Pets share a lot with their owners: excitement when the latter returns home, beds, alarm at strange noises, comforting petting and vacations. As pets moved from the backyard into owners’ homes and hearts, many noticed they share a lot of the same ailments as well. Pets, and their human counterparts, are plagued with conditions such as obesity, arthritis and digestive problems. People are starting to realize natural products can provide a slew of benefits with fewer negative side effects compared to prescription drugs.
“Consumers are moving toward natural and organic products for themselves in many product areas and by extension, they are also looking to do the same for their pets,” said Doug Daymond, founder of NuHemp.
In today’s world, there is little argument that pets have become a part of the family. “Pets have become surrogate children for two key demographics, aging Baby Boomers and young professionals who are getting married later in life and having fewer children,” said Gerry David, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Oragenics Inc. “ The health, vitality and happiness of these pets are of top importance to their ‘pet parents.’ Today, dogs and cats experience very similar health issues as consumers; the top among them being oral care issues, obesity, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, vision impairment and mobility issues. The desire to keep their four-legged family members around for as long as possible is a driving goal for consumers and is evidenced by their ongoing willingness to buy health-promoting products for their beloved pets.”
Shoppers are still forking out money for pets, despite the weak economy. “While people aren’t jetting off to Europe left and right for long summer vacations, they are not scrimping on their pets’ needs and we are really happy to hear that,” said Natalie Gershon, director of marketing, Dogswell.
And it’s not just hearsay that people are still spending on their pets. Spending on pet care has steadily increased and is expected to surpass $45 billion in 2009, according to the American Pet Products Association (APA). In 2008, APA reported Americans spent $43.2 billion; in 2007, $41.2 million; and in 2006, $38.5 billion. Natural and organic products accounted for $54 million in 2007, up from $41 million in 2006 and $30 million in 2005, according to the Organic Trade Association (OTA).
With 62 percent of American families living with a pet, according to APA, it’s no wonder sales of pet products have been on the upswing. Pet product sales were so good for Mom’s Organic Market, a natural grocery chain in Maryland, that the owners opened Mighty Healthy Pet, a natural pet store in May 2008. “Mighty Healthy Pet is about 1,000 square feet and focuses totally on holistic pet foods,” said Lisa Zelima, vice president grocery, Mom’s Organic Market. “We strive to have all the nonfood items, like the accessories, toys and treats, have some sort of holistic bent to them. All of the beds we carry are hemp, organic cotton or repurposed or recycled material. We’ve been growing and doing well.”