Being aware of pet industry trends doesn’t mean chasing the next big thing; instead, it’s a smart way to meet customers where they are and grow your business. Let’s take a closer look at the trends driving pet services franchise growth and learn more about how incorporating them into your business can help you thrive.
Pet Care Industry Growth at a Glance
Growth in the pet care industry is anything but a trend. Our industry is on a stable growth trajectory that’s anticipated to continue for years to come! Valued at $62.1 billion for 2025, the U.S. pet care industry’s market size is projected to grow to $91.7 billion by 2031. Within the broader pet care industry, the $2.1 billion U.S. pet grooming services market is expected to have a continuous annual growth rate of 6.7% through 2030.
As the shift toward treating pets like members of the family continues, the demand for high-end products and services will grow. Today’s pet parents are more willing than ever to spend more on premium pet care. In 2025, pet parents were projected to have spent $157 billion on their furry friends. While much of that spend came from food, supplies, and vet care, additional services like grooming came in at $13.5 billion. It’s clear that this market is poised to grow well into the future.
Understanding Pet Industry Trends for 2026
Successful pet businesses are finding the right balance between time-honed practices and much-needed innovation. Here are a few of the trends that forward-thinking pet industry entrepreneurs are keeping an eye on.
- Automation and workflow-improving technologies: With the pet industry growing at such a rapid pace, embracing automation is essential to keep up with the flow of business. Franchises within the pet industry, including Aussie Pet Mobile, have improved operational efficiencies by adopting workflow software with AI assistants, reporting platforms to track marketing campaign performance, chatbots that help customers schedule services, and much more. At Aussie Pet Mobile, we’re using technology to optimize our routes, increase bookings, and seamlessly integrate customer feedback.
- Changing pet parent landscape: As more young people bring animals into their lives, the pet industry is adapting to their priorities. Millennials and Gen Z make up half of all pet parents, with Millennials having the highest pet ownership rates of any generation at 76%. Pet ownership demographic trends are reflected in the rise of products and services that put pet wellness first. Millennials in particular are seeking pet services that combine holistic wellness with quality and convenience. Pet parents under 50, including Gen Z, are also conscious about the environmental impact of the goods and services they purchase, and are often willing to pay more for an eco-friendly option.
- Sustainable pet grooming: Of course, sustainability and green options are popular with older generations as well. Eco-friendly grooming products and low-water bathing systems have become standard throughout the industry. Within the mobile pet grooming market, franchises are designing their vans with environmental concerns in mind. Aussie Pet Mobile’s state-of-the-art grooming vans are powered with lithium-ion batteries and don’t require outside hookups for water or electrical power. We also follow non-idling practices that minimize our carbon footprint.
- Mobile pet grooming: More pet parents than ever are turning to mobile pet grooming. From convenience to stress reduction, there’s no shortage of reasons why someone might choose mobile pet grooming over traditional salons. No matter the cause, mobile pet grooming makes it simpler for pet parents to care for their pet’s long-term health. Not only does it enable pet parents with busy schedules to keep up with regular grooming appointments; it also provides pets with one-on-one attention and allows their groomer to pay close attention to their overall health. Investing in a mobile pet grooming business is a smart way to help pet parents save money and protect their peace of mind.
How can I incorporate pet industry trends into my business?
It can be difficult to strike the right balance between being wary of passing fads and waiting too long to adapt innovations with staying power. One of the many benefits of franchising is that your franchisor will be able to provide guidance on which trends to incorporate into your workflow and which to ignore. Some franchisors, like Aussie Pet Mobile, may have in-house experts that research and test new ideas to make sure they work with the business model before they’re implemented. If trends and innovations are something you’re especially passionate about, be sure to mention it with your franchisor during the franchise process.
Aussie Pet Mobile Stays Ahead of the Curve
At Aussie Pet Mobile, we set the industry standard for innovation. Our home office team understands the ever-changing world of pet grooming, and we know how to help our franchisees lead the way in their communities. With our resources and expertise, franchisees have the tools they need to keep customers satisfied and own their local markets.
Ready to be your community’s partner in pet well-being? Inquire now, and one of our franchise advisors will be in touch with more information.