In pets we trust: Retailers report pet products still selling well
By Pet Connection Staff
March 4, 2009
Dr. Marty Becker and Keith Turner report from Global Pet Expo in this week’s Pet Connection newspaper feature:
Somebody forgot to tell our pets that we’re in a recession.
While the ongoing U.S. economic downturn has forced many industries to cut jobs, close plants or curtail products, U.S. pet industry experts announced at last month’s massive trade show that positive growth continued throughout 2008 — and more is expected for 2009.
At its annual Global Pet Expo, held over Valentine’s Day weekend in Orlando, Fla., the American Pet Products Association reported that Americans remain sweet on their pets. Last year the pet products and services industry saw an overall growth of 4.9 percent over the year before — even though some sectors, such as veterinary medicine, are reporting slowdowns. In all, pet-loving consumers spent more than $43 billion on food, supplies, medicine and veterinary care in 2008, continuing an upward trend that places the pet industry as the eighth-largest industry in the United States, ahead of such stalwarts as toys, candy, jewelry and hardware.
“What we are seeing is that people are more willing to sacrifice on themselves before trimming back on their four-legged friends,” said Bob Vetere, president of APPA. “The pet industry continues to grow at a record pace and has proven to remain strong during times of change, stress and economic setbacks.”
Gina says the “littlest Honda” is a fit for the times:
When Honda launched the Fit into the North American market in 2006, the world was a different place. Gas prices hadn’t gone crazy, the economy wasn’t on the skids, and most everyone’s idea of the perfect car for transporting dogs was an SUV, midsized or better.
Even with all that, the Fit made a splash: We chose it as the best small car for dogs in our first DogCars.com Best in Show awards (the overall winner that year was another Honda, the Element).
Gas has gone up and back down since, and the economy … well, we know where that’s gone. That makes the all-new 2009 edition of Honda’s little hatchback even better than before.
In fact, it’s about as perfect a little car as can be imagined, especially for dog owners. The space inside is so large compared to the tiny size of the vehicle that you start to wonder if the Fit is really a circus car, the kind that an endless number of clowns can fit into and come out of. You wouldn’t want to cram that many dogs inside, but you could manage a couple of big ones with comfort and ease, especially since the Fit’s seats fold flat and low to the floorboards.
The car sits low on the ground as well, making it easy to get dogs in and out. It’s sporty to drive, especially with a stick shift, easy to park, and as fuel-efficient as it gets for a non-hybrid: 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, with a nifty real-time mpg monitor to help you get even more from a gallon of gas. With a starting price under $15,000, it’s hard to imagine a better Fit for the times.
It turns out playing “fetch” can be dangerous. From Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon:
Experts at the U.K.‘s Royal Veterinary College say that canine injuries from sticks are as numerous as those acquired on Britain’s roads. Not only can sticks rip holes in the mouths and throat of dogs, but a dirty stick can also raise the risk of infection.
Gina reminds everyone to secure their pets safely in the car:
Securing a pet in a vehicle makes sense all around. A loose animal in the car can cause an accident by distracting the driver. In an accident, or even if the driver has to stop suddenly, a pet can hurt himself or other passengers. Fortunately, you can easily secure your pet with new products designed for comfort and safety.
For cats and dogs, crates — secured to the floor or to a safety belt for small pets — are perfect for travel. They keep pets in place and allow for transport straight into the veterinary office for scaredy-cats or nervous dogs.
For dogs, a wide variety of safety harnesses has become available in recent years. Many of these snap right into existing seat-belt buckles, and some double as harnesses for walking the dog once you get where you’re going.
Plus: The Becker “Best in Show” Award for best new pet product; facts on leashes, and bird bath tips. All this and more, in our Pet Connection newspaper feature, which you can read right here.
You can also see it exactly the way we send it to our client newspapers here. (PDF)
Frolicat Bolt Laser Light — A laser light that keeps your cat and dog active indoors. Battery powered device can be manually operated or moves automatically. 
Avian Habitat Enrichment Pods — A complete cage system of specially designed pods that encourage your bird to forage for toys and treats. $3.99-$6.99.
Doggy Door Shield — A durable plastic cover that attaches to your wood or glass door to protect it from pet scratches. Simple, yet can save you the cost of a new door! $19.95. 
Bissell Shed Away Pet Vacuum attachment — Get the fur off your pet before it collects on the furniture by using this simple device that attaches to almost any vacuum. Retail: $24.99. 
