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Darrell Zahorsky
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By Darrell Zahorsky, About.com Guide to Small Business Info

The Pet Business Growing Despite Slow Down

Sunday June 21, 2009
Pet Business

Pets are big business in America. A pet is family to the average pet owner which means this is one of the last expenses to cut in a slow down. According to The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), annual industry expenditures continue to grow and last year were over $43.2 billion and estimated to be $45.4 billion in 2009. Expenditures break out as follows:

  • Food - $16.8 billion
  • Supplies/OTC Medicine - $10.0 billion
  • Vet Care - $11.1 billion
  • Live animal purchases - $2.1 billion
  • Pet Services: grooming & boarding - $3.2 billion

This growing market offers plenty of business opportunities including pet insurance, pet sitting and gourmet pet foods.

Comments
June 26, 2009 at 12:30 am
(1) Shawn says:

Another proof that consumers won’t abandon something they value easily…even in a recession. It’s probably a good reminder to entrepreneurs everywhere that creating and maintaining value for customers remains the name of the game no matter what the economic climate.

July 11, 2009 at 6:07 pm
(2) Sherry Harris says:

Great article. One thing that I appreciate is that dog parents everyone are appreciating the fact pet insurance and vet care for their family member the dog are a “gotta have” item.

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