Americans are spending billions not just keeping pets healthy, but making their lives more comfortable, social and entertaining.
1. Grooming
Professional grooming can include baths, haircuts, nail care and specialized treatments. But the market is shifting as owners look for value: APPA says more than half of dog owners now groom their dogs at home, while salon and mobile grooming spending declined in 2025. (American Pet Products Association)
2. Boarding and Daycare
Boarding remains a major expense for owners who travel or work long hours. Services range from basic kennels to daycare centers offering play groups, individual attention and overnight stays. APPA puts the entire U.S. pet-services category—including boarding, grooming, training, sitting and walking—at $14.9 billion projected for 2026. (American Pet Products Association)
3. Training
Owners are paying for everything from basic obedience classes to private behavioral training. The spending reflects a broader shift toward treating pets as household members whose behavior and wellbeing are worth investing in.
4. Pet-Friendly Travel
Pets are increasingly joining their owners on vacations and road trips. A 2026 survey found 45% of American pet owners had turned down travel because their pets couldn’t be accommodated, while 73% preferred road trips specifically to bring them along. (New York Post)
5. Enrichment
Puzzle toys, subscription boxes, specialized play equipment and structured activities have created another spending category designed to keep pets mentally and physically engaged.
6. The Bigger Picture
Americans spent $158 billion on pets in 2025, and APPA projects $165 billion for 2026. Services alone are expected to approach $15 billion. (American Pet Products Association)
