Leading Pet-Sitter Association Releases Pet-Sitting Industry Trends Report
Pet Sitters International’s new report provides insight on pet-sitter and client demographics, services offered, fees charged and more.
KING, N.C. (July 14, 2026) — Pet Sitters International (PSI) has released a 2026 Pet-Sitting Industry Trends Report, offering new data and insights that highlight a thriving industry poised for continued growth and innovation.
Drawing from PSI's 2026 State of the Industry Survey, the report provides a comprehensive look at the professional pet-sitting and dog-walking industry, including trends in business performance, workforce demographics, and client demand.
PSI is the world’s leading educational association for professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses.
“This Trends Report provides an important snapshot of an industry experiencing sustained revenue growth and strong career appeal across multiple generations,” said PSI CEO & Owner Adam Foster. “With access to comprehensive survey data for the professional pet-sitting and dog-walking industry, we’re able to identify today’s trends while gaining valuable insight into where the industry is headed.”
Click here to download PSI’s 2026 Pet-Sitting Industry Trends Report for free.
The report reveals several key trends:
- Pet-sitter revenue is on the rise. The average annual revenue for professional pet sitters continues to increase, and a majority of pet sitters expect continued growth. The report shares average pet-sitting and dog-walking rates as well as average gross revenue.
- Cats still rule the pet-care market. The majority of PSI members offer services for multiple pet types, but cats are still at the top, as they have been since PSI’s 2018 survey.
- The industry is accessible to adults of all ages. Survey results reflect the notable diversity of PSI’s membership—from 20-somethings just launching their careers to retirees who want to remain active and engaged.
- 30-minute visits are the top choice. While pet sitters provide a range of services, 30-minute pet-sitting and dog-walking visits are most popular with clients, the report reveals.
- Wealthy, middle-aged clients are most common. PSI members offer services to clients of all ages and backgrounds, but survey responses provide a snapshot of the most common client that pet sitters and dog walkers encounter.
- The industry is ripe for further growth and innovation. Professional pet sitting and dog walking is still relatively young as a career field, which means the industry is ripe for continued growth. The report provides data on pet sitters’ technology adoption, staffing and more.
"Professional pet care has evolved into a respected and rewarding career for thousands of small business owners, and we believe the opportunities ahead are even greater," said PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. "By understanding the trends shaping our industry today, pet sitters and dog walkers can better prepare their businesses for tomorrow."
To learn more about PSI and professional pet sitting as a career, or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, visit www.petsit.com.
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About Pet Sitters International
Founded in 1994, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s leading educational association for professional pet sitters and dog walkers. For more than three decades, PSI has set the benchmark for excellence in the pet-sitting profession and is the creator of the first publicly available Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses. With members across the United States, Canada, and more than 15 other countries, PSI continues to elevate the industry and provide members with access to the educational resources and business tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving field.
