Pet Sitting Revenue Gains Momentum: Insights from Recent Industry Survey

In 2025, the average revenue for pet-sitting operations in the United States reached $112,423 (€96,916), marking an 11% increase from the previous year’s figure of $100,537 (€86,670), according to Pet Sitters International (PSI). Meanwhile, Canadian pet sitters reported average earnings of CA$166,118 ($116,283/€102,993), a notable rise from CA$100,764 ($70,535/€62,474) in 2023.

The data belongs to PSI's 2026 State of the Industry Survey, which garnered feedback from almost 4,000 active members between January 20 and March 11, 2026. Among the respondents, 94% were U.S.-based pet sitters, around 5% from Canada, and the rest from various other countries. This diverse sampling gives a clearer picture of the pet-sitting market, revealing trends that are shaping the industry.

Revenue Growth Projections

Looking ahead, about 68% of pet sitters anticipate revenue growth over the next year, with 78% expressing a positive outlook for their businesses in 2026. This optimism isn't just wishful thinking; it's a reflection of the changing perceptions surrounding pet care. Pet ownership has grown, and many owners are looking for reliable and professional support for their animals, contributing to a vibrant market for pet-sitting services.

The increasing popularity of professional pet care services indicates a significant shift in household priorities. As people return to full-time work and social activities post-pandemic, many are turning to pet sitters to ensure their pets receive the attention and care they deserve. For pet sitters, this trend could translate to both more business and higher incomes — and you'll notice that the experienced ones are already preparing for it.

Pricing Strategies and Service Demand

In terms of service pricing, pet-sitting rates in the U.S. range from $20.64 (€17.79) to $46.26 (€39.88) for visits lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. In Canada, these rates fall between CA$20.73 ($14.51/€12.85) and CA$47.66 ($33.36/€29.55). The most requested duration for visits is typically 30 minutes, as noted by 63% of respondents, while 70% indicated similar demand for dog walking services. This suggests a strong preference for shorter, more targeted services — a trend that operators may want to capitalize on.

Pricing depends significantly on competition, with 36% citing it as the main factor, followed by living costs (25%) and overhead expenses (12%). Here’s the thing: it's not enough to set rates based solely on costs. Understanding market demand and customer willingness to pay is critical. Notably, over half of respondents (52%) charge extra for additional pets, while 48% set their rates based purely on the duration of service. This indicates a flexibility that many pet sitters are embracing to maximize their earnings.

Overnight Care Insights

For overnight services, clients can expect to pay an average of $110.43 (€95.20) in the U.S. and CA$113 ($79.10/€70.06) in Canada. Live-in or 24-hour services are priced higher, averaging $167.62 (€144.50) and CA$217.67 ($152.37/€134.96) respectively. Interestingly, among those offering overnight care, 62% do not include midday visits in their overnight rates, leading to additional costs for clients. This practice highlights the complexity of pricing strategies and client expectations.

Client Demographics

PSI’s data shows that pet sitting services primarily attract clients aged between 36 to 50 (35%) and 51 to 65 (31%). A majority, or 75%, of these clients belong to higher income brackets. It’s revealing that a solid portion of the client base is not just pet owners but individuals who can afford professional services. This demographic also indicates a trend towards pet ownership as a priority rather than a luxury. Additionally, 98% of respondents reported serving senior clients, while 62% cater to individuals with physical disabilities and 27% assist clients with mental or developmental challenges.

“Current pet owners increasingly regard professional pet sitters as more than just someone to feed or walk their pets. They are seeking skilled and educated providers,” states Beth Stultz-Hairston, PSI President. This sentiment speaks volumes about the rising expectations from pet owners today — they want assurance that their pets are in knowledgeable hands.

Pet Care Trends

Cats remain the most commonly serviced pets, with 96% of PSI members providing care for them, compared to 92% for dogs. Since 2018, cats have dominated this category, signaling not just a preference but possibly evolving lifestyle habits among pet owners. More than half of PSI members also care for smaller animals such as rabbits and hamsters (71%), birds (65%), and freshwater fish (62%). The breadth of services offered reflects how pet care is broadening to include an array of animals beyond just dogs and cats, which may also influence market dynamics.

Market Opportunities

Most pet-sitting businesses operate with few, if any, employees; 52% work solo, while 9% collaborate with a partner. However, there's a trend towards hiring, with 39% of respondents reporting that they employed staff in 2026, up from 31% in 2024. This shift suggests growth potential — more businesses are becoming established players in the industry rather than just gig economy participants. The challenge remains: how to maintain a personal touch in a growing operation?

The usage of technology appears limited, as nearly 72% of members do not engage AI or automation tools in their operations. Among those who do utilize technology, 46% employ dedicated pet-sitting software, while 40% rely on accounting software. In digital marketing efforts, 63% list their business on PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator, while large numbers use Facebook and Google for promotion. (And this is the part most people overlook): effective online marketing is essential in a competitive market. Those who neglect this aspect risk being sidelined by more technologically-savvy competitors.

“The pet sitting industry is poised for continued growth as professional standards rise, with greater emphasis on education, technology, and scalable business practices,” adds Stultz-Hairston. “By merging innovation with personalized care, businesses can meet the evolving expectations of pet owners.” This perspective serves as a reminder that the industry is changing — and those unwilling to adapt may find themselves struggling to keep pace.

Future Outlook: Implications for Pet Sitters

The trends emerging from PSI’s survey indicate a robust future for the pet-sitting industry, albeit one fraught with challenges. As pet ownership climbs and pet care becomes a necessity rather than a luxury, there’s potential for revenue growth. But pet sitters must adapt to increasingly sophisticated client expectations and competition that’s likely to intensify.

If you're working in this space, finding ways to differentiate your services will be vital. Whether through technology adoption, expanding service offerings, or honing marketing strategies, the path forward will require a proactive approach. With clients seeking more than just basic animal care, there's an opportunity for pet sitters to become trusted partners in the lives of their clients and their pets. Yet, as always, balancing personal service with business growth will remain the tightrope every pet sitter has to walk.