13 Surprising Pet Hotel Industry Statistics: 2026 Update

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Owners are becoming increasingly inclined to think of their dogs and cats as members of the family, rather than animals. With this transition has come the emergence of the pet hotel. While boarding kennels are nothing new, and we have already seen the emergence of doggy daycare facilities, pet hotels take this a step further. They are more luxurious than a boarding kennel, offer a range of facilities beyond boarding, and tend to carry a heftier fee than other services. Some owners put their pets in pet hotels while they go on vacation, while some owners will send their pets away for some pampering and time away while they’re at work.

The pet hotel market still falls under the category of pet boarding, and there aren’t many statistics related specifically to luxury pet hotels. But, below, you can find 13 statistics related to pets, pet boarding, and to pet hotels, including some information on the likely costs of setting up and running one of these businesses.

The 13 Pet Hotel Industry Statistics

1. There are 80 million pet dogs in the US.

2. There are nearly 60 million pet cats in the US.

3. The US spends $140 billion on its pets, annually.

4. The global pet boarding market is worth $20 billion a year.

5. Americans spend approximately $6 billion a year on pet boarding costs.

6. Pet boarding costs an average of $40 per night, with luxury accommodation costing twice this.

7. It can cost as much as $85,000 to start a pet hotel business.

8. A pet hotel costs around $10,000 per month to run.

9. A pet hotel can make up to $50,000 per annum.

10. A single suite can cost $200 a night in some pet hotels.

11. Annual pet hotel expenditure is approximately $4 billion a year.

12. Experts expect global pet hotel size to more than double in the next 10 years.

13. The US holds 58% of the global pet hotel market share.

Pets In the US

1. There are 80 million pet dogs in the US.

(AVMA)

Dogs are the most popular pet in the US, in terms of the total population of pet dogs, which stands at around 80 million, and the total number of dog-owning households, of which there are 50 million. That means that every dog-owning household has an average of 1.6 dogs.

2. There are nearly 60 million pet cats in the US.

(AVMA)

Although there are more dogs and more dog-owning households in the country, cat owners are more likely to own multiple cats. There are 60 million cats in 32 million households, which means that every cat-owning house has nearly 2 cats. In total, there are estimated to be a further 1 million pets including rabbits, birds, fish, and exotics.

Pet Expenditure

3. The US spends $140 billion on its pets, annually.

(American Pet Products)

Pet expenditure has reached record levels with Americans spending a total of $140 billion a year on their animals. This figure includes all expenditures, including food and treats, as well as vets, pet insurance, and boarding and pet-sitting services. With nearly 150 million pets, this equates to just over $930 per pet, per annum. Typically, dogs cost more than cats, with higher food and vet bills being among the main reasons.

4. The global pet boarding market is worth $20 billion a year.

(Allied Market Research)

Pet boarding figures include all forms of boarding. They include standard kennels and catteries, as well as pet sitters that take animals into their own homes. As pet hotels typically fall in the category of kennels and catteries, albeit with more lavish amenities and extensive services, their revenue is included in the $20 billion a year that is spent on boarding around the world.

5. Americans spend approximately $6 billion a year on pet boarding costs.

(CNBC)

Around a third of the global pet boarding costs, or approximately $6 billion a year, are spent in the US alone, which highlights the large number of pets in the country but also the willingness that Americans have to spend big on their pets.

Pet Hotel Figures

6. Pet boarding costs an average of $40 per night, with luxury accommodation costing twice this.

(Home Guide)

Pet boarding services are most often used when owners go on holiday, away on business trips, or when they are away from the house for any other reason. Prices for boarding vary according to the animal being boarded, the area, and the cost of the boarding facility itself. Typical prices for standard accommodation are between $30 and $50 per night, with the average being $40. More luxurious accommodation has an average cost of nearly $80 per night.

7. It can cost as much as $85,000 to start a pet hotel business.

(How To Start An LLC)

In the same way that the cost of accommodation varies from location to location, so too do the costs of setting up a pet hotel. Typically, though, it costs around $85,000 to start a pet hotel. This includes rental costs for the building, the cost of turning the building into suitable pet accommodation, and paying for any additional requirements.

8. A pet hotel costs around $10,000 per month to run.

(How To Start An LLC)

Once the hotel is established, it has substantial ongoing costs that can total $10,000 per month, although smaller boutique pet hotels will have lower costs. Ongoing costs include staff costs, food, and entertainment, as well as insurance.

9. A pet hotel can make up to $50,000 per annum.

(How To Start An LLC)

A popular pet hotel that remains well populated throughout the year can make as much as $50,000 a year, and most pet boarding establishments enjoy repeat business, as well as the benefit of word-of-mouth marketing.

10. A single suite can cost $200 a night in some pet hotels.

(CNBC)

Pet hotels are a level of luxury above even luxury boarding kennels and catteries. Rather than offering a single cage or kennel, they provide canine and feline guests with their own suites. The cost of some hotels can rival the cost of expensive hotels, and if you want to pay for the very best accommodation and pampering for your pet, you can expect to pay up to $200 per night.

11. Annual pet hotel expenditure is approximately $4 billion a year.

(Globe News Wire)

Pet hotels are not treated separately from other pet boarding facilities, which means it is difficult to know exactly how much they make or raise a year. But, it is estimated that the current annual spend on these luxury hotels equates to $4 billion a year, globally.

12. Experts expect global pet hotel size to more than double in the next 10 years.

(Globe News Wire)

Pet expenditure has continued to increase in line with the humanization of animals. This means that pets are treated more like members of the family than animals, and most pets enjoy similar levels of luxury and care as their humans. This trend is likely to continue which has led experts to forecast that the pet hotel industry will more than double in the next 10 years. There are considerable opportunities for prospective pet hotel owners.

13. The US holds 58% of the global pet hotel market share.

(Globe News Wire)

Americans are willing to spend big on their pets and pamper them with luxuries that pets overseas don’t yet experience. As such, nearly 60% of the total global pet hotel market share is located in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Pet Hotel?

A pet hotel is a form of luxury pet boarding. It offers boarding, in the same way as kennels and catteries might do, but it has more luxurious facilities, tends to offer more personal care for the pet, and offers some additional services like grooming and bathing. Pet hotels aren’t yet as common as other pet boarding facilities, but they are becoming more popular, and experts predict that their popularity will increase in the coming years.

Do Pet Hotels Accept All Pets?

Different pet hotels accept different pets. Most will accept dogs and cats, and some will accept rabbits, but it is more unusual to find hotels that take birds, caged animals, or exotic pets. With that said, it is worth searching because the range of pet hotels is increasing and as more hotels launch, more services are being offered.

What Services Do Pet Hotels Offer?

All pet hotels offer accommodation for animals. And to be considered a pet hotel, the accommodation really needs to be of a higher standard than offered by general boarding facilities. This may mean more space but can also include comfier furniture, a combination of private indoor and outdoor space, and more. Food is generally high quality and can be tailored to meet the needs of the guest, and additional services like regular walks, outdoor playtime, and even pampering services like bathing and grooming may be available at some venues.

Conclusion

The pet hotel industry is still in its infancy and falls under the umbrella of pet boarding services. As such, it is difficult to know exactly how many pet hotels there are or how much revenue they generate. But, owners should expect to pay upwards of $80 per night, with some of the most luxurious and highly sought-after pet hotels costing more than double this. Pet hotels will usually accommodate cats and dogs, and some may also take other pets like rabbits, but you will have to really search to find venues that accept exotic pets.

Featured Image Credit: Bussakorn Ewesakul, Shutterstock