Whether you’ve been on the fence about investing in a pet franchise or are simply waiting for the right moment to dive in, 2025 could be the golden year to enter the booming pet industry.

Pet owners represent approximately 66% of U.S. households, which is around 86.9 million homes. Owners seek out critical markets in the pet industry to cater to their pets’ needs (e.g., pet food, health/wellness, veterinary, etc.). However, as needs evolve and consumer preferences change, certain existing markets can strengthen while new markets can emerge.

There can be several reasons why you should join the pet industry, but keep reading to discover why this year may be the ideal time to invest.

INDUSTRY GROWTH

Although the pet industry includes various opportunities and markets, it can be important to consider a macro viewpoint when evaluating an industry you may want to join. In the U.S., the largest region in the global pet economy, this industry is projected to exceed $150 billion by 2025. Additionally, the average annual spending on pets per household is estimated to be $1,445 by 2026, increasing to $1,733 by 2030.

This sustained demand, evident in the growing projections, helps showcase the possibilities and stable customer base that can be available for franchisees in this industry in the years to come.

INCREASED SPENDING ON PET HEALTH

Maintaining the wellness and longevity of pets is a top priority for any responsible pet parent, and the pet services market, which includes animal health. This category is predicted to face considerable growth, reaching $112 billion in 2030, up from $48 billion in 2019.

This market growth, combined with the fact that nearly seven in ten pet owners say they take better care of their pets than themselves and 71% regularly place their pets’ needs ahead of their own, can make now an excellent time to invest while the “humanization of pets” remains strong and pet wellness remains a resilient pet care industry trend.

Pet health can also include the pet daycare market, as wellness is often built into many of these types of franchise systems in the country. A recent report indicates that the U.S. pet daycare market is estimated to be $1.73 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow with an 8.8% compound annual growth rate between 2025 and 2030, reaching $2.85 billion in 2030.

Since dogs are typically the target group for pet daycare, and approximately 65.1 million American households own at least one dog, those interested in joining the pet industry can cast a wide net on potential investment opportunities within this prosperous industry.

Learn more: Top Reasons to Join a Dogtopia Franchise in 2025

APPEALS TO YOUNGER GENERATIONS

Some industries may target certain generations in their product/service offerings, which could limit a franchisee’s potential to reach a broader, diverse audience. There’s no age cap to owning a pet in the pet industry, making for incredible widespread targeting opportunities.

Millennials currently represent the largest share of pet owners in the U.S., coinciding with them being the largest generation group in the country. Many in this generation also happen to reflect a significant lifestyle trend—they’re opting to have pets over having kids. This shift not only highlights the changing perspectives on pet ownership but also creates significant opportunities for franchisees in the pet industry.

By effectively targeting this growing customer base, franchisees can tap into the preferences and purchasing power of Millennials who are seeking quality products and services that are no longer being spent on (human) children.

EVOLVES TO MEET CONSUMERS’ NEEDS

One of the strengths of the pet industry is its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences. For example, sustainable options and pet wellness have become recent trends that more pet parents are prioritizing, and various markets in the pet industry have started to reflect these preferences.

When considering any investment, it can be important to determine whether things look (or are expected to look) stagnant or there’s growth for the industry, as the latter can help demonstrate demand and help keep things modern and exciting. This happens to be the case for the pet industry, and as more Americans acquire pets, the industry will continue to grow and evolve.

Learn more: Top Pet Care Industry Trends in 2025

OMNICHANNEL OPPORTUNITIES

Not every industry can adapt well to e-commerce, and you may find some franchise businesses that do not prioritize technology in their business model. However, the pet industry has significant opportunities to thrive in both in-store and online settings. This is particularly important in today’s digital landscape, where approximately 76% of U.S. adults report purchasing items online using a smartphone and 69% on a desktop computer. This trend is even more evident among individuals under 50 years old, which includes Millennials, who represent the largest group of pet owners.

Shopping online is also true among pet owners. Although 80% say they prefer to shop in-store for their pet, 70% report buying online in the past six months. Therefore, creating an effective omnichannel strategy that provides a seamless customer experience both online and in-store. In many respects, the pet industry is well equipped to handle e-commerce opportunities, such as ordering food/supplies, booking daycare and boarding services, and more. Finding a franchise in this industry that supports e-commerce or the ability for customers to use technology to support their experience can be an advantage.

FRANCHISING WITH DOGTOPIA

Interested in bringing a Dogtopia daycare to your community in 2025? See how we stand out in the pet industry, and check out our “Why Dogtopia?” page for more details on why we can be your next investment. Our FAQ helps answer pet industry, brand, and investment questions. If you are ready to proceed to the next step and you meet our initial franchisee criteria, contact us here.