Pet franchises are on the rise, according to Franchise Direct

The pet business has never been bigger. Industry experts now presume that American pet owners will invest about $47 billion on their animals this year alone. Many franchises are reaping the rewards, according to a new report from Franchise Direct.


The franchise portal credits the boom in part to American’s growing love affair with their pets. Today, 62% of US households own at least one pet. You’ll find a pet in 71.4 million American homes, which is a rise of over 20 million pets since 1998. Coinciding with the increase in pet ownership is the development of niche pet franchise markets. Pet owners now spend liberally on luxury pet hotels, vet care and upscale pet products, which are all industries that have been franchised. But the clearest proof of the power of the pet industry is this: when then US economy tanked in 2008, consumer spending on pets remained level.

Pet franchises make up a diverse and growing industry. Pet supply retailers, dog-sitting companies and many more have franchised their business model. In a growing industry like the pet market, consumers turn to companies they trust and know, which is why franchises have boomed.

As for the pet franchise scene, pet food retailers continue to drive the economy. Yet, as pets live longer, owners are also spending more on vet care, grooming, supplies and medicine. Nearly every niche in the industry features a thriving pet franchise.

Many entrepreneurs opt for a pet franchise without having previous experience working with pets. Franchise Direct has found, though, that people who love animals are especially suited to this field. Their passion for pets drives them to big things in life and business. As the Franchise Direct pet franchise report state, pet franchises are in a healthy state and ready for bigger things.

About Franchise Direct: Franchise Direct (www.FranchiseDirect.com) is one of the world's leading portals for franchise and business opportunities. Started as a single website for the promotion of franchises in the US market in 1998, Franchise Direct now operates a suite of six multilingual sites targeting North America and Europe.

Pet Adoption Month

Did you know that October is Pet Adoption Month? Adding a new member of the family is a big decisions. The Wellness pet food blog has posted a list of things to consider when adopting a new pet.

Check it out as there are some good tips to consider.

Interesting Pet Industry Article

An article from Smart
money Magazine to the 10 things the pet industry won't tell you.

More Pet Industry Trends

Ultra-Clean…
Pet-owners take grooming one step beyond a haircut, a quick bath and a nail trim. Mouthwash and an electric toothbrush for canines are routine steps in a beauty session for some pooches. Birds receive daily pedicures with special cage perches, while others enjoy manicures complete with nail polish. Pet-owning homes stay cleaner with automatic, self-flushing litter boxes, cleaning cloths for muddy paws that mimic traditional baby wipes, and scented gel air fresheners to keep rooms free of pet odors.

Dinner is Served
Today's pet foods include complete and balanced diets that tantalize our pets' taste buds and satisfy their tummies. Formulas for puppies and kittens, specialized meals for reptiles, birds and fish and diets for senior pets ensure a long and healthy life for our beloved companions.

State-of-the-Art
High-tech products including computerized identification tags, digital aquarium kits, automatic doors and feeders, enhanced reptile terrarium lighting systems and touch-activated toys help pet-owners take care of companion animals with ease and precision.

Loosen Up
As pet owners meditate in yoga class, cats relieve stress by frolicking in a toy gym or relaxing in a feline spa before enjoying herbal catnip packaged in a tea bag. Dogs sip fresh water from flowing fountains after a soothing rub with a doggie massager.

Help Yourself!
Products designed with convenience in mind lead this trend. Programmable feeding and drinking systems, automatic and battery-operated toys, self-cleaning litter boxes and self-warming pet mats let pets virtually care for themselves!

Straight from the Catwalk
Faux mink coats, hipster lumberjack vests, designer plaid jackets, matching jeweled and leather collar and leash sets, Halloween costumes, and holiday outfits keep pets in fashion throughout the year. Upscale leather carriers complete with a cell phone and water bottle holder are the perfect accessories to keep the pet owner in style as well.

Keep on Truckin'
Whether it's a quick trip to the supermarket or a long ride to the beach, companion animals are now traveling animals too. Buckled up in a harness, seat belt system or a portable carrier, these pets stay safe and secure while on the road. Food and water along with safety supplies are on hand in all-in-one kits, waste disposal systems make for easy clean-up on quick stops and motion sickness aids are available too.

Hello, My Name Is…
From monogrammed sweaters and personalized food and water bowls to digitized collar tags and hand-made treats, owners embrace their pets as true members of the American family celebrating their fluffy, finned and feathered companions with their very own belongings.

Pet Industry Trends

We pamper them. We bring them wherever we go. We surprise them with something new on special occasions. They even get holiday presents. They are our pets!

From high-end items to high-tech items, products for our companion animals now extend beyond traditional necessities. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) presents top pet product trends for 2010.

Reducing Your Pets Carbon PAW print
Around the world people are making conscious efforts to help our planet Eart, and the pet industry is no exception. From natural litters to toys, accessories and organic food options, earth-friendly pet products are sprouting up everywhere.

Going to the Dogs
More and more companies traditionally know for human products are going to the dogs, and cats, and reptiles. Big name companies including like Paul Mitchell, Omaha Steaks, Origins, Harley Davidson and Old Navy are now offering lines of pet products ranging from dog shampoo, pet attire, and name-brand toys to gourmet treats and food.

Pets Welcome
Many hotels across the country are adopting pet friendly policies. Several chains have announced new pet-friendly policies that include everything from oversized pet pillows, plush doggie robes, to check-in gift packages that include a pet toy, dog treat, ID tag, bone and turn down treat. Some even have a licensed dog masseuse on staff.

Pet Products Sold Here
Shopping for pet products is becoming easier than ever with an increasing variety of retail outlets now selling pet products. Right along side fertilizer and shovels, shoppers can now find pet products such as doggie doors and yellow lawn spot removers sold at many lawn and garden stores, nurseries, and major home improvement stores including Home Depot.

Spending Per Year on Pets

Another indicator on how much pet ownership has grown since 1984 - The following spending statistics are gathered by American Pet Producst Association from various market reseach sources and are not included in the organization's bi-annual National Pet Owners Survey.


Total U.S. Pet Industry Expenditures

Year Billion
2010 $47.7 Est.
2009 $45.5
2008 $43.2
2007 $41.2
2006 $38.5
2005 $36.3
2004 $34.4
2003 $32.4
2002 $29.5
2001 $28.5
1998 $23
1996 $21
1994 $17

Pet Ownership Statistics

PET OWNERSHIP

According to the 2009/2010 National Pet Owners Survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 71.4 millions homes

In 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, 56% of U.S. households owned a pet as compared to 62% in 2008

Breakdown of pet ownership in the U.S. according to the 2009-2010 National Pet Owners Survey

Number of U.S. Households that Own a Pet (millions)

Bird 6.0
Cat 38.2
Dog 45.6
Equine 3.9
Freshwater Fish 13.3
Saltwater Fish 0.7
Reptile 4.7
Small Animal 5.3

Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (millions)


Bird 15.0
Cat 93.6
Dog 77.5
Equine 13.3
Freshwater Fish 171.7
Saltwater Fish 11.2
Reptile 13.6
Small Animal 15.9

* Ownership statistics are gathered from APPA’s 2009/2010 National Pet Owners Survey

A New Pet Food Recall

1. Merrick Pet Care Recalls 10oz Bags Of Merrick Beef Filet Squares


Merrick Pet Care, Inc. of Amarillo, Texas is recalling 86 cases of its 10oz “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” pet treats (ITEM # 60016 LOT # 10084TL7 BEST BY MARCH 24, 2012) because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Consumers who have purchased 10 ounce packages of “Beef Filet Squares for Dogs” are urged to return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund. Information about the recall can be found on the company’s web site: http://www.merrickpetcare.com/about_us/news_article.php?tid=430. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-664-7387 M-F 8:00 – 5:00 CDT.
2. Nature’s Miracle, Excel, Pro-Pet, Petco, DDS and Drs. Foster & Smith Nutritional Supplements and Powdered Form Products
United Pet Group has recalled a variety of nutritional supplements for dogs and powdered form products for dogs and cats. THESE PRODUCTS ARE SOLD UNDER DIFFERENT NAMES AT DIFFERENT RETAILERS. Please check the FDA release for a complete listing of products affected by this recall here is the link: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm217999.htm


The products involved in both recalls are very popular, so it is important that we get the word out to fellow pet lovers. Please let your followers and readers know about these recalls.

Biodegradable Pet Bed

As things are getting more and more 'green,' here is another new product targeted to the green market...the price seems a bit steep to me, but let me know what you think.

DOG GONE SMART GREEN BED
Leave No Paw Print™

Companies today are working harder to be good corporate citizens, especially when it comes to the environment.

Dog Gone Smart is proud to present the world’s first-ever completely biodegradable pet bed made with all-natural and organic materials. Every component of the pet bed decomposes - even down to the zipper. These Green pet beds "Leave No (Carbon) Paw Print" on the environment.

Every year, millions of pet beds are discarded into the environment, and it can take thousands of years for these beds to completely biodegrade. Even the so-called "green beds" on the market today are mostly filled with plastic from recycled bottle tops and metal zippers that can take thousands of years to decompose.

Until now, eco-friendly pet beds have been made from recycled materials. Dog Gone Smart Pet Products is the first to design a completely natural product that is good for both your pet and the environment.

Dog Gone Smart Pet Products uses…

-All-natural materials which will completely breakdown or decompose in the appropriate composting environment within 120 days;

-Certified 100% organic natural cotton/bamboo fabric for your pet to snuggle in;
-All-natural vegetable dyes;
-All-natural, organic fill material called Kapok. Kapok is the silky natural fiber around the seed pods of the cotton tree and is known to be one of the best natural fills available today.
Kapok is a very bitter fiber that naturally repels bacteria and microbes. It is also great for pets who may suffer from allergies due to dust mites (which cannot live in the fiber). The cotton tree canopy is a very important part of the rainforest ecosystem providing habitat for monkeys, birds, and a variety of fauna and flora. It is important to note that the Kapok trees are never destroyed during the harvesting period;

-Biodegradable zippers used in the pet bed covers, are made from a mixture of corn and other plant materials. When placed in the appropriate composting environment, these zippers begin to biodegrade within 140 days, completely breaking down into water and carbon dioxide;

--Rectangle pet beds MSRP priced from $119.95 for the 24”x32”, $154.95 for the $28”x38”, and $199.95 for the 34”x46”.

Cats Are Like Potato Chips....

"Cats are like potato chips - you can never have just one!"

Once you have one adorable kitty, it is very easy to get a second, a third and even a fourth or fifth.

Based on national averages, the American household has 1.4 dogs and 2.1 cats. So most people have 1 dog and 2 cats.

Pet Classic Super Bowl Commercial

The Super Bowl is only days away, as are all the ads that go with the big game. Here is a classic ad from a company called Pets.com.

The white and brown tube sock with mismatched eyes become the poster pup of the dot-com days, urging humans to shop online because "pets can't drive." The company spend $2 million on a spot in Super Bowl 2000 in which the sock carried a mic and singed "Don't Go."

The playful puppet broke through the advertising clutter and struck a cord with consumers, but it couldn't overcome intense competition and high shipping costs. In November 2000, Pets.com shut down.

Fish Farms Still Hurting

I was talking to someone I know in FL and were telling me that the weather is getting better, but the fish farms are still hurting. People had to work around the clock to keep the koi breeding ponds covered to prevent any freezing. However, since the ponds were covered, they didn't want to open them up to see how the fish were doing, for fear of letting cold air inside the ponds. Now that the weather is getting better, the real damage will soon be getting assessed.

Look for the prices of all things Florida to be up in the next few months.

What is Your Pet's Breed?

Many times, adopted dogs are found in various places, and the true breed of those dogs is a mystery. Mars Veterinary ™ recently came out with a new do-it-yourself doggie DNA test that can detect your dog’s breed inexpensively and conveniently. With a simple swab of the cheek, Wisdom Panel Insight can determine the ancestry of a mixed-breed dog by testing for more than 170 breeds (which is the largest database on the market!). Within just three short weeks, owners can download an official Ancestry Report that reveals the dog’s genetic background.

Surprisingly, a dog’s ancestry can influence he/she in many ways. For example, physical traits and behaviors such as digging and barking all come from the various breeds in a dog’s family. Once an owner understands a dog’s natural tendencies, the possibilities for training, exercise and nutrition programs are tailored to meet the dog’s needs.

Check out www.wisdompanel.com

We at the Pet Haven haven't tried it out, but if anyone does, let me know what you think.

Average Cost of Pet Ownership

Pet ................First year cost .........Annual cost
small dog .........1,050 .....................580
medium dog.... 1,260.................... 695
large dog ..........1,435..................... 875
Cat.................... 1,035 .....................670
Rabbit ...............1,055..................... 730
Guinea Pig ..........705..................... 635
Small Mammal... 340.................... 300
Small Bird ............270 .....................200
Fish........................ 235....................... 35

Prices do not include adoption costs, tank set up for the fish, or purchase cost.
Source: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Bed Bugs Beware of Dogs

Sleep Tight; these dogs will do the rest!

Article from Chicago Tribune about canines trained to detect signs of bedbug infestation.

SECOND ANNUAL PET ‘NET EVENT

Pet-Centric Bloggers & Site Editors To Raise Voices In Unison To Shine Spotlight on Pet Safety

Organizer Petside.com To Feature Event Hub At www.petside.com/pet-net-2009

New York, NY (October 15, 2009)—In an effort to heighten awareness about critical issues related to pet safety, Petside.com (http://www.petside.com), the popular online destination for pet owners and pet enthusiasts from NBC Digital Networks, has organized a consortium of some of the Web’s favorite pet-focused sites to launch the Pet ‘Net Safety Event on Wednesday, October 21.

On this date, each participating site and weblog will highlight content devoted to the important topic of pet safety, with Petside.com hosting a comprehensive one-page hub (www.petside.com/pet-net-2009) with links to all of the special coverage. Additionally, Petside will join forces with the Associated Press to conduct a poll and collect data on people’s behavior and attitudes related to the safety of their pets, the results of which will be released on October 21.

"Common household dangers threaten our pets on a daily basis," said Joshua Fried, Director of Petside.com. “By raising our collective voice at once, we hope The Pet ‘Net Safety Event will help focus some much-needed attention to these important issues.”

The inaugural Pet ‘Net Event took place in October 2008 and successfully employed the combined reach of a more than dozen websites to raise awareness about animal shelter adoption. This year, participating writers will focus their efforts around issues related to pet safety. Topics covered will range from holiday dangers to travel safety to first aid tips. Sites slated to participate in the second annual event include:

• Aarff.com (http://aarff.com/)
• About.com Cats (http://cats.about.com)
• About.com Dogs (http://dogs.about.com)
• About.com Veterinary Medicine (http://vetmedicine.about.com)
• Altoona Mirror’s Have Dog, Will Blog (http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/blogs.listAll/display/30.html)
• Baltimore Sun's Unleashed (http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/)
• Daily Dog Scoop (http://dailydogscoop.blogspot.com)
• Examiner.com National Pet News (http://www.examiner.com/x-1028-Pet-News-Examiner)
• Houston Pet Talk (http://www.houstonpettalk.com/)
• Love Meow (http://LoveMeow.com)
• Paw Nation (ttp://www.pawnation.com/)
• PetDoc.com (http://www.petdoc.com)
• The Pet Haven (http://the-pet-haven.blogspot.com)
• PetiQuette (http://amyshojai.livejournal.com)
• Petopia (http://www.thestarryeye.typepad.com/pets)
• PetPeoplesPlace (http://www.petpeoplesplace.com)
• Pets Channel of MarthaStewart.com (http://marthastewart.com/pets)
• PetsitUSA (http://www.petsitusa.com)
• Polka Dot Pup (http://www.polkadotpup.blogspot.com)
• Romeo the Cat (http://www.romeothecat.com)
• She Scribes (http://www.SheScribes.com)
• Thoughts Fur Paws (http://thoughtsfurpaws.com)
• Timi Talks (http://timitalks.com)
• YouPet (http://www.youpet.com)
• Zoolatry (http://zoolatry.blogspot.com)

About Petside.com
Petside.com (www.petside.com) was created by NBC Digital Networks, in partnership with Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc., as a comprehensive source of information and services that helps pets and their owners get the most out of life. Offering customized content and a highly personalized experience, Petside.com is ranked among the top 5 pet Web sites and offers unique editorial features, expert Q&A's, tools and how-to videos.

Pet Awareness Month

October is National Pet Wellness Month (http://www.npwm.com). SeaYu Enterprises has just sent me some surveys they did of customers to find out what matters most about pet wellness.

Pet owners in the survey consider nutrition to be the most important aspect of their pet’s wellness (60%) followed by affection/play (17%) and disease prevention (11%). An overwhelming majority – 94% - said they were concerned with the negative effects traditional cleaning products have on their pet’s health. With good reason - according to the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), typical household cleaning products and air fresheners are one of the leading contributors to poor indoor air quality. The agency reports that poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues; animals have faster metabolisms and smaller lungs than humans, and not only are they processing these chemicals at a faster rate, they are also breathing them in more rapidly. Because animals are closer to the ground, they are more often in direct contact with these harmful substances.

In the SeaYu pet owner survey, about half of the respondents reported that “smell” was their biggest pet cleanup issue.

Many pets living longer

Some dogs and cats reaching 15 years or more, veterinarians say.

According to any article on MSN, just as humans are living longer, so are pets. A combination of a lot of factors are at play, including breeding, better health, and better awareness. Check out the article for some interesting details.

World's Most Expensive Dog

It would have been much cheaper to adopt....

What does a $582,000 dog look like? A Tibetan Mastiff has apparently broken the record for the world's most expensive dog. It was sold to a young Chinese millionare.

You can read the complete article as found on MSN.com.

Should It Be Law to Neuter Your Pets?

Do you think it should be a law to spay or neuter your pets? Vote here in The Pet Place Poll

So far, there are a lot of votes into this poll, and the no's are leading by an overwhelming majority.

What's your thoughts on the issue?