Do Nationwide Pet Services Exist?
Yes, nationwide pet services exist across multiple categories in the United States. Major chains operate in retail (PetSmart with 1,665 stores), veterinary care (VCA with 1,000+ hospitals), grooming (Camp Bow Wow with 220+ locations), and digital platforms (Wag! serving 5,300+ cities). These services generated $152 billion in total U.S. pet industry expenditures in 2024.
Understanding “Nationwide” in Pet Services
The term “nationwide pet services” carries two meanings in the pet care industry. First, it refers to Nationwide Pet Insurance, America’s first and largest pet insurance provider with over 40 years of history. Second, it describes service chains operating across multiple states or throughout the entire country. Both interpretations are valid, and both types of services actively serve American pet owners today.
The pet services landscape has consolidated significantly over the past two decades. What began as independent local businesses has evolved into integrated networks spanning coast to coast. This transformation accelerated after 2007 when major corporations recognized the stability and growth potential of the pet care sector.
Pet Retail Chains
PetSmart and Petco Lead Market Share
PetSmart operates 1,665 stores across North America as of 2024, making it the largest specialty pet retailer by store count. The company provides products ranging from food to accessories, alongside services including grooming, training, and veterinary care through 200 PetsHotel boarding facilities. PetSmart has facilitated 10 million pet adoptions through its in-store adoption program.
Petco maintains 1,559 locations across the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Founded in 1965, the company matches PetSmart’s annual revenue while operating a slightly smaller footprint. Both retailers have expanded their service offerings beyond traditional retail, incorporating veterinary clinics, grooming salons, and training programs within their stores.
Regional and Specialized Chains
Pet Supplies Plus expanded to over 780 locations by 2025, positioning itself as a neighborhood alternative to the big-box format. The chain emphasizes personalized service with self-service pet wash stations and knowledgeable staff providing product recommendations.
Mud Bay operates throughout the Pacific Northwest with a focus on natural and holistic products. The chain employs staff trained in pet nutrition and behavior, offering specialized guidance for health-conscious pet owners. Their commitment to sustainability and community involvement differentiates them in regional markets.
Veterinary Service Networks
Mars Veterinary Health Dominance
Mars Inc., better known for M&Ms and Pedigree pet food, emerged as the largest corporate owner of veterinary practices in the United States. The conglomerate owns three major networks serving more than 25 million pets annually.
Banfield Pet Hospital operates 1,000+ clinics, primarily inside PetSmart stores across 42 states. Founded in 1955, Banfield pioneered the retail veterinary model and now serves as the largest privately-owned veterinary practice in the U.S. The company offers preventive care through Optimum Wellness Plans and maintains an extensive database of pet health records in cooperation with Purdue University.
VCA Animal Hospitals manages 1,000+ hospitals throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan. Acquired by Mars for $9.1 billion in 2017, VCA operates 90% general practice and 10% specialty care facilities. The network employs 4,500 veterinarians, including 600 board-certified specialists, and maintains the world’s largest private practice post-graduate education program for veterinarians.
BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, also under Mars ownership, focuses exclusively on specialty and emergency care. The acquisition created a vertically integrated veterinary care system from routine wellness to critical care.
Independent Corporate Groups
National Veterinary Associates operates 1,000+ hospitals across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Acquired by JAB Consumer Partners in 2020, NVA emphasizes veterinarian ownership through its shared equity program, positioning itself as “grounded in vets making medical decisions.”
Smaller consolidators continue expanding their presence. VetCor operates 400+ hospitals, PetVet Care Centers manages 450+ facilities, and Thrive Pet Healthcare runs 360+ clinics across 17 states. Collectively, corporate chains now own approximately 25-30% of general veterinary practices and 75% of specialty practices in the United States.
Grooming and Boarding Facilities
Traditional Brick-and-Mortar Chains
Camp Bow Wow operates 220+ locations across North America, offering dog daycare and overnight boarding in open-play environments. Founded as a franchise in 1994, the company pioneered the concept of cage-free boarding with webcam access for pet parents. Individual locations average 7,500 to 10,000 square feet, providing indoor and outdoor play areas.
Dogtopia has grown into North America’s leading dog daycare provider with plans to operate 400+ centers by 2025. The company differentiates itself through DASH, an activity monitoring system that tracks each dog’s exercise levels throughout the day. Dogtopia locations feature climate-controlled environments, separate play areas by size and temperament, and live webcam feeds.
Best Friends Pet Care maintains 40+ locations nationwide, many situated at Walt Disney World Resort and other high-traffic areas. The company offers boarding for dogs, cats, and small animals alongside grooming and training services. Their employee-owned structure creates consistency in care quality across locations.
Mobile Grooming Revolution
Aussie Pet Mobile operates 400+ mobile grooming vans across 95 U.S. territories, making it the largest mobile pet grooming franchise. Founded in Australia in 1996 and relocated to the U.S. in 1999, the company ranked #1 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for pet grooming. Each self-contained van features air conditioning, heating, and water powered by lithium-ion batteries, eliminating reliance on external connections.
The U.S. pet grooming services market reached $2.06 billion in 2024 and projects growth to $2.99 billion by 2030. Mobile grooming captures an increasing share as pet owners value convenience and one-on-one attention. Millennials, representing 33% of pet owners, particularly favor mobile services for their time-saving benefits.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Platforms
Digital Marketplace Leaders
Rover launched in 2011 as the first major platform connecting pet owners with independent caregivers. The service operates throughout the U.S., Canada, UK, and Europe, offering boarding, daycare, dog walking, and house sitting. Rover charges pet owners an 11% service fee (maximum $50) and caregivers a 20% commission. The platform provides RoverProtect coverage up to $25,000 in eligible veterinary care.
Wag! entered the market in 2015 with 450,000+ registered pet caregivers serving 5,300+ cities across all 50 states. The platform has completed 12 million pet care services since inception. Wag! differentiates itself through GPS tracking, real-time photo updates, and partnerships with hospitality companies like Kimpton Hotels for on-property services.
Fetch! Pet Care operates 130+ franchise locations focusing on local market presence rather than gig economy infrastructure. The company announced expansion plans in 2023 to grow its franchise network across untapped markets. Fetch! emphasizes consistency through franchise training and standardized service protocols.
Market Growth Trajectory
The global pet sitting market reached $2.69 billion in 2024 and projects growth to $5.14 billion by 2030 at an 11.8% CAGR. North America holds the largest market share at 37%, driven by increased pet ownership and rising spending on pet care. The shift toward pet humanization fuels demand for professional care services rather than informal arrangements with friends or neighbors.
Care visits dominated the service type segment in 2024, expected to grow at 11.6% CAGR. Drop-in visits where caregivers spend 30-60 minutes with pets at home prove most popular, followed by overnight boarding at the caregiver’s residence.
Pet Insurance Networks
Nationwide Pet Insurance Leadership
Nationwide Pet Insurance holds the distinction of being America’s first pet insurance provider, operating for over 40 years. The company insures more than 1 million pets and remains the only U.S. insurer covering exotic animals including birds, reptiles, and small mammals alongside dogs and cats.
Nationwide’s Modular Pet Insurance Plan allows customization for accident-only, accident-and-illness, or wellness coverage. Policyholders can use any licensed veterinarian worldwide. The company offers VetHelpline, providing 24/7 access to veterinary professionals through phone and video consultation.
In 2024, Nationwide announced it would pause renewal of 100,000 policies through summer 2025 due to rising veterinary costs. This decision reflects broader industry challenges as veterinary service inflation outpaces premium increases.
Industry Consolidation and Growth
Pet insurance has overperformed other pet service segments, growing 21% in 2024 with projected 18% growth in 2025. The market reached $4 billion in value with 5.7 million insured pets by late 2023, representing a 17% increase from 2022.
Major providers including ASPCA, Embrace, Fetch, Healthy Paws, Lemonade, and Pumpkin compete for market share. Petco partnered with Nationwide to offer insurance products on Petco.com, expanding distribution beyond traditional direct-to-consumer channels. More than one-third of Fortune 500 companies (9,000+ employer groups) now offer Nationwide pet insurance as a voluntary employee benefit.
How Coverage and Services Compare
Geographic Reach Variations
Not all “nationwide” services truly operate in all 50 states. Banfield Pet Hospital lacks presence in Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming due to low population density and limited PetSmart store locations. Regional chains like Mud Bay intentionally focus on specific geographic areas where they can maintain service quality and brand identity.
Digital platforms achieve the most comprehensive geographic coverage. Wag! caregivers operate in all 50 states across 5,300+ cities, while Rover extends internationally. Traditional brick-and-mortar chains concentrate in suburban and urban markets where customer density justifies facility investment.
Service Quality and Consistency
Corporate ownership enables standardization through shared technology platforms, training programs, and operational protocols. VCA hospitals use proprietary practice management software with features including online scheduling, patient portals, and mobile apps for client communication. Banfield developed PetWare software specifically for their clinic operations.
Independent franchises maintain more variability. While Camp Bow Wow provides brand standards and training, individual franchise owners implement day-to-day operations. This structure creates both opportunity for localized service adaptation and risk of inconsistent quality.
Platform-based services face the greatest consistency challenges. Rover and Wag! caregivers undergo background checks and provide reviews, but service quality depends entirely on individual providers rather than corporate standards. The 20% commission structure incentivizes caregivers to build positive reputations through excellent service.
Pricing Structures Across Channels
PetSmart and Petco grooming services range from $30-$90 depending on pet size and service level. Mobile grooming commands premium pricing at $60-$150 per appointment due to convenience and one-on-one attention. Camp Bow Wow daycare averages $25-$35 daily, while overnight boarding ranges from $40-$75.
Veterinary costs vary significantly by location and facility type. Corporate chains generally charge comparable rates to independent practices for routine services but may offer lower prices on prescription medications through volume purchasing. Emergency and specialty care at BluePearl typically costs more than general practice due to advanced equipment and specialist expertise.
Pet insurance premiums from Nationwide start at $16-$46 monthly for dogs and $5-$46 for cats, varying by coverage level, deductible, reimbursement percentage, and location. Most plans impose 14-day waiting periods for illnesses and longer periods for specific conditions.
Industry Trends Shaping Service Delivery
Corporate Consolidation Continues
Private equity firms view companion animal practices as stable investments with respectable returns. Brakke Consulting estimates approximately 3,500 of the 28,000-32,000 U.S. veterinary practices now operate under corporate ownership. This consolidation accelerated following VCA’s $9.1 billion acquisition by Mars in 2017, one of the largest transactions in veterinary history.
Critics argue consolidation prioritizes profit over care quality, citing pressure on veterinarians to increase patient volume. A 2024 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found concerning burnout rates among veterinarians at corporate-owned practices. Proponents counter that corporate ownership provides better employee benefits, equipment, and continuing education than independent practices can afford.
Technology Integration
Digital platforms transformed pet care accessibility. Rover and Wag! eliminated geographic barriers to finding qualified pet sitters, while appointment scheduling apps streamlined veterinary visits. Dogtopia’s DASH system provides data-driven insights into individual dog activity levels and health patterns.
Telemedicine emerged as a significant service expansion. Banfield’s Vet Chat platform offers 24/7 telehealth consultations, while VetHelpline provides video consultations for Nationwide insurance members. These services reduce unnecessary emergency visits and provide peace of mind for pet owners.
IDEXX Laboratories released the Vello device in February 2024, enabling veterinary clinics to consolidate communications across multiple practice management systems. Technology adoption accelerated during COVID-19 and continues driving operational efficiency.
Premium Service Demand
Pet humanization drives spending on luxury services. Petco grooming salons offer blueberry facials, specialty shampoos, and nail polish for dogs. Boutique veterinary clinics like Vetique in Chicago provide Prosecco for pet owners during procedures and premium care experiences distinctly different from high-volume corporate chains.
The premium segment grows faster than the overall market. Pet owners increasingly view services as investments in pet health and happiness rather than discretionary expenses. This mindset shift supports higher price points for quality, convenience, and specialized attention.
Making Informed Service Choices
Evaluating Chain vs. Independent Providers
National chains offer advantages including standardized protocols, extensive training programs, and corporate guarantees. If service issues arise, corporate customer service departments typically respond more systematically than individual business owners. Loyalty programs and multi-location convenience benefit owners who travel or relocate.
Independent providers often deliver more personalized attention and flexibility. Local groomers can accommodate special requests more easily than franchise employees following corporate procedures. Veterinarians at independent practices typically spend more time per appointment and maintain relationships across pets’ lifetimes.
Platform Selection Criteria
When choosing pet sitting or dog walking platforms, verify caregiver background checks, insurance coverage, and review authenticity. Rover’s RoverProtect and Wag!’s insurance coverage differ in limits and exclusions. Read terms carefully regarding cancellation policies and emergency protocols.
Meet potential caregivers in person before booking services. Platform profiles provide initial screening, but direct conversation reveals communication style and pet care philosophy. Request references from other clients, particularly those with pets similar to yours.
Insurance Coverage Decisions
Evaluate pet insurance based on your pet’s age, breed, and health status. Nationwide covers exotic animals, making it the only option for birds, reptiles, and unusual pets. Compare waiting periods, exclusion lists, and reimbursement structures across providers.
Pre-existing conditions complicate insurance value calculations. Nationwide allows members to request reviews of pre-existing conditions that have been cured, potentially restoring coverage after six months. Most insurers permanently exclude conditions present before enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nationwide the insurance company offer other pet services besides insurance?
Nationwide focuses exclusively on pet insurance and does not operate grooming, boarding, veterinary clinics, or retail stores. The company partners with service providers like VCA Antech and Petco but maintains its core business in insurance coverage. Confusion arises because Nationwide Pet Insurance advertises heavily, creating brand recognition that spans beyond its actual service scope.
Can I use nationwide chains if I travel frequently with my pet?
Most chains allow service access across locations. PetSmart and Petco accept grooming appointments at any store location. Camp Bow Wow franchise locations typically honor reservations from other franchises with advance notice. Veterinary chains like VCA and Banfield maintain medical records centrally, enabling continuity of care across different hospitals. Call ahead to verify availability and transfer medical records before traveling.
Are corporate veterinary chains more expensive than independent vets?
Pricing varies more by location and service type than ownership structure. Corporate chains may charge comparable exam fees while offering lower prescription drug costs through volume purchasing. Emergency and specialty care at corporate-owned BluePearl or VCA emergency centers typically costs more than general practice due to advanced equipment and specialist staffing. Independent practices and boutique clinics sometimes charge premium rates for personalized attention and longer appointment times.
How do mobile grooming services work across multiple states?
Mobile grooming franchises like Aussie Pet Mobile operate through independent franchise owners holding protected territories. Each franchisee serves specific geographic areas rather than traveling interstate. The franchise system provides brand consistency, training, and equipment standards while local owners handle day-to-day operations. This structure enables “nationwide” coverage through a network of local providers.
The American pet services industry has matured into an integrated network of specialized providers operating at national scale. Whether seeking insurance coverage, veterinary care, grooming, or pet sitting, owners now access professional services through established chains and digital platforms. The distinction between truly nationwide operations and regional chains matters less than understanding which services align with your pet’s specific needs and your preferences for convenience, pricing, and care philosophy.
Market consolidation will likely continue as corporations recognize the pet industry’s recession-resistant characteristics and steady growth trajectory. The $152 billion U.S. pet industry in 2024 reflects both expanded services and deeper emotional bonds between owners and their animals. Regardless of whether you choose Nationwide the insurance company or any of the numerous nationwide service chains, professional pet care has never been more accessible across America.
Sources:
- American Pet Products Association. (2025). State of the Industry Report
- Grand View Research. (2024). Pet Sitting Market Size and Share Report
- Statista. (2024). Leading North-American Specialty Chains in Pet Industry
- Mars Veterinary Health. (2024). Corporate Annual Reports
- Freedonia Group. (2024). Pet Services in the U.S., 4th Edition
- dvm360. (2024). State of Veterinary Corporatization Report