The pandemic continues to re-adjust our expectations. Yet, some pet industry trends are too prevalent to ignore. For example, doggie webcams keep pet parents connected to their pup, even when they're apart. Then, social media platforms like TikTok offer a new way to reach current and future customers.

As pet business owners, you know the pet care market is changing. As dog walkers, groomers, trainers, and doggie daycare owners, you're getting used to fluctuating conditions.

While we're still learning about Omicron, there is one thing that hasn't changed – your dedication to serving customers…both human and four-legged alike!

As we set our sights on the months ahead, here are seven pet industry trends for 2022 you'll want to know about.

Up-and-coming Trends in the Dog World

1. User-friendly websites will be a must for pet businesses

If 2021 taught us anything, it's that pet industry professionals need a great website. Not just good. Great! E-commerce exploded in popularity in 2020 and even more so in 2021. In fact:

• Global Pets reported that since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, "online pet sales in the US grew by 77%, with a 28% rise in new e-commerce subscriptions."
• American Pet Products found that $103.6 billion was spent on pets in 2021 alone.
• An Adobe report says the pandemic sped up online shopping adoption by 4-6 years. 
  

What does this all mean for you?

A user-friendly, easy to navigate, and expertly branded website is a must-have. New customers are far more likely to Google your business name than pick up a phone and call you for information. Be sure to activate an online booking feature. And don't forget to encourage new customers by adding more information to your website.  

• Include an "about us" page (usually one of the most viewed pages on a website!)
• Positive reviews
• Photo gallery
• Blog 

These elements build a sense of community around your business, leading to more referrals and a sense of trust.

2. TikTok is a top pet business marketing tool

Social media will continue to be where potential and current customers discover their new favorite businesses.

At the time of this writing, TikTok currently has 1 billion active monthly users. It also has the highest engagement levels of all social media. People scroll for hours to watch cute/funny animal videos and follow their favorite artists, celebrities, and influencers.

But TikTok is far more powerful than that.

As a marketing tool, this app can be used to get hundreds (or even thousands) of new eyes on your dog business. Ask your customers if they use TikTok. If so, it could be a great way to showcase your pet business.

The TikTok videos are short. When you create15-second clips, you can also optimize them to search, meaning people who live in your area can easily find your account.

Think of TikTok as the #1 free advertising tool of 2022.

3. Good news for dog daycares! Travel is back up

Thirdly, people are ready to travel again after being stuck at home for more than a year.  

The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that domestic and international tourism will rebound and grow well into 2022. Not all families can bring their pets during long car rides and flights. Instead, owners will be looking for dog boarding facilities and pet sitters to watch their fur babies for the length of their trips. This is fantastic news for doggy daycares! Those who board dogs should be prepared for an influx of new customers.

Consequently, 2022 could be an excellent year to adapt your pet sitting business model. Remember, the pandemic isn't over. Travelers might unexpectedly get stuck at borders, require additional days away from their pet to abide by quarantine rules or have to wait for negative test results before picking up Fido. Figure out how you'll accommodate/charge for/handle these situations in advance to take advantage of this trend. 

 4. Get ready, dog walkers. Some pet parents will go back to the office

Millions of people all around the world will continue to work from home. Yet, at the same time, many companies are recalling employees back to the office (or at the very least, instituting a hybrid work model.)  

So, all those pandemic puppies? And dogs that got accustomed to having their human home 24/7? They will need somebody to take them outside for exercise, playtime, and potty breaks. While it's true that dog walking jobs were hard hit in 2020 and 2021, the year ahead will hopefully be brighter.

Get those leashes and poop baggies ready!  

5. Natural, plant-based, and non-toxic product sales will skyrocket

This fifth trend is specifically for dog groomers. In 2022, wellness continues to be a growing trend. From CBD to naturally healthy dog grooming shampoos and other hygienic products, pet parents want to know what you're using on their pups.  

For example, many grooming salons now offer natural, plant-based dog shampoos. There's a high demand for non-toxic and chemical-free dog care products from paw and nose salves, ear cleaners, and shampoos.

If the health and hygiene of dogs is part of your business, it could make sense for you to adapt to this growing pet industry trend for 2022.   

6. Doggy webcams

This is a doggy daycare trend showing up in doggy boarding facilities, playgrounds, and daycares around the country.

One doggy boarding trend is offering a webcam in your dog's suite. Pet parents can tune in and watch Max nap or quietly chew on a dog toy. Even doggy daycares offer doggy cams in the play areas and invite current and potential customers to log on anytime to see the pups having a good time.  

You know it's good customer service to offer transparency and visibility in your pet care business. Doggy webcams are one way to do that. Today's cameras are inexpensive and easy to mount, making it an easy-to-implement perk for your customers.

 7. People will take advantage of mobile grooming

Lastly, mobile grooming will be in-demand. Pet owners with health issues and those who want to avoid large crowds at the grooming salon have gotten used to scheduling home visits with their favorite groomer. As such, it's a fabulous time to tap into the mobile grooming market. Nail trims, haircuts, and baths can all be provided in the comfort of your client's home or via a mobile grooming station on wheels. 

Are you looking to expand into new neighborhoods? This could be an ideal time.

Final Thoughts

There you have it!

Our top 7 pet industry trends for 2022. While nobody can say how the following year will unfold, pet professionals like you are nothing if not resilient. We're here to help you manage the business side of your busy pet care business so you can focus on providing outstanding care to your four-legged fur clients.

Pet business marketing trends start with the basics like having a mobile-friendly website and consistent social media marketing, and excellent customer communication. You can try our all-in-one pet software to see how easy it is to manage the business side of your pet care business. Simplifying your workflow is always on-trend.