The pet boarding and daycare industry in the US has evolved significantly, now embracing a variety of businesses aimed at providing care for pets while owners are away. From traditional boarding kennels to innovative daycare facilities and specialized pet-sitting startups, services are tailored to meet the needs of pet owners. Increased pet ownership, coupled with changing lifestyles, has driven demand for these services. Interestingly, technology plays a growing role, with online platforms streamlining bookings and enhancing pet care safety. As this industry continues to grow, investments are expected to increase, further advancing care solutions for pets in the US.

This list highlights 14 notable investors in the pet boarding and daycare sector, spanning a range of types, including venture capital and corporate firms. Predominantly located in major US cities like San Francisco and New York, these investors range in size from small groups to large firms, all equipped to scale their impact. With founding years stretching from the mid-2000s to as recent as 2023, over 400 total investments were made just in 2024. Key players include Michelson Impact Ventures and Rover.com, showcasing a proactive approach to nurturing pet industry innovation.

Top 14 Pet Boarding and Daycare Investors in the US

1. Michelson Impact Ventures

• Website: michelson.vc
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: michelson-impact-ventures

Michelson Impact Ventures is a social change fund based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2016. The firm focuses on deploying impact investment capital into mission-aligned startups across various sectors, including education and healthcare. In addition to these sectors, Michelson Impact Ventures has actively invested in the pet care industry, supporting innovations that drive social change. Notable transactions include investments in CuidaMiMascota, The Bark Shoppe, Dogdrop, BorrowMyDoggy, and Sniffspot, all of which are involved in providing services related to pet boarding and daycare. Through these investments, Michelson Impact Ventures aims to improve outcomes for underserved communities while also addressing the needs of pet owners and their pets.

2. 500 Global

• Website: 500.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 98
• LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Notably, 500 Global has made several investments in the pet care industry, including CuidaMiMascota, Holidog, PupBox, Pawsh, and Vetwork. These companies focus on various aspects of pet care, from pet sitting and boarding services to subscription boxes for pet products. This involvement highlights 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative startups in the pet sector, alongside their broader investment strategy in technology-driven businesses.

3. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. The firm provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in several companies within the pet industry, including Dr. Treat, which raised $2 million in a seed round in December 2023, and LAIKA, a Colombian pet e-commerce platform that raised $12 million in a Series A funding round in June 2021. Additionally, they invested in Petcube, which raised $10 million in a Series A round in October 2017. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the pet sector, particularly in innovative solutions and services for pet owners.

4. Mars

• Website: mars.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Mclean, Virginia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1935
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: mars

Mars, Incorporated, founded in 1935 and based in McLean, Virginia, is a leading corporate investor in the pet care, food and nutrition, and snacking industries. With over 10,000 employees, Mars focuses on enhancing the lives of pets and consumers through quality offerings and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Mars Petcare has been involved in several key transactions within the pet care sector, including the acquisition of Banfield Pet Hospital in 2007 and BluePearl Veterinary Partners in 2015, which expand their veterinary services. Additionally, Mars participated in funding rounds for startups like Dogdrop, a dog care service, and Pawp, which indicates their active role in supporting innovative pet care solutions. These investments and acquisitions highlight Mars's commitment to the pet care industry, making them a relevant investor in the pet boarding and daycare space.

5. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. The firm provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Among its notable transactions, the fund has invested in Vetted PetCare, which raised $150,000 in a venture round in November 2019, and Pawtrip, which raised an undisclosed amount in a seed round in January 2023. Additionally, the fund has been involved with Whistle, a company known for its fitness tracker for dogs, which raised significant funding in previous rounds. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in the pet care industry, particularly in areas that align with pet boarding and daycare services.

6. Companion Fund

• Website: companionfund.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: companion-fund

Companion Fund is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies across various sectors, including life sciences, health technologies, and notably, animal health. They provide financial support and expertise to help these companies develop innovative solutions to address unmet needs in health. Among their notable transactions, Companion Fund invested in Pawp, which raised $3 million in a Seed Round in 2019, and MySimplePetLab, a pet health startup that raised $5 million in Series A funding in 2022. MySimplePetLab focuses on providing home testing kits for pets, which is a service that can be beneficial for pet owners utilizing boarding and daycare services. These investments highlight Companion Fund's active role in the pet health sector, making them a relevant player in the broader pet industry.

7. Slow Ventures

• Website: slow.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn: slow-ventures

Slow Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in seed and pre-seed funding for startups across various sectors, including technology and consumer brands. They provide capital, strategic advice, and access to networks to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building their businesses. Notably, Slow Ventures has invested in several companies within the pet industry, including Wag, a dog walking and pet care service, where they participated in multiple funding rounds (Seed, Series A, and Series B) totaling over $19 million. Additionally, they invested in Good Dog, a marketplace aimed at connecting dog owners with responsible breeders and shelters, which raised $6.7 million in funding. These investments highlight Slow Ventures' commitment to supporting innovative ideas in the pet sector, particularly in services that enhance pet care and ownership.

8. L Catterton

• Website: lcatterton.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 23
• LinkedIn: l-catterton

L Catterton is a private equity firm founded in 1989, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. L Catterton has been actively investing in the pet industry, with notable transactions including a Series C funding round for PetLove, a Brazilian pet platform, where they participated alongside other investors in a $150 million round. They also led a Seed funding round for Yummers, a pet lifestyle brand, which raised $6.3 million to support its omni-channel brand strategy. Additionally, they have invested in Sploot Veterinary Care and WeVets, further demonstrating their engagement in the pet care sector. With a strong emphasis on consumer insights, L Catterton aims to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies, including those in the pet industry.

9. FJ Labs

• Website: fjlabs.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 169
• LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, they have invested in the pet industry, with transactions such as LAIKA, a pet product retailer that raised funds in both a Series B round and a convertible note, and Napo, a UK-based pet insurance startup that raised £15m in Series A funding. These investments highlight FJ Labs' engagement in the pet sector, making them a relevant player in the pet boarding and daycare investment landscape.

10. BoxGroup

• Website: boxgroup.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 51
• LinkedIn: boxgroup

BoxGroup is a venture capital firm based in New York City, founded in 2009. They focus on early-stage startups across various sectors, including fintech, climate, and software, while also showing a notable interest in the pet industry. BoxGroup has participated in several relevant transactions, such as investing in Good Dog, a platform that connects potential pet owners with responsible breeders and shelters, and BarkBox, an e-commerce company that provides subscription boxes for dog owners. Their involvement in these companies highlights their commitment to fostering innovation in the pet sector and supporting businesses that cater to pet owners' needs.

11. Plug and Play Tech Center

• Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 253
• LinkedIn: plug-and-play-tech-center

Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. The firm connects startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, primarily targeting businesses in the technology sector. In recent years, Plug and Play has expanded its portfolio to include investments in the pet industry, with notable transactions such as TeleTails, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed round in April 2022, PiP Pet Recognition, which secured funding in a Seed round in June 2014, and Cooper Pet Care, which raised funds in a Seed round in October 2023. These investments reflect Plug and Play's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the pet care space, making them a relevant player in the pet boarding and daycare sector.

12. Kkr

• Website: kkr.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1976
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 74
• LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a leader in asset management, providing solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. Notably, KKR has made significant strides in the pet industry, acquiring Pets at Home for £955 million in 2010, which highlights their interest in pet retail. In 2017, KKR acquired PetVet Care Centers, further solidifying their presence in the pet care services sector. Additionally, KKR's investment in Gambol Pet Group, a leading pet food provider, showcases their commitment to the pet market, as the company is the largest private-label provider of pet treats to Walmart in the US. These transactions reflect KKR's strategic focus on the pet industry, particularly in areas related to pet care and services.

13. General Catalyst

• Website: generalcatalyst.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2000
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 144
• LinkedIn: general-catalyst-partners

General Catalyst is a venture capital firm founded in 2000, based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth investments, providing capital and strategic guidance to startups across various industries, including technology and healthcare. Notably, General Catalyst has invested in the pet care sector, with significant transactions such as Wag, where they participated in both Series A and Series B funding rounds, raising a total of $19 million. This involvement highlights their interest in the pet boarding and daycare market, showcasing their capability to support companies that cater to pet owners' needs. Additionally, their recent investments in other sectors, such as healthcare and technology, demonstrate their diverse portfolio while still maintaining a foothold in the pet care industry.

14. Rover.com

• Website: rover.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: roverdotcom

Rover.com is a corporate investor based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2011. It operates as a pet care service company that connects pet owners with trusted pet sitters and dog walkers, offering services such as dog boarding, house sitting, and dog training. Rover.com has made significant strides in the pet boarding and daycare industry through various strategic acquisitions and investments. Notably, it acquired DogVacay, a pet-sitting app, in 2017, which helped consolidate its position in the market. In 2018, Rover acquired DogBuddy, further expanding its reach in Europe. The company also invested $7 million in DogHero, a leading pet care marketplace in Latin America, in 2019. More recently, Rover has continued its acquisition strategy with Gudog and Cat in a Flat, both of which enhance its service offerings in pet boarding and daycare. With a total of five relevant transactions in this sector, Rover.com is a key player in the pet care investment landscape.

Pet Boarding and Daycare Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Michelson Impact Ventures	Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)	1-10	2016	1
500 Global	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	201-500	2010	98
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
Mars	Mclean, Virginia, United States (USA)	10001+	1935	3
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)	Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)	51-200	2023	258
Companion Fund	New York, New York, United States (USA)	1-10	2016	1
Slow Ventures	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	2011	14
L Catterton	United States (USA)	201-500	1989	23
FJ Labs	New York, New York, United States (USA)	11-50	2015	169
BoxGroup	New York, New York, United States (USA)	1-10	2009	51
Plug and Play Tech Center	Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)	501-1000	2006	253
Kkr	New York, New York, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1976	74
General Catalyst	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2000	144
Rover.com	Seattle, Washington, United States (USA)	501-1000	2011	1

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