Pet Pampering Business is Booming

It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact, we spendbillions of dollars every year on feeding, grooming, and vetvisits, as well as toys and other pampering supplies. Chancesare your town even has some kind of gourmet retail outlet for dogand cat treats.

It's a fact that the pet industry is booming and shows no signsof slowing down. In fact, it has actually become stylish forpeople to pamper their pets with playthings, carriers, treats,and more. As you walk down the street or watch celebrities onTV, you'll see more and more people who love to adorn theirbeloved dogs or cats with shiny accessories or outlandishoutfits.

Not everyone wants to carry their dog in their purse the wayParis Hilton has been doing, but more and more of us arediscovering that our pets need plenty of love and attention, justlike kids and adults require.

If you're not ready to spoil your pet with lavish gifts andgourmet treats just yet, start small. For example, whentraveling with your cat, buy something better than your typicalcarrier. When shopping for pet transportation, look at theproducts carefully, and ask yourself if you would be comfortableriding in that for so many hours. If the answer is no, your catprobably won't be that comfy either.

When taking Fido for a walk, think about that collar and leash.Don't you think it would hurt to wear that tight collar,especially with the tension of a leash? Instead, why not investjust a little bit more in a harness-style restraint that allowseven distribution of that pressure. And if you really love yourdog, buy one that sparkles or shows a bit of personality.

As any pet lover knows, dogs, cats, and other animals all have adistinct personality, just as we do. We all want our cars,homes, clothing, and accessories to display a bit about who weare and what we like, and our pets deserve the same.