Analysis
NAICS 812910 is the 2022 national industry for pet care (except veterinary) services, part of 81291 (Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services). Census lists 17 example activities under it in the official index.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 31% and employment rose 51%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
County Business Patterns counts 25,551 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 175,116 people at an average annual payroll of $28,047 per employee (3rd percentile of national industries). 58% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include animal grooming services, animal shelters, boarding services, pet and dog pounds, among 17 in all.
Census lists 3 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 541940, 115210 and 485991. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
For example, practicing veterinary medicine are classified in 541940 (Veterinary Services) instead.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing pet care services (except veterinary), such as boarding, grooming, sitting, walking, and training pets.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
Index entries (17)
- Animal grooming services
- Animal shelters
- Boarding services, pet
- Dog pounds
- Grooming services, animal
- Guard dog training services
- Guide dog training services
- Kennels, pet boarding
- Obedience training services, pet
- Pedigree record services, pet
- Pet boarding services
- Pet grooming services
- Pet sitting services
- Pet training services
- Pet walking services
- Sitting services, pet
- Working, sporting, and service dog training services