The Pet Industry. Predictions for the 2026 Pet Care Services Industry and Economy. The pet care services industry is poised for significant evolution by 2026, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and a growing emphasis on pet health and wellness. As pet ownership continues to rise worldwide, the industry is expected to expand, adapting to new trends in digital services, sustainability, and personalized care. Below are Petworks predictions for the state of the pet care services industry and economy in 2026.
1. Growth of the Pet Care Economy
The pet care industry has seen steady annual growth, and this trend is projected to continue through 2026. With an increasing number of pet owners treating their pets as family members, spending on pet-related services will likely reach new heights. According to industry analysts, the global pet care market is expected to surpass $350 billion by 2026, with services such as grooming, training, boarding, and veterinary care seeing notable increases.
Additionally, pet insurance adoption is forecasted to rise, further boosting overall spending in the industry. Consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of pet health coverage, and insurance providers are expected to introduce more comprehensive and affordable plans to meet demand.
2. Expansion of Telehealth and Virtual Pet Care Services
The demand for telehealth services in veterinary care and pet wellness will continue to rise. Virtual veterinary consultations, online behavioral training, and digital wellness programs will become mainstream as pet parents seek convenient and cost-effective solutions. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and wearable pet health monitoring devices will enhance remote diagnostics, allowing for early detection of health issues.
Moreover, digital pet care platforms will expand their offerings, integrating services such as remote grooming consultations, virtual dog training, and AI-driven pet nutrition plans. These innovations will provide pet parents with real-time, expert-guided solutions tailored to their pets’ specific needs.
3. Increased Demand for Premium and Holistic Pet Care
Pet owners are becoming more discerning about the quality of services they invest in. By 2026, premium pet care services, including organic and holistic grooming, therapeutic pet massages, and alternative treatments like acupuncture and animal Reiki, will see increased demand. Consumers are looking for services that promote overall pet wellness, incorporating natural products and holistic approaches.
Additionally, luxury pet services such as high-end boarding facilities, spa treatments, and customized exercise programs will gain popularity. Pet resorts and wellness retreats catering to the physical and emotional needs of pets will attract affluent pet owners willing to spend more on premium experiences.
4. Sustainability and Ethical Pet Services
Sustainability will be a major focus in the pet care industry by 2026. Eco-friendly pet grooming products, biodegradable pet waste solutions, and sustainable pet food options will be in high demand. Pet care businesses that adopt green practices, such as reducing water waste in grooming salons, using cruelty-free grooming products, and implementing eco-conscious pet daycare designs, will appeal to environmentally conscious pet owners.
Ethical treatment of pets in service industries will also be scrutinized. More businesses will implement transparent policies regarding pet handling, staff training, and humane treatment, ensuring that pet parents trust their chosen service providers.
5. Technology-Driven Innovations in Pet Care
Advancements in technology will redefine pet services by 2026. AI-powered pet monitoring cameras, GPS tracking collars, and smart pet doors will become commonplace. Automated pet feeders with personalized meal plans will cater to pets’ dietary needs based on age, breed, and health conditions.
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) training tools will enhance pet obedience programs, allowing for interactive learning experiences. AI-driven chatbots and customer service automation will improve the efficiency of pet service businesses, streamlining appointment scheduling and customer inquiries.
6. Rise in Mobile Pet Services
Mobile pet services will dominate the pet care landscape in 2026. Mobile grooming, at-home veterinary visits, and door-to-door pet training services will increase in popularity, catering to pet owners who prioritize convenience. Pet taxi services will also expand, transporting pets to grooming salons, veterinary clinics, and daycare facilities.
As urbanization continues, busy professionals and elderly pet owners will rely more on mobile pet services to ensure their pets receive consistent care. The demand for subscription-based mobile pet services, offering regular at-home visits, will likely increase.
Quote: “As we look ahead to 2026, the pet industry will continue to evolve toward more personalized, tech-enabled, and wellness-focused services. At Petworks, we’re seeing a strong shift in consumer demand toward holistic care, remote consultations, and trusted professional connections. Pet parents aren’t just seeking convenience. They’re prioritizing expertise, transparency, and emotional support. The future belongs to platforms that foster meaningful human-animal connections, both online and in person.” – Kevin Kinyon, Founder of Petworks
7. Increased Focus on Pet Mental Health and Behavior
Pet mental health awareness will shape the services offered in 2026. More pet parents will seek professional support for issues such as separation anxiety, aggression, and socialization challenges. Certified animal behaviorists and pet psychologists will experience higher demand, offering in-person and virtual behavioral consultations.
Therapy-based pet activities, including sensory play programs, canine enrichment workshops, and pet-friendly mindfulness exercises, will be integrated into traditional pet care services. Businesses that address emotional well-being will differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
8. Growth of Pet-Friendly Workplaces and Services
As companies embrace pet-friendly policies, pet care services will adapt to accommodate pets in workplaces. Corporate partnerships with pet care providers will increase, offering on-site pet daycare, grooming, and veterinary services to employees with pets. Businesses will also invest in pet-friendly office spaces, complete with designated pet relaxation areas and wellness programs.
Pet-related employee benefits, such as paid pet leave and pet insurance coverage, will become more common. These initiatives will support work-life balance for pet owners and contribute to employee satisfaction.
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9. Expansion of Pet Adoption and Rescue Services
With growing awareness of pet homelessness and overpopulation, the adoption and rescue sector will see new developments by 2026. Shelters and rescue organizations and pet relocation will leverage digital platforms to streamline pet adoptions, utilizing AI matchmaking tools to pair pets with ideal adopters.
Corporate sponsorships and increased funding for rescue initiatives will help improve shelter conditions and expand foster programs. Mobile adoption events and virtual meet-and-greet sessions will make the adoption process more accessible and efficient.
10. The Future of Pet Care Franchising and Investment
The pet care franchise model will continue to expand as investors recognize the industry’s profitability. Grooming salons, pet daycare centers, and veterinary clinic franchises will multiply, offering standardized, high-quality services across multiple locations.
Investment in pet tech startups will rise, driving innovation in health monitoring, AI-based diagnostics, and smart pet products. Additionally, venture capitalists will fund emerging pet service businesses, fueling the industry’s overall growth.
The Pet Industry
By 2026, the pet care services industry will have experienced transformative growth…fueled by technology, sustainability, and increasing consumer demand for premium and personalized care. Businesses that adapt to these evolving trends will thrive, while pet owners will benefit from a diverse range of innovative, high-quality services. The future of pet care promises to be dynamic, ensuring better well-being for pets and enhanced convenience for pet parents worldwide.
In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.
In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.
About The Author
Petworks Co-Founder Kevin Kinyon is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.
