Paws
for Thought: Pet Products and Services Go Upscale
(ARA) – You’ve probably seen the pampered pooches many celebutantes of
the moment are sporting like the latest accessories. You may even know
there are about 90 million pet cats and 73 million pet dogs in the
United States. But unless you’re up on the hottest pet product trends
-- like including high-end doggie dishes on your bridal registry -- you
just can’t call yourself a true pet aficionado.
There’s no question Americans have gone to the dogs and cats, with 63
percent of U.S. households owning a pet. In 2006, pet owners spent
$38.5 billion on their pets, according to the American Pet
Manufacturers Association. The organization estimates that figure will
approach $41 billion in 2007. High-end, luxury items and products
account for a growing percentage of the total spent on pet products.
Hot trends in the pet product world include:
* Brides adding high-end pet items to their registries, like Tuscan
themed pet bowls and treat jars from Arthur Court, a
San-Francisco-based company known world-wide for its sand-cast aluminum
serveware. “In some cases, these are people who collect Arthur Court
serveware and want the pet products to make their collections
complete,” says Arthur Court. “Others, however, simply want to start
out married life with new, elegant and beautiful possessions around
them, and ensuring their pets have the same is part of the excitement
of starting their new life together.”
The products exemplify the trend towards pet items that share all the
high-end features humans favor in products for themselves -- form,
function and beauty. The popular dog treat jar is a cream ceramic jar
with a dog bone for a handle, and the words “good dog” engraved on the
base. The cat jar lid features a kitten on a pillow and a playful
hearts and kittens motif on the base. Arthur Court’s pet items are sold
through top retailers. To learn more, visit www.arthurcourt.com.
* Arthur Court isn’t the only renowned, upscale manufacturer to enter
the pet products market. Hair care giants Paul Mitchell and Origins
have both launched lines of pet grooming products. Omaha Steaks offers
gourmet pet treats.
* Exclusive hotel chains like Four Seasons and Westin welcome most
small pets. Many of these pet-friendly upscale hotels have special
programs in place to pamper pets with gourmet meals, plush beds and
doggie spa-style treatments.
* Doggie daycare has gone beyond a bowl of kibble served in a kennel.
Boarding facilities now take pets on a daily basis, offering
daycare-style educational, exercise and training programs for pets
while owners are at work.
* Pampered pets no longer go to the groomers for a simple clip and dip.
Now they go to the pet spa for full salon treatments, including hair
conditioning, highlights, nail color and care, massage and body
treatments. Some human spas have even begun offering treatments for
pets and their owners.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
