Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The Animal Industry Overall.

Throughout my semester at NKU I have blogged about the reasons why the pet or animal industry is thriving right now. At the beginning of 2008 it was projected that over $10.5 billion dollars would be spent on pet products and over the counter medications for pets. I'm guessing that the prediction was not far off.

I mentioned many ideas and products that have made the animal industry grow: animals as fads, spotlights on homeless animals, new innovations is technology for veterinarians and groomers, insurance for pets, and the media focusing on animals (e.x. Michael Vic and the pit bull fighting rings). Each and every reason I mentioned so far has contributed to the growth of the animal industry.

I hope the animal industry continues to thrive in this dying economy that we have right now. And hopefully as the economy betters, the animal industry will stay just as strong. For as much as Americans love their pets and treat them like members of the family and with all the new innovations that are coming out for pets, I am confident that the pet or animal industry will hold steady for a long period of time.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Fancy Pet Hotels

As I was talking about in my last blog, more and more people are taking their pets with them when they travel which leads to growth like pet insurance and more businesess carrying pet products. However, when you can't take your pet on the road with you, what do you do with him or her? There are many people who simply put their dog in a kennel and don't worry about them. But if you love your pets as much as I do, there is always some guilt behind leaving your dog at a kennel. You think of the cold, hard floors, the very few trips outside, and you worry they won't get the attention you need. I won't mention business names, but last time I boarded my dog, I had a very bad experience. My dog was not given her special diet food, she was not given her blanket (I know because they gave it back to me with long blonde hairs on it and she is a boston terrier), and she was sick for a week from whatever they did feed her (she has a weak stomach.) So, as I was saying, if you're anything like me than you will be reluctant to put your money into any kennel.

So what are pet owner's options? In one blog I read, it talks about Petsmart's newer Petshotels. In these hotels, the owner has the option to buy a room at a basic price where a bed and attention is provided or they can purchase the "higher class" room where there is a nicer bed and a t.v. for your pets to watch. And at the price you pay, which isn't overly expensive, you are promised to have the proper care and attention for your pet because they specialize in boarding. The blog also said that the Pethotel's give you an oppourtunity to call your pets and talk to them over the phone. This is really a cool option because, whether some want to believe it or not, dogs are responsive to your voice.

In this particular blog, it wonders if the Pethotel is over the top in pet care. "It all seems a little excessive however that more and more people find the increasing need to provide their dogs or other pets with material things created for humans." Some people might find this statement true but I'm going to guess most pet owners would completely disagree. Pets are now members of our families more than anything, and owners like to do all they can for them.

These Pethotels allow onwers to go on vacation or travel where ever they need to, guilt free. Hotels like the one mentioned from PetsMart and others give people the comfort they need to board their pets. And now that these options are available to owners, more people are giving their money to places like these which helps the animal industry to grow even more. And I know that when people leave their pets in pet hotels, they feel like they are giving their money up for a good cause.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/111938/growth_of_the_pet_industry.html?page=1&cat=9

Monday, November 10, 2008

Insurance for Pets?

Yes, it is true, more and more companies are now providing insurance for pets. In an article titled, "Pet Industry trends for 2008," by Laura Bennett, it reports, "We estimate the 2007 market size for pet insurance in the U.S. to be approximately $195 million in premium, up from $161 million in 2006, a 21% increase, and we expect 2008 growth to increase. We know of at least 2 more companies launching in 2008, adding to the current 9 pet insurance providers in the U.S. One of these companies is a mainstream pet food brand that has had an interest in pet insurance for many years. New entrants with money is good news for the industry as bigger marketing budgets means increasing awareness for pet insurance in general. Look for some of the largest big box retailers to jump on the pet insurance bandwagon later in 2008, which will start to push the mass awareness required to take pet insurance mainstream."

Pet insurance is obviously taking on a big part in 2008 more than it ever did before. As Bennett reports, growth for insurance on pets is just beginning and will only get larger. And the idea of insurance for pets is spreading past health.

More and more people are taking their pets with them on trips, as Bennett reports. This doesn't just lead more hotels to accept pets and more small businesses to carry pet products, but also pet insurance options to be added on to your car insurance. For example, Progressive Insurance now offers Pet Injury Coverage which can be added to your plan at no extra cost. This means if they are injured in an accident, their bills at the vet will be covered! This is a wonderful idea for a lot of pet owners because they now feel safer taking their pet on trip with them.

Insurance for pets is just one more idea for pets that is causing a boost in the animal industry.

http://www.smallbiztrends.com/2007/12/pet-industry-trends-for-2008.html/
http://www.progressive.com/understanding-insurance/are-pets-covered-in-accidents.aspx

Groomers Are Growing

The pet industry is not only growing with veterinarians and pet stores, but also with grooming. Grooming is a staple for a pet because it promotes a healthy coat as well as good health all around. Grooming usually consists of nail trimming, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, bath, haircut, and if you know what it is, expressing anal glands. All of these things are important to a pet because if they are not done, they can lead to bigger health problems. For example, nails can grow into pads, ear infections can develop, teeth can build tarter which leads to cavities, and skin problems can develop (like hot spots and dry skin).

Now more than ever, groomers are coming up with innovative ideas that make it more convenient for owners to get their pets groomed. One huge innovative idea that more and more groomers are participating in is mobile grooming. A groomer will come to your house in a mobile unit and take care of all your pet's grooming needs. At Aussie Pet Mobile of Cincinnati, they provide your pet with all the basics in their mobile unit but also offer extras like special shampoos and nail filing. The shampoos they have are either basic, organic, itch-relief, or one called Furminator.

Furminator is a special shampoo and solution that is used on the pet's coat that treats the undercoat. It greatly reduces shedding for about six weeks on the first treatment. Shampoos such as these are making it easier for owners to control the problems with their pet. And although such things such as Furminator and mobile pet grooming may be a tad more expensive than your regular groomer, they are well worth it if you have a busy schedule and not a lot of time to take your pet to a groomer.

Another innovation in grooming is the Clipper Vac. Although the Clipper Vac has been around for a while, many groomers still don't use it. The Clipper Vac saves the groomer time on grooming and reduces time for the pet being at the groomer. I know this is true because I use one myself at my grooming business. They are a great time saver for those pets who stress out at the groomer. I have many clients that come to me because they don't like to leave their pet at the groomer that long because of fear of stress for their pet. On average I only take an hour to two hours on a pet where other groomers might take four hours.

Also, for those owners who don't want to pay extra for mobile grooming and have a tight schedule where they can't pick their pet up right away. visit groomers that let you drop of your pet in the morning before work, and pick up after work. For example, on place called Paws is a dog day care that provides full service grooming. They provide every service that a regular groomer provides but at the same time they entertain your pet until you are able to come pick them up after work. This idea is convenient for many people who have a tight schedule.

Innovations in pet grooming such as mobile grooming, all day grooming, special shampoos, and the Clipper Vac by M.D.C. Romani, Inc. make it easier and more convenient for owners to get their pet groomed. With all of these innovative ideas, more owners are willing to get their pet groomed. These ideas all contribute to the growth of the animal industry.

http://yourlocal.aussiepetmobile.com/cincinnati
http://www.mdcromani.com/
http://www.pawsdogdaycare.com/
http://www.furminator.com/