Gen Z and Millennials don't just adopt furry companions for security or as a hobby for the kids—they’re passionate animal lovers redefining what quality care really means. For them, pets are family, and their care deserves the same level of thoughtfulness, personalization, and convenience. These generations are driving major shifts in the pet-care industry, setting new expectations for transparency, wellness, and tech-enabled services.
When it comes to finding the right groomer, kennel, or trainer, they're not looking for just any pet business, they're looking for the right one. A brand and business that aligns with their values, speaks their language, and delivers standout experiences from booking to pick up.
If your pet-care business is ready to evolve alongside this powerful customer base, here’s how to earn their loyalty—and keep it.
It's important to cater to pet parents between the ages of 18 to 45 because individuals from these generations put their money where their hearts are. Together, these two generations make up nearly half of all pet parents in the U.S.—and they’re driving a booming pet industry expected to hit $277 billion in the next five years. Their role is important in shaping the future of the pet industry, influencing trends and demands.
But it’s not just about spending. Research shows that values, convenience, and connection are all positive characteristics that influence how pet parents are making important decisions for themselves and their cute companions.
So, how can your pet-care business stand out and keep them coming back? Here are five actionable ways to connect with these digital-native, value-driven pet parents and build lasting loyalty.
Wellness is a top priority for Gen Z and Millennial pet parents, who invest a lot of energy into their pets' wellness. They’re tuned into everything from nutrition and enrichment to emotional well-being and preventive care. Nearly a quarter (73 percent) of Millennials say they’ll spend more on products and services supporting their pet’s long-term health.
Use pet profile custom fields to track specific dietary needs, medical conditions, or play preferences—and give your team the insights they need to personalize care effortlessly.
This audience cares deeply about brands that walk the talk. Over 70% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer supporting eco-conscious businesses in this world, according to the study referenced in the point above, That means your commitment to sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it's good for business.
Don't hide your efforts in a mission statement—put them front and center. Use your booking confirmation emails, signage, and social media to highlight your sustainability wins and invite customers to join you in the effort.
Millennials and Gen Z grew up in the age of convenience, and they expect pet care to lean just as seamless as ordering groceries online. That’s why using a modern platform like Gingr is effective in providing seamless pet care, giving your business an edge. The pet parent mobile app adds convenience for booking, check-ins, and pickups without the need for long, disruptive phone calls.
This streamlines operations for your pet-care business, brings your brand into the modern age, and gives pet parents peace of mind and control, right from their phones.
Use your website and social channels to demo how easy booking or checking updates through Gingr is. A quick video walkthrough or carousel of screenshots goes a long way in showing that your business runs with modern pet parents in mind.
Inviting a pet into one's life is personal; for many, it's a big part of their social identity. Younger generations love brands that create connections, both online and IRL.
Use Gingr's automated marketing tools to send personalized invites, reminders, or thank-you messages after events. Share user-generated content (with permission) and celebrate your community often—it keeps customers invested and excited to engage.
Gen Z and Millennials aren’t interested in flashy sales pitches. They want to support businesses that feel genuine, inclusive, and value-driven. The business was created with a genuine passion for pets, ensuring a welcoming and caring environment where dogs feel safe and loved.
Behind-the-scenes photos, handwritten notes, and honest conversations on social media go a long way. Show that you care as much about people and pets as you do about business, and your customers will respond.
From Baby Boomers to Gen X and Beyond
While Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping the pet-care space, they’re not the only generations worth paying attention to; the oldest generations are also part of this mix . Baby Boomers and Gen X still represent a significant portion of pet parents, and they bring a lifetime of experience—and loyalty—to the table. To truly thrive, your pet-care business should strike a balance that caters to every generation of animal lover.
Boomers tend to value long-standing relationships, quality service, and a sense of trust. They’re often more comfortable with in-person communication, want to speak with someone directly, and appreciate businesses that go the extra mile with personal service.
Gen X often finds themselves juggling careers, aging parents, and kids—all while caring for pets. They appreciate reliable, time-saving services that don’t sacrifice quality.
Ultimately, pet care is a shared experience across generations—whether it’s Boomers watching the grand-pup for a weekend or Gen Z coordinating vet visits for a childhood pet now living with their parents. Tailoring your approach doesn’t mean reinventing your business for each group—it means meeting customers where they are.
By combining modern tools (like Gingr’s intuitive platform) with warm, human-centered service, you’ll create an experience that you can understand as personalized, dependable, and accessible—no matter the customer’s age or background.
Gen Z and Millennial pet parents want more than great service—they want meaningful relationships with the brands they support. That means combining thoughtful care, values-driven choices, and modern tech to deliver an experience that fits seamlessly into their lifestyles. The business will continue to provide quality care and build meaningful relationships, ensuring that their commitment to wellness and community remains strong.
Using tools like Gingr to personalize care, streamline communication, and showcase your commitment to wellness and community, you’re not just meeting expectations—you’re raising the bar.
Get a demo to explore all the features Gingr has to offer to help you maximize revenue, optimize operations, and build customers for life!