Living a Dog's Life - Pet Ownership and Spending Continues to Increase

When I was a kid, our family had a dog---a wolfish-looking mutt named Amigo that wanted nothing more than to play with us, catch Frisbees, and unsuccessfully chase birds and the occasional squirrel. He wasn't big on clothes but every now and then he would allow us to put a t-shirt or bandanna on him. He ate dog food from a can, didn't care that his water came from a tap, and, except in bad weather, slept outside in his dog house. He lived to a ripe old age and when he had to be put down I told myself he'd had a good life.

Times have changed.

These days, lucky dogs can crash at the Sarasota Ritz Carlton for $125, and "for another $220, the Ritz throws in gourmet dog biscuits, an in-room pet massage, a choice of nail buffing or nail polish, a souvenir photo, a brisk walk over Sarasota's scenic Ringling Bridge and a gourmet meal of organic stew and designer water served on a silver tray." Other traditionally two-legged brands, such as Paul Mitchell, Omaha Steaks, Origins, Harley Davidson and Old Navy are launching pet toiletries, food, attire and clothing for four-legged customers. And apparently there's enough of a demand for animal chiropractors that the AT&T Yellow Pages added it to their categories during 2006.

Even dogs with less disposable income can afford heated pet beds, goggles and nutraceuticals. Owners who feel guilty about not spending enough time with their dogs will soon be able to buy a voice-enabled waterproof GPS cellphone to communicate with their dogs when they're apart.

The pet industry continues to enjoy strong growth with 63% of U.S. households owning a pet, up from 56% in 1998. The pet of choice? Dogs at 43.5%, followed by cats at 37.7%. And 45% of U.S. households own more than one pet.

During 2006, U.S. pet owners spent roughly $38.4 billion on pets, up from $23 billion in 1998. And worth every penny perhaps, when you consider that the health benefits of pets are well documented: numerous studies indicate that pets help lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, help lower health care costs and fight depression and loneliness. (From American Pet Manufacturers Association.

Via Blogspotting at BusinessWeekOnline.

Comments

[Justin]

Hey! That was a real piece of information.. Thanks for the same..

[Anne]

So very true, Mack. I've seen articles that document that positive effect for seniors.

[Mack Collier]

"And worth every penny perhaps, when you consider that the health benefits of pets are well documented: numerous studies indicate that pets help lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, help lower health care costs and fight depression and loneliness."

Anne I'm sure these affects are magnified for elderly pet owners.