Pet Supplies Plus stands out as a model aligned with where the pet industry is heading in 2026. The latest industry data from American Pet Products Association (APPA) shows not just continued growth, but a shift toward models built on essentials, services, and repeat customer relationships.
A $165 Billion Industry With Stable Demand
The U.S. pet industry is projected to reach $165 billion in 2026, growing at approximately 4.4%, with demand supported by 95 million pet-owning households (APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report).
This is not growth driven by trends or discretionary spending. Pet care remains a needs-based category centered on essentials like food, health, and everyday supplies. Even in more cautious spending environments, consumers tend to maintain pet budgets and adjust rather than cut back entirely. For franchise owners, this creates a foundation of consistent, recurring demand.
Services Are the Fastest-Growing Category
“Other services” such as grooming and self-wash grew 8.0% in 2025, making it the fastest-growing segment in the industry (APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report).
In addition to the essential, high-frequency purchases like food and supplies, Pet Supplies Plus integrates services such as self-wash stations, grooming services, community events, and other in-store experiences that extend the value of each visit.
This allows Pet Supplies Plus franchise owners to benefit from:
- Consistent traffic driven by consumables
- Incremental revenue through service offerings
- Increased visit frequency and customer retention
As the report highlights, the most effective retail models combine consumables with repeatable service and loyalty-driven purchasing, positioning Pet Supplies Plus franchise owners to capture growth in the fastest-expanding segment of pet care.
High-Value Customers Are Omnichannel
About 65.2% of pet owners shop both online and in-store, and despite digital growth, 57% of Gen Z and 61% of Millennials rely on in-store browsing to discover new products (APPA, 2026 State of the Industry Report).
This changes how franchise success is defined. It is no longer about choosing between e-commerce or brick-and-mortar. It is about integrating both into a single system.
Pet Supplies Plus is built for this shift:
- Mobile app and loyalty ecosystem
- Local convenience with digital ordering and fulfillment
- Consultative in-store experience
- Self-wash stations and grooming services
- Community events and local engagement
These elements turn stores into experience-driven environments, supporting both discovery and long-term loyalty. Together, they create a connected ecosystem that blends physical, digital, and community-driven experiences.
Why the Pet Supplies Plus Model Matches Where the Industry Is Going
The industry data points to a clear direction for the future of pet retail, and Pet Supplies Plus is built to align with it. Essentials like pet food and everyday supplies drive consistent traffic, while in-store services, loyalty programs, and a connected digital ecosystem help increase retention and long-term customer value.
Discover how Pet Supplies Plus can help you build a business aligned with where the industry is going!
FAQs
Q: How resilient is the pet retail industry? Pet retail remains a resilient, needs-based category driven by recurring demand for food, supplies, and essential services. According to APPA, U.S. pet industry expenditures reached $158 billion in 2025 and are projected to grow to $165 billion in 2026.
Q: Why is the pet industry considered recession-resistant? Pet care is largely non-discretionary, with spending centered on food, health, and everyday supplies. Even during economic shifts, pet owners tend to maintain spending and adjust rather than cut back entirely.
Q: Do physical pet stores still matter with e-commerce growth? Yes. While online purchasing continues to grow, physical stores remain important for product discovery, education, and services that cannot be replicated digitally.
Q: What makes Pet Supplies Plus relevant in today’s retail environment? Pet Supplies Plus is positioned around more than just product sales. Their model reflects a broader retail strategy that combines community connection, convenience, service, and ongoing pet parent engagement, which can help franchise owners remain relevant as consumer expectations evolve.
