NISKU, AB – Edmonton International Airport’s remarkable recovery to 7.92 million passengers in 2024 – representing 97% of pre-pandemic levels – underscores a broader transportation renaissance that’s creating new opportunities across Alberta’s service sectors, including the rapidly evolving pet care industry.
The airport’s resurgence, featuring new routes to Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Salt Lake City, coincides with significant shifts in Canadian pet ownership patterns. According to recent national surveys, Canada’s pet population has grown to 28.5 million animals, with Alberta leading the country in pet ownership at 63% of households. This translates to approximately 1.6 million Alberta households now caring for companion animals.
The intersection of recovering travel volumes and rising pet ownership has created what industry analysts describe as a “perfect storm” for specialized pet services. Research indicates that while 78% of North American pet owners travel annually with their companions, complex airline restrictions and accommodation limitations force many to seek alternative care arrangements.
“Over the past few decades, the percentage of households that own a pet in Canada has grown, and Alberta leads this trend,” notes Jeewani Fernando, provincial consumer market analyst with the Alberta government. “Not only has pet ownership increased, but more owners are treating their pets like family members.”
This demographic shift has profound implications for Alberta’s service economy. The global pet daycare market, valued at $4.29 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $10.05 billion by 2035, with dual-income households driving 61.9% of demand for full-day care services. In Canada specifically, pet boarding services are expected to reach $955 million by 2030.
The challenge becomes particularly acute in airport-adjacent communities like Nisku and Leduc County, where Edmonton International’s 1.8-million-person catchment area includes travelers from across Northern Alberta, British Columbia’s northern regions, and Canada’s territories. For the estimated 504,000 pet-owning households within this catchment area, finding reliable care during travel has become increasingly complex.
Long-established facilities in the region represent an older model of pet care that predates the industry’s recent corporatization. While national franchises expand rapidly with technology-focused marketing, independent operators have maintained emphasis on individualized care – particularly crucial for reactive animals that struggle in larger daycare environments.
Club Mead Pet Resort, a local pet hotel, operating since 1993 just three minutes from YEG, exemplifies this approach. The facility’s emphasis on small playgroup socialization based on age, breed, size, and temperament reflects growing industry demand for personalized care as pet obesity rates climb to 59% for dogs and 61% for cats according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
“We’ve observed how travel patterns directly impact demand for our services,” said a Club Mead representative. “The airport’s recovery has brought back not just local travelers, but visitors from across Alberta and the territories who need trusted care while they’re away.”
The timing proves significant as Canadian travel patterns normalize. YEG’s 28% increase in transborder traffic and 7.5% growth in international passengers during 2024 suggests sustained demand for pet care services. Unlike urban centers where pet owners have multiple facility options, airport-adjacent regions often rely on specialized providers capable of serving both local residents and travelers.
Industry data reveals additional complexity in Alberta’s pet care landscape. The province’s annual pet spending of approximately $9 billion reflects broader “pet humanization” trends where animals receive family-member treatment. This shift has transformed pet boarding from basic kenneling to comprehensive care services including climate-controlled environments and specialized attention for animals with behavioral challenges.
The economic implications extend beyond individual businesses. As Edmonton International approaches full pandemic recovery and continues adding destinations, the symbiotic relationship between transportation infrastructure and ancillary services becomes increasingly evident. For Alberta’s estimated 2.8 million pet owners, the availability of trusted care providers near major transportation hubs will likely influence travel decisions and, by extension, the province’s tourism recovery.
The evolution of pet care around major transportation hubs reflects broader economic trends where service industries adapt to demographic shifts and infrastructure development. As Alberta’s pet ownership rates continue outpacing national averages and Edmonton International Airport expands its route network, the demand for specialized pet services in airport-adjacent communities will likely intensify.
For travelers passing through YEG’s terminals, the availability of trusted pet care within minutes of departure gates represents one less barrier to maintaining both business and leisure travel schedules while ensuring companion animal welfare.
About Club Mead Pet Resort Club Mead Pet Resort is a locally owned dog and cat boarding facility serving the Edmonton and Leduc area since 1993. Located three minutes from Edmonton International Airport in Nisku, the facility provides professional boarding and daycare services with an emphasis on individualized care for pets with varying temperaments and needs.
Media Contact: For more information about pet daycare services in the Edmonton area, visit: https://clubmead.com/dog-cat-daycare/
Sources: Alberta Government Consumer Market Analysis – Pet Ownership Trends Edmonton International Airport – 2024 Passenger Statistics
Statistics Canada – Canadian Pet Population Survey 2024 Global News Edmonton – YEG Recovery Report Future Market Insights – Global Pet Daycare Market Analysis Association for Pet Obesity Prevention – 2023 Survey Data