Pet Industry Trends
Pet Industry Trends: Where to Expect the Highest Business Growth?
According to industry trends and projections, the pet business will continue to boom unabated in the future. While the forecast is healthy across the board, certain segments in the pet industry are seeing a significant amount of growth.
1 Natural Pet Products
Natural products, in general, are gaining wide-spread popularity. This is because people have become more conscious about improving and sustaining the health of the planet.
Consumers are also increasingly leery of the potential toxicity of synthetic chemicals and other harmful materials.
In addition to a desire to decrease their pets’ carbon paw prints, pet parents are opting to purchase natural products in an effort to maintain and/or improve the health and well-being of their beloved companion animals.
The top-selling natural pet products are:
• Holistic cat and dog food
• Cat Litter
• Natural flea and tick repellents
• Holistic grooming products
• Products for older pets, particularly for dogs
• Toys made with natural fibers
2 Made In The USA
Recalls and pet health concerns over foods, treats and toys made in other countries, causes pet loving parents wanting the products they purchase for their pets to be made in the US.
Quality will be very important to the present and future pet product purchaser, and healthier and safer will be an overwhelming consideration in their final decision.
High quality products means US companies will charge higher prices. Companies that source and make their products in the US will have an advantage not only now, but in coming years.
3 Pet Industry Trends And Retailers
With big box and many other large companies now targeting the pet loving consumer with products and services, retailers will need to step up their game in the coming years. By providing a more full service and/or niche service to their current and prospective customers, retailers will have an edge in becoming a trusted and reliable, full lifestyle resource for pet lovers.
4 Manufacturers and Service Provider
Manufacturers and Service Provider will need to be more innovative and bold. You may think that everything a dog would need in life has been invented and is currently or soon to be on the market, but think again.
5 Pet Industry Trends And Dog Clothing
Dog clothes are made to be either functional or for show.
Functional dog clothes are for protection from the elements and allergens.
Clothes that are purely for show would be used as costumes for holidays and special occasions.
Dog Coats
Dog coats are most commonly used for protection against the rain and cold and to provide extra warmth. Coats are also used as fashion accessories.
Dog Sweaters
Dog sweaters are both functional and fashion accessories. They provide extra warmth for dogs that are hairless or suffer from the cold.
Dog Shirts
Dog shirts can be used to help keep a dog clean and as fashion accessories. They can also be used to help protect a dog who is excessively scratching itself or prevent hairless dogs from getting sunburned.
Dog Dresses
Dog dresses are purely fashion accessories and are mainly worn on toy and small breed dogs.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is threatening legal action against dog owners who ‘over-dress’ their pets. Officials claim that putting on items such as boots, all-in-one trousers and hoodies, could be harmful to dogs.
If they feel an animal’s welfare is at risk the owner could be prosecuted.
Experts said there are a few occasions where dog clothing is acceptable, such as with small dogs and short-haired varieties.
Jess Bland, professional dog walker from My Pet Friend, said: ‘Dog clothing certainly serves its purpose when it’s cold and wet, but it has to fit properly. ‘Although dogs would survive in the wild, they’re generally used to being indoors. ‘There is a case that they need coats in the winter, especially shorter-haired dogs and smaller dogs.’
Dorset RSPCA spokeswoman Jo Barr said: ‘Dog owners should be aware that under the Animal Welfare Act they have a duty of care to ensure that all of their pets’ needs are met.’ One of those needs is to express normal behavior and it could mean that with restrictive clothing they are not able to do that properly.
