Pet People Can Pamper Their Pooches

In record numbers, Americans have taken a variety of animals into their homes and hearts. According to various industry sources, over seventy million homes in the U.S. have some kind of pet. This is equal to over sixty percent of all American households. Pet ownership has expanded over the last twenty years up from fifty six percent of American households to over sixty three percent.

In short, Americans are pet people and we are spending more on our animal companions then ever before.

Cats and Dogs Living Together

We love our dogs and they love us in return. Not to be outdone, cats do have the edge when it comes to popularity. It is estimated that Americans own over eighty eight million cats compared to around seventy five million dogs. Though dogs and cats are often thought of as polar opposites when it comes to living together, many households have both dogs and cats. In our house, the dogs more than tolerate their feline roommates, often showing them a great deal of love and affection. In an amusing twist on feline stereotypes, some of our cats actually seek the attention of their canine friends.

Overall, spending on pet care has grown from just over seventeen billion dollars per year in nineteen ninety four, to an estimated forty three billion dollars in two thousand and seven. Of all the money we spend on our animal companions every year, almost eleven billion is spent on veterinary care.

The medical services available for our furry companions have gone beyond just shots and checkups. Diseases and medical conditions such as arthritis, cataracts, obesity, and even cancer, are being treated with state of the art techniques once reserved for humans. Joint replacements, eye surgery, chemotherapy, and joint replacements are available for pets whose owners have the means to pay for and access to those services.

Gourmet Food Goes To the Cats and Dogs

According to industry estimates, Americans will spend close to seventeen billion dollars on food for their furry friends. Part of the rise in spending can be attributed to the higher quality of foods and treats available. The market for natural and gourmet pet foods has grown for several reasons. Concerns about the purity and composition of pet food, more Americans are opting to give their pets the best.

The standards for what the word natural means when it comes to pets is still being debated. Even the standards for natural human food have not been established beyond that claims of the producer. Organic foods, whether for human or animal consumption, have standards that are more clearly defined.

Dapper Dogs and Fashionable Felines

Big names in clothing and other merchandise are offering clothing fashions for our pets. Booties for your beagle and coats for your collie are being sold by clothing labels that previously marketed only to humans. From Labrador lounge jackets to raincoats for a redbone hound, many owners are turning their pets into veritable fashion plates.

A silver bling collar would go unnoticed by my dogs, since they are just happy to be going out. No, the bling would have more to do with my desire to make a fashion statement with my dog. Still, my Cocker Spaniel would look pretty fly in a fashion collar and matching jacket.

The Traveling Tabby

Our pets are also enjoying the rise in the number of pet carriers and joggers on the market. Taking Fido on a bicycle ride has never been easier. Sales of tow behind per carriers for use almost any bike have been growing steadily the last few years.

Though most of us choose to board our pets when going on vacation, traveling with our pets had gotten more convenient. Many hotel chains offer pet friendly accommodations in response to more and more folks taking their pets on the road.