In 2016, Americans spent nearly 6 billion dollars on pet grooming and boarding. This amount may continue to rise yearly as pet owners treat dogs and cats like family. They wouldn’t leave a child at home alone all day, much less overnight. So why would they do that to their furry companions?
We see trends in pet boarding on the rise. It’s no wonder more doggie daycares and kennels are opening all the time. Right now, a boarding provider might charge $25-50 for a 24-hour stay. As this service becomes more readily available, prices will likely drop with increasing competition.
Here are a few more trends that are impacting the industry right now.
- Almost 50% of pet owners are forgoing vacation because they don’t feel they have viable options for pet care while away. This means the market is still open for new entries—especially those that rely on innovation to make pet boarding more attractive.
- Upscale pet hotels are making a splash for pet owners with cash to spare. Some pet owners routinely spend $2,000 per month on giving their pets the best. A luxury suite can run up to $200 for a single night!
- Pet sitting poses a threat to the continued growth of the boarding industry. Many consumers still see kennels as expensive, while most feel their pet is happiest when cared for at home. In-home pet sitting is growing faster than pet boarding, with on-demand services available through a phone app from qualified sitters.
What’s a Doggie Daycare to Do?
Pet boarding will need to evolve to meet today’s customers’ needs. Some may want to add in-home sitter services to capture a larger piece of the market. Once pet owners feel comfortable using a boarder’s sitter service, they may be more inclined to try the drop-off service at the kennel. Adding transportation to take pets to and from the home may also be a desirable add-on service. Charging a monthly membership can help pet boarding companies increase profitability and offer a higher level of service.
It will also be important to design a nice boarding facility that provides activities to keep pets engaged. People are humanizing their pets, so the doggie daycares of the future may look a lot more like preschools, with training, fun games, and rest breaks to help pets wind down between playtimes.
While there may be some price pressure as pet boarding is increasingly commoditized, a renewed interest in quality will likely follow. Ensuring enough square footage per pet will be vital. Maintaining a clean and odor-controlled environment will also make a big difference in keeping pets healthy (and their owners happy). Steel buildings help achieve both goals by reducing construction costs per square foot, limiting excessive moisture that can contribute to odors, and lowering your overall metal building pricing.
To discuss your steps toward the trends in pest boarding and begin your pet boarding project, contact our design team today.