Did you know that 65 million U.S. households own a dog? With so many people loving and caring for their furry companions, it's no surprise that the pet care industry has remained consistently profitable even during economic downturns. In fact, it has been deemed a recession-resilient business.

But what exactly makes pet care services like dog boarding and grooming thrive even in tougher times? All American Pet Resorts Franchise Development is here to give you a closer look at the pet industry market and why a franchise like ours is a smart investment for the right candidate.

Markets that Make Up the Pet Care Industry

The pet care industry covers everything from food and toys to treatments and grooming services. While All American Pet Resorts Franchise Development specializes in dog boarding, daycare, and grooming, understanding the broader market shows why this industry offers such stable business opportunities.

How Much Is Spent On Pets?

In 2023, American pet owners spent a staggering $147 billion on their pets overall, spanning everything from food and toys to medical care. Within this broader market, the U.S. pet care industry specifically generated $83.14 billion in revenue.

Entrepreneurs take note: a staggering $12.6 billion was spent on services such as dog boarding, daycare, and grooming alone.

This significant investment in pet services shows just how committed owners are to providing quality care for their furry family members, making it an attractive market for business owners.

How Much Is the Pet Boarding and Grooming Industry Worth?

The pet grooming and boarding industry in the United States reached $14.7 billion in 2024, with an impressive average growth rate of 6% over the past five years. This consistent growth, even during challenging economic times, shows the sector's stability and strong customer demand.

As pet ownership continues to rise, the industry is positioned for continued expansion in the years ahead.

Is the Pet Care Industry Recession-Resilient?

The pet care industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, even in the face of economic challenges. A recent example is the COVID-19 pandemic. While many sectors faced shutdowns and financial instability, pet care proved its stability and rebounded swiftly after initial disruptions. Here’s why this industry continues to thrive, even during economic downturns:

Emotional Bond Between Pets and Owners

Pet owners increasingly view their pets as family members, not just animals. This deep emotional connection means pet care isn't considered optional. It's a priority in the family budget. Pet parents will cut back on their own expenses before reducing spending on their pets' wellbeing, ensuring consistent demand for essential services. This underscores the resilience and consistent growth of the pet care industry, even in the face of economic challenges.

Essential and Recurring Services

The pet care industry is uniquely recession-resistant because its services, such as daycare, grooming, and boarding, are essential and non-discretionary. Pet owners prioritize their animals’ well-being, ensuring consistent demand for these services regardless of economic conditions. Unlike optional expenses that decline during downturns, pet care remains a necessity, creating stable and reliable revenue for businesses year-round.

Diversified Revenue Streams

Multiple service offerings create stability. When one service sees a temporary decline, others often increase. For example, during the pandemic, while boarding decreased, grooming services continued to stay consistent with safety practices in place. This diversity helps pet care businesses maintain steady revenue through changing market conditions.

Growing Pet Ownership

The pet industry continues to expand as younger generations embrace pet parenthood at unprecedented rates. Millennials and Gen Z are not only adopting more pets but also investing significantly in their care. They consistently prioritize high-quality services, regardless of economic shifts, making them a dependable and steadily growing customer base year after year.

The Resilience of Franchising in Pet Care

Franchising amplifies the already robust pet care industry by combining proven business models with established customer trust and comprehensive support systems. The franchise model allows entrepreneurs to leverage collective expertise and economies of scale while focusing on what matters most: delivering exceptional pet care services.

This approach has consistently demonstrated success across economic cycles, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the pet care market.

Let All American Pet Resorts Franchise Development Help You Enter the Pet Care Industry

At All American Pet Resorts Franchise Development, we give entrepreneurs the chance to join a trusted brand in the booming pet care industry. Since starting in 2005, with extensive experience and a proven business model, our dog boarding franchise provides a strong foundation for success. From cage-free boarding to supervised play, our premium services and reputation for quality set the standard in pet care.

Partnering with us means getting full support, including training, marketing strategies, operational guidance, and a network of experts. Pet care is a growing, recession-resilient market, making this the perfect chance to turn your love for pets into a profitable business.