| The term "a dog's life" used to describe a pretty | | | | products. |
| rustic existence for the family pet... Fido slept on the | | | | 4. Exotic pets. While dogs and cats are certainly the |
| back porch, had an occasional bath in the back yard | | | | most popular pets, we're also seeing a trend towards |
| kiddy pool and for a treat, chewed on a rawhide | | | | ownership of more exotic pets. Today there is a |
| bone. | | | | demand for products for birds, reptiles, fish, ferrets, |
| Today however, a dog's life often means being toted | | | | mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, pot belly pigs, rabbits, |
| around in at $400 dog carrier, sleeping in a $1000 dog | | | | chinchillas, aquatic turtles and more. |
| house, and wearing a collar embedded with | | | | 5. Fashion pets. Today's pets are so well dressed |
| Swarovski crystals. Yes times have changed and | | | | with coordinating accessories that they could easily |
| these days dogs, cats, birds, and the like are living | | | | grace the cover of Pet Vogue magazine. Pet owner |
| the high life. In 2007, Americans spent a record $41 | | | | fashionistas are snapping up designer style pet |
| billion dollars on their beloved pets! All across the | | | | products at a frenzied pace. Pink-a-holic pet? There's |
| globe, pet owners are becoming increasingly | | | | a slew of hot pink fashion pet products out there. |
| demanding when it comes to pet products and not | | | | More into the preppy look? Outfit your pet and his |
| settling for inexpensive, substandard products. These | | | | products so he looks straight out of the Ivy League. |
| days, only the best in pet products will do and this | | | | Is Bowser a rock- and-roll dog? He'll look and act the |
| opens up tremendous opportunity for anyone who is | | | | part with today's pet fashion products. Pets and |
| interested in selling in the pet products niche. | | | | fashion have merged in a big way! |
| Target Market: | | | | Product Categories: |
| Fueling this growing trend in the pet product industry | | | | There are literally hundreds of categories of pet |
| are empty nesters who lavish attention and money | | | | products. The following 5 umbrella categories offer a |
| on their pets, baby boomers with disposable income | | | | lot of opportunity to drill down and look for |
| and young adults who are waiting until later to have | | | | sub-niches and micro-niches. |
| children and instead are putting their time and energy | | | | 1. Pet Transportation. Pets are on the go! And pet |
| into Fido and Fluffy. | | | | strollers, pet carriers and pet booster seats, all help |
| Even families of more modest means are spending | | | | your pet get there safely, soundly and in style. A |
| money on a menagerie of pets. Families see their | | | | recent pet lover's blog featured 16 reasons your pet |
| pets as a member of the family and are willing to | | | | needs a pet stroller! Pet ramps and stairs help older |
| spend big money on them. Additionally, the influence | | | | pets remain comfortable in the event of health |
| of popular television shows like Animal Planet, have | | | | issues. Liners and barriers for automobiles help to |
| made the family pet more revered than ever. | | | | keep your car clean and fresh (and your pet safe) |
| Product Trends: | | | | while he rides around the town. |
| These 5 distinct trends drive the market for pet | | | | 2. Pet Housing and Home Decor. A pet's home is his |
| products sales: | | | | castle and one of the best selling pet product |
| 1. Luxury pet products. The luxury pet products | | | | categories is that of pet houses, beds, kitty condos, |
| industry has seen the most growth in recent years | | | | pet couches, chairs, pillows and the like! Blankets, |
| and continues to lead the pack when it comes to the | | | | bowls and feeders all round out the home |
| sale of pet merchandise. Consumers want the best | | | | décor needs of a happy and well-nested pet. |
| for their pets and they are willing to shell out big | | | | 3. Pet Clothing and Accessories. The possibilities are |
| bucks to get the products they want. People who | | | | endless in the pet accessory market! Dog toys, |
| buy luxury pet products are generally more affluent. | | | | grooming accessories, pet shoes, pet eye ware, pet |
| They also tend to buy a complete ensemble of pet | | | | safety products, grooming products, art work, pet |
| accessories. The pet sweater must match the pet | | | | exercisers, pet treadmills, pet games, and pet jewelry |
| carrier and the very often, that must match what | | | | are just a small sampling of the products that are |
| the owner is wearing as well. But it isn't only clothing | | | | being snapped up by today's pet owner. |
| items that are on every pet owners shopping list - | | | | 4. Pet Health. Pet owners are very concerned about |
| There are now $430 indoor potties, $30-an-ounce | | | | their pet's health and the sale of pet health products |
| perfume, climate controlled pet carriers, jeweled pet | | | | are on the rise. From pet treadmills to grooming |
| collars (with real jewels), $225 trench coats, designer | | | | products, lotions and potions, to shampoos and |
| pet beds, dog shoes, Halloween costumes, Zen dining | | | | nutritional supplements, people are paying as much |
| tables, dog spas, even doggie nail polish! | | | | attention to their pet's health as they are their own. |
| 2. Traveling pets. Have pets will travel is the mantra | | | | 5. Pet Products for humans. A consistent trait of pet |
| of many pet owners. To do this in comfort and style | | | | owners is that they not only like to purchase |
| requires the right kind of products and accessories. | | | | products for their pets, they also like to purchase |
| Climate controlled pet carriers; pet booster seats and | | | | products for themselves that represent their pets. |
| pet strollers enable that traveling pet to ride in style. | | | | Consider the 38 year old Chicago executive who |
| 3. Eco-friendly pets. Eco-friendly and organic products | | | | owns two Golden Retrievers. Her home is filled with |
| have been a huge influence on pet products sales in | | | | pieces of artwork, figurines, t-shirts, books and |
| the past couple years. This trend is continuing, in fact | | | | jewelry all representing the Golden Retriever breed. |
| the largest growth sector in several pet product | | | | Pet lovers who can't own pets due to allergies or |
| categories has been that of eco-friendly and organic | | | | logistical reasons but still want to feel connected with |
| products. If you sell pet products you must give your | | | | a pet are also buying these types of pet products in |
| buyers some eco-friendly versions of popular pet | | | | droves. |