Rover Expands Offerings with Cat In A Flat Acquisition for Pet Owners

Rover, the leading dog care marketplace, has made a strategic move by acquiring Cat in a Flat, a community platform focused on cat-sitting services. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Rover’s European presence, allowing the company to establish a foothold in Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, and Ireland, among the ten countries where it currently operates.

Rover’s platform serves as a vital link between pet parents and a wide array of pet care providers, offering diverse overnight services that include boarding and in-home pet sitting. Additionally, Rover provides convenient daytime options such as doggy daycare, dog walking, and drop-in visits, catering to the varying needs of pet owners. Since its establishment in 2014, Cat in a Flat has cultivated a strong community of over 50,000 dedicated cat sitters, facilitating an impressive two million visits across nine countries. This significant growth not only highlights the increasing demand for pet care services but also underscores the importance of accessible and reliable care solutions for pet owners.

The merger of these two platforms enhances Rover’s ability to meet the expanding needs of pet parents, particularly in Europe, where the pet care market continues to evolve. By integrating Cat in a Flat’s specialized expertise in cat care into its existing offerings, Rover is well-positioned to provide more tailored services for cat owners, thereby enriching the overall pet care experience. This strategic acquisition reflects Rover’s commitment to becoming a comprehensive pet care solution, addressing the unique requirements of both dog and cat owners while fostering a thriving community of pet lovers.

This acquisition is particularly strategic for Rover, as its European operations represent the fastest-growing segment for new customer acquisition on a global scale. Brent Turner, Rover’s COO and president, expressed enthusiasm about this development, emphasizing that it marks an exciting milestone in the company’s European expansion efforts. He stated, “We’re thrilled to have Cat In A Flat join the Rover Group family, which allows us to offer a dedicated product for cats and their people. We believe there is a significant opportunity ahead for us to serve the needs of cat parents better globally and look forward to supporting Cat In A Flat in its journey.”

Kathrin Burckhardt, co-founder of Cat in a Flat, expressed her excitement about the acquisition, emphasizing the shared vision between Cat in a Flat and Rover to deliver tailored pet care services throughout Europe. She highlighted how their specialized knowledge in cat care, when combined with Rover’s extensive resources, creates a robust partnership that effectively bridges the interests of both cat and dog lovers. This collaboration is poised to enhance the overall pet care experience for users by offering more comprehensive and dedicated services.

By leveraging each company’s strengths, the partnership not only strengthens Rover’s position in the competitive pet care market but also allows for an expanded range of services specifically designed to meet the unique needs of cat owners. This strategic move not only diversifies Rover’s service offerings but also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive pet care solutions that cater to all types of pet parents, ultimately fostering a community that celebrates both cats and dogs. As they move forward, both companies aim to create a seamless integration of their platforms, ensuring that pet owners receive the best care possible for their furry companions.