11 Hot Pet Trends Happening Now

by Dr. Chris

Each year the American Pet Products Association (APPA) does a massive survey of pet owners to see not only what they are spending on their pets, but also to try and see what the future of the pet industry is.

Here are the 11 hot pet trends happening right now that APPA has identified...

1. Pet Friendly Hotels

The number of pet friendly hotels is increasing dramatically, as more and more people insist that their pets come on vacation with them. The AAA PetBook now lists over 13,000 hotels that are pet friendly.

2. Extremely Clean Pets

Dog manicures, self flushing litter boxes (CatGenie), and dirty paw wipes are just a few of the new products and services aimed at keeping pets clean. There has even been an increase in the number of air fresheners aimed at eliminating pet odors on the market.

3. iPet

More and more pet products are becoming high-tech. From high-tech aquarium kits, reptile lighting systems, touch activated toys, automatic feeders and doggie bowls.

4. Organic Pet Products

Natural and organic pet products are also seen more and more too. From pet food to pet treats, now you can even get natural litter for your cat box like Purr&Simple, Feline Pine, and Swheat Scoop.

5. We Make Pet Products Too!

Omaha Steaks, Harley Davidson, Paul Mitchell, Origins, and Old Navy all now carry lines of pet products, trying to cash in on the $50 Billion industry.

6. Specially Formulated Pet Foods

Pet food specific for your pet's specific life stage and breed are becoming more common place. These are aimed at trying to give your pet optimal nutrition at all life stages, like Royal Canin's Labrador Puppy food.

7. Personalized Products

Personalized and monogrammed pet products are also readily available. Monogrammed pet bowls, sweaters, leashes, tags, collars, and cages can now all be easily found.

8. Upscale Accessories

Upscale leather products and other pet outfits can be purchased for hundreds even thousands of dollars depending on how much money you want to spend on your pet.

9. Time to Relax

Massages, yoga classes, and spas now all cater to pets. Many pet owners who have the cash will pay for these services now for their pets. You can even learn to give your dog massages at home with books like: Therapeutic Holistic Dog Massage.

10. Pets On the Go

Traveling with your pet has never been safer or faster with dog safety harness systems, convenient travel kits, and fashionable carriers available from most large department stores.

11. Hardware Stores

Home Depot, Lowe's, and other hardware stores now also commonly carry pet products. They recognize that many of their customers also own pets and that they are willing to spend big money on them.

Source: American Pet Products Association