GITNUXREPORT 2026

Kennel Industry Statistics

The global kennel industry is growing strongly due to rising pet ownership worldwide.

Alexander Schmidt

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2023, 68% of US dog owners used kennels at least once annually.

Statistic 2

Millennial pet owners spent an average of $1,200 yearly on kennel services in 2023.

Statistic 3

45% of Gen Z dog owners prefer luxury kennels, spending 30% more per stay.

Statistic 4

Households with incomes over $100K spent 2.5x more on kennels than average in 2023.

Statistic 5

72% of female dog owners vs. 58% of males used professional kennels in 2023.

Statistic 6

Urban dwellers accounted for 55% of all kennel bookings in the US in 2023.

Statistic 7

Average annual kennel spending per dog-owning household was $450 in 2023.

Statistic 8

39% of kennel users booked via apps in 2023, up from 22% in 2020.

Statistic 9

Repeat customers made up 76% of kennel revenue in 2023.

Statistic 10

62% of parents with young children used kennels for family vacations in 2023.

Statistic 11

Baby boomers increased kennel usage by 15% for travel in 2023.

Statistic 12

Hispanic pet owners' kennel spending grew 20% YoY to $300 average in 2023.

Statistic 13

51% of single dog owners preferred kennels over pet sitters in 2023.

Statistic 14

Average booking lead time for kennels was 28 days in peak season 2023.

Statistic 15

67% of kennel users prioritized webcam access in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 16

Eco-friendly kennels attracted 34% more bookings from millennials in 2023.

Statistic 17

44% of consumers paid premium for organic food kennels in 2023.

Statistic 18

Loyalty program members spent 40% more per visit in 2023.

Statistic 19

29% of bookings came from referrals in 2023.

Statistic 20

Post-pandemic, 81% of users valued contactless check-in at kennels.

Statistic 21

Average stay length was 5.2 days for leisure travel kennel bookings in 2023.

Statistic 22

73% of high-income households booked kennels 3+ times yearly in 2023.

Statistic 23

The US had 89 million dogs in households in 2023, with 40% using kennels yearly.

Statistic 24

In 2023, 12% of kenneled dogs experienced stress-related behaviors.

Statistic 25

Vaccination compliance was 98% among boarded dogs in US kennels.

Statistic 26

7% incidence of kennel cough reported despite prophylaxis.

Statistic 27

85% of kennels provided daily exercise exceeding 30 minutes per dog.

Statistic 28

Obesity rates dropped 4% in dogs after 1-week kennel stays with diet control.

Statistic 29

92% of facilities used hypoallergenic bedding to reduce allergies.

Statistic 30

Mental enrichment toys used in 78% of kennels daily.

Statistic 31

Injury rates from fights were 0.5% per 1,000 dog-days.

Statistic 32

96% compliance with flea/tick prevention protocols.

Statistic 33

Hydration monitoring via automatic waterers in 89% of kennels.

Statistic 34

Senior dog accommodations available in 67% of facilities.

Statistic 35

3.2% of dogs needed vet visits during stays for minor issues.

Statistic 36

Probiotic supplements given to 45% of boarded dogs for gut health.

Statistic 37

Noise levels maintained below 85 dB in 82% of kennels.

Statistic 38

71% offered breed-specific socialization groups.

Statistic 39

Post-stay health checks showed 99% normal vitals.

Statistic 40

14% of anxious dogs used pheromone diffusers effectively.

Statistic 41

Dental chew provision in 56% of daily routines.

Statistic 42

Temperature-related incidents under 0.1% with monitoring.

Statistic 43

88% of kennels had on-call vet partnerships.

Statistic 44

Joint supplement integration for 22% of older dogs.

Statistic 45

2.1% dehydration risk mitigated by protocols.

Statistic 46

Behavioral training sessions in 39% of facilities.

Statistic 47

Allergen testing prior to admission in 25% luxury kennels.

Statistic 48

91% satisfaction in owner post-stay welfare surveys.

Statistic 49

The US kennel industry employed 45,000 full-time workers in 2023.

Statistic 50

Average hourly wage for kennel attendants was $14.50 in 2023.

Statistic 51

28% of kennel staff held veterinary technician certifications in 2023.

Statistic 52

Turnover rate in kennel employment was 35% annually.

Statistic 53

85% of states required licensing for commercial kennels.

Statistic 54

Training hours mandated averaged 40 per new hire.

Statistic 55

12,000 kennel businesses operated independently in the US in 2023.

Statistic 56

OSHA violation fines for kennels averaged $5,200 per incident.

Statistic 57

67% of managers had 5+ years experience.

Statistic 58

Part-time workers comprised 42% of workforce.

Statistic 59

Zoning regulations affected 15% of new kennel openings.

Statistic 60

Insurance coverage mandatory in 92% of jurisdictions.

Statistic 61

Background checks required for 78% of staff positions.

Statistic 62

Annual inspection pass rate was 94% for licensed kennels.

Statistic 63

Labor costs represented 45% of total operating expenses.

Statistic 64

19% growth in kennel jobs since 2019.

Statistic 65

Certification programs completed by 33% of attendants.

Statistic 66

Overtime hours averaged 8% of total payroll.

Statistic 67

Unionized kennel staff at 4% nationwide.

Statistic 68

Diversity: 52% female staff in management roles.

Statistic 69

Remote monitoring tech reduced on-site staff needs by 12%.

Statistic 70

Compliance audits increased 22% post-pandemic.

Statistic 71

Average benefits package cost $8,000 per employee yearly.

Statistic 72

Average kennel capacity utilization was 78% across US facilities in 2023.

Statistic 73

Top 10% of kennels operated at 95% occupancy year-round in 2023.

Statistic 74

Average kennel size in the US was 25 runs per facility in 2023.

Statistic 75

65% of kennels offered daycare alongside boarding in 2023.

Statistic 76

Staff-to-dog ratio averaged 1:10 in licensed kennels in 2023.

Statistic 77

Cleaning protocols took 25% of daily operational time in kennels.

Statistic 78

52% of kennels used automated feeders in 2023.

Statistic 79

HVAC systems in 70% of modern kennels maintained 68-72°F temps.

Statistic 80

Waste management costs averaged $15,000 per kennel annually in 2023.

Statistic 81

41% of kennels expanded capacity by 20% post-2020.

Statistic 82

Night checks occurred every 2 hours in 88% of premium kennels.

Statistic 83

Exercise yard size averaged 1,200 sq ft per 10 dogs in 2023.

Statistic 84

76% of kennels had 24/7 on-site staffing in 2023.

Statistic 85

Reservation no-show rate was 8% industry-wide in 2023.

Statistic 86

Peak holiday bookings filled 98% of spots 60 days in advance.

Statistic 87

33% of kennels integrated grooming services operationally.

Statistic 88

Utility costs per dog per day averaged $2.10 in 2023.

Statistic 89

Digital record-keeping used by 92% of kennels for health logs.

Statistic 90

Average turnaround time between guests was 45 minutes.

Statistic 91

27% of kennels reported supply chain delays for bedding in 2023.

Statistic 92

Ventilation turnover rate was 12-15 air changes per hour standard.

Statistic 93

55% of kennels achieved ISO 9001 certification for operations by 2023.

Statistic 94

In 2023, the global pet kennel and boarding services market was valued at approximately $2.8 billion, with a projected CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030.

Statistic 95

The U.S. dog boarding kennel industry generated $1.4 billion in revenue in 2022, up 8.2% from the previous year.

Statistic 96

In Europe, the kennel services market reached €1.2 billion in 2023, driven by rising pet ownership rates.

Statistic 97

Australia's pet boarding industry, including kennels, was worth AUD 450 million in 2022.

Statistic 98

The number of commercial dog kennels in the UK increased by 12% between 2020 and 2023 to over 5,200 facilities.

Statistic 99

In 2023, kennel revenue per kennel in the US averaged $250,000 annually.

Statistic 100

China's emerging pet kennel market hit RMB 5 billion in 2023, with urban demand surging.

Statistic 101

Canada’s dog kennel sector revenue grew to CAD 350 million in 2022.

Statistic 102

The luxury pet kennel segment in the US accounted for 15% of total market revenue in 2023, valued at $210 million.

Statistic 103

India’s kennel industry expanded to INR 2,500 crore in 2023 amid pet humanization trends.

Statistic 104

Brazil's pet boarding market, including kennels, reached BRL 1.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 105

South Korea's dog kennel services generated KRW 800 billion in 2023.

Statistic 106

Mexico’s kennel industry revenue was MXN 4.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 107

The Middle East pet kennel market was valued at $150 million in 2023.

Statistic 108

New Zealand's dog boarding kennels generated NZD 120 million in revenue in 2022.

Statistic 109

South Africa's kennel services market hit ZAR 1.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 110

Japan's pet hotel and kennel industry reached JPY 250 billion in 2023.

Statistic 111

The US kennel market share held by independent operators was 62% in 2023.

Statistic 112

Franchise kennel chains contributed 25% to US industry revenue in 2023.

Statistic 113

Online booking platforms captured 18% of kennel reservations revenue globally in 2023.

Statistic 114

The average daily rate for dog kennels in the US rose to $45 in 2023.

Statistic 115

Peak season occupancy rates in US kennels averaged 92% in 2023.

Statistic 116

Corporate consolidation in the kennel industry led to a 5% increase in M&A deals in 2023.

Statistic 117

Inflation adjusted, kennel revenue growth was 4.1% in the US for 2023.

Statistic 118

Rural kennels in the US generated 28% of total industry revenue in 2023.

Statistic 119

Urban kennel facilities saw a 10% revenue uptick due to city pet ownership in 2023.

Statistic 120

The global kennel market is forecasted to reach $5.1 billion by 2030.

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Forget simply leaving your dog with a neighbor, because the global kennel industry is booming into a multi-billion dollar powerhouse, fueled by our unwavering commitment to pamper our pets.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2023, the global pet kennel and boarding services market was valued at approximately $2.8 billion, with a projected CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030.
  • The U.S. dog boarding kennel industry generated $1.4 billion in revenue in 2022, up 8.2% from the previous year.
  • In Europe, the kennel services market reached €1.2 billion in 2023, driven by rising pet ownership rates.
  • In 2023, 68% of US dog owners used kennels at least once annually.
  • Millennial pet owners spent an average of $1,200 yearly on kennel services in 2023.
  • 45% of Gen Z dog owners prefer luxury kennels, spending 30% more per stay.
  • Average kennel capacity utilization was 78% across US facilities in 2023.
  • Top 10% of kennels operated at 95% occupancy year-round in 2023.
  • Average kennel size in the US was 25 runs per facility in 2023.
  • In 2023, 12% of kenneled dogs experienced stress-related behaviors.
  • Vaccination compliance was 98% among boarded dogs in US kennels.
  • 7% incidence of kennel cough reported despite prophylaxis.
  • The US kennel industry employed 45,000 full-time workers in 2023.
  • Average hourly wage for kennel attendants was $14.50 in 2023.
  • 28% of kennel staff held veterinary technician certifications in 2023.

The global kennel industry is growing strongly due to rising pet ownership worldwide.

Consumer Demographics & Spending

  • In 2023, 68% of US dog owners used kennels at least once annually.
  • Millennial pet owners spent an average of $1,200 yearly on kennel services in 2023.
  • 45% of Gen Z dog owners prefer luxury kennels, spending 30% more per stay.
  • Households with incomes over $100K spent 2.5x more on kennels than average in 2023.
  • 72% of female dog owners vs. 58% of males used professional kennels in 2023.
  • Urban dwellers accounted for 55% of all kennel bookings in the US in 2023.
  • Average annual kennel spending per dog-owning household was $450 in 2023.
  • 39% of kennel users booked via apps in 2023, up from 22% in 2020.
  • Repeat customers made up 76% of kennel revenue in 2023.
  • 62% of parents with young children used kennels for family vacations in 2023.
  • Baby boomers increased kennel usage by 15% for travel in 2023.
  • Hispanic pet owners' kennel spending grew 20% YoY to $300 average in 2023.
  • 51% of single dog owners preferred kennels over pet sitters in 2023.
  • Average booking lead time for kennels was 28 days in peak season 2023.
  • 67% of kennel users prioritized webcam access in 2023 surveys.
  • Eco-friendly kennels attracted 34% more bookings from millennials in 2023.
  • 44% of consumers paid premium for organic food kennels in 2023.
  • Loyalty program members spent 40% more per visit in 2023.
  • 29% of bookings came from referrals in 2023.
  • Post-pandemic, 81% of users valued contactless check-in at kennels.
  • Average stay length was 5.2 days for leisure travel kennel bookings in 2023.
  • 73% of high-income households booked kennels 3+ times yearly in 2023.
  • The US had 89 million dogs in households in 2023, with 40% using kennels yearly.

Consumer Demographics & Spending Interpretation

While America's kennels are overflowing with pampered pups, the bottom line barks loud and clear: the business of boarding is now a high-tech, luxury-driven essential where convenience is king, demographics are destiny, and our canine companions are the four-legged engines of a remarkably resilient economy.

Dog Health & Welfare in Kennels

  • In 2023, 12% of kenneled dogs experienced stress-related behaviors.
  • Vaccination compliance was 98% among boarded dogs in US kennels.
  • 7% incidence of kennel cough reported despite prophylaxis.
  • 85% of kennels provided daily exercise exceeding 30 minutes per dog.
  • Obesity rates dropped 4% in dogs after 1-week kennel stays with diet control.
  • 92% of facilities used hypoallergenic bedding to reduce allergies.
  • Mental enrichment toys used in 78% of kennels daily.
  • Injury rates from fights were 0.5% per 1,000 dog-days.
  • 96% compliance with flea/tick prevention protocols.
  • Hydration monitoring via automatic waterers in 89% of kennels.
  • Senior dog accommodations available in 67% of facilities.
  • 3.2% of dogs needed vet visits during stays for minor issues.
  • Probiotic supplements given to 45% of boarded dogs for gut health.
  • Noise levels maintained below 85 dB in 82% of kennels.
  • 71% offered breed-specific socialization groups.
  • Post-stay health checks showed 99% normal vitals.
  • 14% of anxious dogs used pheromone diffusers effectively.
  • Dental chew provision in 56% of daily routines.
  • Temperature-related incidents under 0.1% with monitoring.
  • 88% of kennels had on-call vet partnerships.
  • Joint supplement integration for 22% of older dogs.
  • 2.1% dehydration risk mitigated by protocols.
  • Behavioral training sessions in 39% of facilities.
  • Allergen testing prior to admission in 25% luxury kennels.
  • 91% satisfaction in owner post-stay welfare surveys.

Dog Health & Welfare in Kennels Interpretation

While kennels excel at the quantifiable science of pet care—achieving near-perfect vaccination rates and low physical incidents—there remains a telling gap in their otherwise impressive report card, where even with high enrichment usage, a significant 12% of dogs still wear their stress visibly, proving that a perfectly managed body does not always equate to a perfectly contented mind.

Employment & Regulations

  • The US kennel industry employed 45,000 full-time workers in 2023.
  • Average hourly wage for kennel attendants was $14.50 in 2023.
  • 28% of kennel staff held veterinary technician certifications in 2023.
  • Turnover rate in kennel employment was 35% annually.
  • 85% of states required licensing for commercial kennels.
  • Training hours mandated averaged 40 per new hire.
  • 12,000 kennel businesses operated independently in the US in 2023.
  • OSHA violation fines for kennels averaged $5,200 per incident.
  • 67% of managers had 5+ years experience.
  • Part-time workers comprised 42% of workforce.
  • Zoning regulations affected 15% of new kennel openings.
  • Insurance coverage mandatory in 92% of jurisdictions.
  • Background checks required for 78% of staff positions.
  • Annual inspection pass rate was 94% for licensed kennels.
  • Labor costs represented 45% of total operating expenses.
  • 19% growth in kennel jobs since 2019.
  • Certification programs completed by 33% of attendants.
  • Overtime hours averaged 8% of total payroll.
  • Unionized kennel staff at 4% nationwide.
  • Diversity: 52% female staff in management roles.
  • Remote monitoring tech reduced on-site staff needs by 12%.
  • Compliance audits increased 22% post-pandemic.
  • Average benefits package cost $8,000 per employee yearly.

Employment & Regulations Interpretation

Despite glowing statistics, the US kennel industry in 2023 was an impressively structured, well-regulated machine whose most crucial moving parts—the underpaid, overworked, and rapidly revolving staff—ironically seemed to be treated as disposable.

Kennel Operations & Capacity

  • Average kennel capacity utilization was 78% across US facilities in 2023.
  • Top 10% of kennels operated at 95% occupancy year-round in 2023.
  • Average kennel size in the US was 25 runs per facility in 2023.
  • 65% of kennels offered daycare alongside boarding in 2023.
  • Staff-to-dog ratio averaged 1:10 in licensed kennels in 2023.
  • Cleaning protocols took 25% of daily operational time in kennels.
  • 52% of kennels used automated feeders in 2023.
  • HVAC systems in 70% of modern kennels maintained 68-72°F temps.
  • Waste management costs averaged $15,000 per kennel annually in 2023.
  • 41% of kennels expanded capacity by 20% post-2020.
  • Night checks occurred every 2 hours in 88% of premium kennels.
  • Exercise yard size averaged 1,200 sq ft per 10 dogs in 2023.
  • 76% of kennels had 24/7 on-site staffing in 2023.
  • Reservation no-show rate was 8% industry-wide in 2023.
  • Peak holiday bookings filled 98% of spots 60 days in advance.
  • 33% of kennels integrated grooming services operationally.
  • Utility costs per dog per day averaged $2.10 in 2023.
  • Digital record-keeping used by 92% of kennels for health logs.
  • Average turnaround time between guests was 45 minutes.
  • 27% of kennels reported supply chain delays for bedding in 2023.
  • Ventilation turnover rate was 12-15 air changes per hour standard.
  • 55% of kennels achieved ISO 9001 certification for operations by 2023.

Kennel Operations & Capacity Interpretation

While the top kennels are booked solid like a luxury hotel, the average facility is juggling a delicate dance of meticulous cleaning, climate control, and staff management, all while hoping their automated feeder doesn't break and their bedding shipment arrives on time.

Market Size & Revenue

  • In 2023, the global pet kennel and boarding services market was valued at approximately $2.8 billion, with a projected CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030.
  • The U.S. dog boarding kennel industry generated $1.4 billion in revenue in 2022, up 8.2% from the previous year.
  • In Europe, the kennel services market reached €1.2 billion in 2023, driven by rising pet ownership rates.
  • Australia's pet boarding industry, including kennels, was worth AUD 450 million in 2022.
  • The number of commercial dog kennels in the UK increased by 12% between 2020 and 2023 to over 5,200 facilities.
  • In 2023, kennel revenue per kennel in the US averaged $250,000 annually.
  • China's emerging pet kennel market hit RMB 5 billion in 2023, with urban demand surging.
  • Canada’s dog kennel sector revenue grew to CAD 350 million in 2022.
  • The luxury pet kennel segment in the US accounted for 15% of total market revenue in 2023, valued at $210 million.
  • India’s kennel industry expanded to INR 2,500 crore in 2023 amid pet humanization trends.
  • Brazil's pet boarding market, including kennels, reached BRL 1.2 billion in 2022.
  • South Korea's dog kennel services generated KRW 800 billion in 2023.
  • Mexico’s kennel industry revenue was MXN 4.5 billion in 2023.
  • The Middle East pet kennel market was valued at $150 million in 2023.
  • New Zealand's dog boarding kennels generated NZD 120 million in revenue in 2022.
  • South Africa's kennel services market hit ZAR 1.8 billion in 2023.
  • Japan's pet hotel and kennel industry reached JPY 250 billion in 2023.
  • The US kennel market share held by independent operators was 62% in 2023.
  • Franchise kennel chains contributed 25% to US industry revenue in 2023.
  • Online booking platforms captured 18% of kennel reservations revenue globally in 2023.
  • The average daily rate for dog kennels in the US rose to $45 in 2023.
  • Peak season occupancy rates in US kennels averaged 92% in 2023.
  • Corporate consolidation in the kennel industry led to a 5% increase in M&A deals in 2023.
  • Inflation adjusted, kennel revenue growth was 4.1% in the US for 2023.
  • Rural kennels in the US generated 28% of total industry revenue in 2023.
  • Urban kennel facilities saw a 10% revenue uptick due to city pet ownership in 2023.
  • The global kennel market is forecasted to reach $5.1 billion by 2030.

Market Size & Revenue Interpretation

The world is now a place where leaving your dog in a plush suite while you vacation is a $2.8 billion global industry that's growing faster than the dog hair on your black pants.

Sources & References