Hot Pet Trends for 2008

Pets aren’t just a part of the family anymore — today they are part of the family budget. Spending on pets has more than doubled in the last decade, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) and is continuing to grow. Laura Bennett, author of web article “Pet Industry Trends for 2008,” predicts these Hot Pet Trends in the United States:

Pet services to grow in abundance

It is estimated by APPMA that more than $3 billion dollars will be spent on pet services in 2008. Pet owners are including their pets in their travels and expect quality hotel accommodations and pet day care. Pet owners expect that groomers, doggie day cares, and pet hotels will keep their pets in luxury.

Pet health-care options increase

Pet lovers are demanding the same treatment options for their pets as they can get for themselves. Technology from the human medical world continues to make its way into animal health care, including non-invasive surgeries; human medical devices; alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, and behavioural therapies; and MRIs.

Many people now travel with their pets

From weekend trips with the dog in the car to trips abroad with a cat, more people are including their pets in their travels. As a result, some hotels are catering to pets. This gives small businesses the opportunity to provide services to these travelers and to the hotels that accommodate their pets, by providing pet taxis, walkers, groomers, etc.

Increased online sophistication

Small business websites are becoming more popular, such as Bromwich Pet Photography, DogCars, and Pets Get to Stay, which are beginning to be more sophisticated in design and e-commerce, reaching their target audience via website usability, SEO, paid search, and word of mouth.

Sources:
2008 Trends “Pet Industry Trends for 2008,” Laura Bennett
Learning & Life “38.4 Billion Reasons to Work in the Pet Industry,” Francine L. Huff