Annual US pet spending passes $50 billion mark

Annual US pet spending passes $50 billion mark LOS ANGELES (AP) — Americans spent $50. He estimated 2012 sales would total $53 billion. In 2011, people spent $19. But it was a service category — one that includes grooming, boarding, pet hotels, pet-sitting and day care — that grew more than any other, surging 7. 9 percent from $3. 51 billion in 2010 to $3. 41 billion on vet care, $11. 77 billion on supplies and over-the-counter medicines, $3. 79 billion on other services and $2. 14 billion on live animal purchases. Jessica Vogelsang, a San Diego veterinarian and author of pawcurious. com. 1 percent growth. APPA numbers indicate that animal sales and adoptions are flattening out as well as number of people who switched over to high-end food products is topping out. 94 billion on supplies and over-the-counter medicines, $3. 51 billion on other services and $2. "They are planning ahead. When they go on vacation, they want to make sure their pets are well looked after," she said. We are seeing a good deal of puzzle feeders for dogs — not just toys but ones that are geared toward the mental needs of the animal. Pet insurance is another area that is expected to grow briskly, Vetere said. 76 billion on food, $13. 01 billion on vet care, $10. 3 percent from 2010, when it totaled $48. 35 billion, Vetere said. Pet ownership is becoming less of an impulse decision, Vogelsang said. "I am seeing a great deal of people saying, 'This is not the time for us. ' People are more interested in pets than ever before but they are taking their time, once they make the commitment, to do it right. " "I don't think this is a bad thing. "Insurance makes such a difference in the health of an animal," Vogelsang said. Included in the veterinary care category, insurance was estimated to be $450 million in 2011 and expected to grow to more than $500 million in 2012. In 2010, they spent $18. The pet industry is also a major attraction for entrepreneurs and investors looking for creative and innovative products, Vetere said. Vogelsang believes the trend is toward "very specific items geared to the specific needs of pets. Then there are bionic toys for destructive chewers, a good deal of very niche items," she said. Annual US pet spending passes $50 billion mark Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 04/03/2012