vans to fully-equipped veterinary units. It explores how shifting consumer expectations, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z pet owners, along with technological advancements, are reshaping the industry and paving the way for further innovation in mobile pet care solutions.

Read our recent article HERE.

💸 Clawing in cash: Welcome Vetted Capital

As reported by PitchBook, a new VC, Vetted Capital, just focused exclusively on pet care, is aiming to raise over $150 million for its first fund. The fund will target early-stage investments in pet wellness, technology, and products as the pet industry continues its upward trajectory.

Recent data reveals that pet-related startups raised over $800 million in 2022 alone, with notable rounds including $50 million for pet food brand Nom Nom and $40 million for dog-walking platform Wag. Vetted Capital's fund launch aligns with this strong funding momentum, tapping into an expanding market with a projected 8% CAGR through 2030.

🐾 The purr-spective: The pet care sector is seeing unprecedented investor interest, with specialized funds like Vetted Capital targeting $150 million and Digitalis Ventures raising $300 million exclusively for pet-focused ventures. This growth has attracted not only niche investors but also generalist VCs, as the pet tech market continues to expand with a projected 8% CAGR through 2030. While pet care has historically been a B2C space, new startups are shifting toward B2B and B2B2C models—partnering with distributors, retailers, and service providers to broaden their market reach. This trend suggests a strong runway for pet-focused innovations that blend consumer appeal with scalable business models, underscoring an ideal time for startups in this space to secure funding and grow.

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