  |
|
|
|
Gifts, Treats and Other Pet TrendsPampering pets is accepted by – even expected of – devoted owners.An estimated $40.8 billion will be spent on dogs, cats, birds and other pets this year, a $2.3 billion increase over 2006. Companion animals are indubitably big business.
The American Pet Products Manufacturers’ Association (APPMA) estimates that total U.S. pet industry expenditures will reach $40.8 billion in 2007. Ten years prior to that, the pet industry was at $21 billion. Small Business Trends, a Web site that explores trends that drive small businesses, invited Laura Bennett, CEO of Embrace Pet Insurance, to identify pet-industry trends in 2006 and 2007. Growth in unique pet goods. A Google search for “specialty pet stores” returns more than 1.5 million results. Unique pet shops and boutiques, specialty pet foods and healthy snacks, and pet related services are only a sample of businesses devoted to pet owners who dote on their “babies”. More meaningful pet-related blogs. Another Google search, this time for “pet blogs”, returns about 26 million results. People love to talk about their pets, share heartwarming stories, post pictures, and generally brag about their beloved animals. Growth in pet services such as grooming, boarding, pet photography, and pet sitting. According to the APPMA, $2.7 billion dollars was spent on pet services in 2006. More interest in pet health care. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties shows there are 6,921 certified veterinary specialists sharing the concern of pet owners to have access to a high standard of care and new ways to treat animal diseases. Steady increase in pet insurance. Many pet owners would do anything to save a pet’s life, including spending thousands of dollars on medical treatments. A study of pet insurance in North America estimates this market will grow to $250 million this year. More pet-friendly environments. Hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers are attracting pet lovers’ business by welcoming their pets. PetTravelCenter.com, the "we make pet travel fun and easy" Web site, is an online community with resources for traveling with pets. Increased competition from larger companies. The likes of Target and Walmart are expanding their pet selections and using animals in their advertising. As Petco and PetsMart continue to grow, they are moving into the full-service (grooming and veterinary services) arena to encourage customer loyalty. Pet adoptions continue to grow. Adoption networks are becoming better structured and more effective. Even the American Kennel Club (AKC) predicts pedigree dog registrations will drop as pet lovers look to rescue a dog or cat rather than buying a purebred. There is no denying America’s love affair with animals. The prevalence of granddog and grandcat picture frames, personalized food and water bowls, and hand-made treats are irrefutable indicators of pet lovers embracing their pets as true members of the family. Small-business owners are counting on this devotion to keep pet industry trends on the rise for years to come.
The copyright of the article Gifts, Treats and Other Pet Trends in Pet Care is owned by Michelle Gardner. Permission to republish Gifts, Treats and Other Pet Trends in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
