Estimated 2013 Pet Sales within the U.S. Market

For 2013, it estimated that $55.53 billion will be spent on our pets in the U.S.


Estimated Breakdown:

Food $21.26 billion

Supplies/OTC Medicine $13.21 billion

Vet Care $14.21 billion

Live animal purchases $2.31 billion

Pet Services: grooming & boarding $4.54 billion

Money Spent on Pet Industry

The numbers continue to grow every year, with more growth expected in 2013.
Year Billion

2013 $55.53 Estimate

2012 $53.33 Actual

2011 $50.96

2010 $48.35

2009 $45.5

2008 $43.2

2007 $41.2

2006 $38.5

2005 $36.3

2004 $34.4

2003 $32.4

2002 $29.5

2001 $28.5

1998 $23

1996 $21

1994 $17

Data from APPA website.

Gear Up for Spring - Biking with Your Dog

A recent article from TripsWithPets.com

When you think about the activities that you can do with your dog, your list might look like this: walk, run, play fetch. With such a short list, you probably cycle through these pretty quickly. Why not shake things up a bit and introduce your dog to something new? Spring is a wonderful time to ride your bike and the best part is that your dog can come with you. It's the perfect way to bond and reconnect with your pooch and enjoy that fresh spring air together.

Can Any Dog Bike?

It makes sense that a healthy dog that's used to walking, running, or hiking is a great candidate for a bike mate. But what if your dog is small and doesn't need much exercise? Don't worry! There are a few different ways that will allow your dog to join you so you don't have to leave that wagging tail and adorable little face behind.

• Bike Leash - For an active, healthy dog, a bike leash is your answer. Bike leashes hook on the side of a bike and attach to your dog's padded harness so she's running right along side of you. It's designed to control your dog in case she pulls in a different direction and ensures the safety of both dog and rider. NEVER bring your dog on a regular leash that will leave you with just one hand on the handle bars and the other holding your dog's leash. This can be extremely dangerous. Bike leashes were designed to free your hands so you can drive the bike properly.
• Riders & Baskets - For your small dog that doesn't really need much exercise, you can still bond with them on a bicycling trip by using a pet rider or a basket. Baskets attached to the front handle bars and have a harness or strap that keeps your furry passenger hooked safely and secured. Riders also work the same way, although these can be attached to the front or back of a bike and also include a safety harness.

Start Small

Once you've determined the best way to bring your dog along, it's time to get her acclimated to being with the bike. Show her how you are attaching the leash to your bicycle or set her in the rider to get her used to it. For the initial few outings, just walk your bike. When she starts to become comfortable, hop on the bike and go slowly at first. Plan on just going around the block the first time, followed by one or two more blocks as she adjusts to this new activity. This is also a good time to make sure that your dog is properly secured to the bike so there aren't any mishaps.

If the biking is going well and she's not afraid or stressed out, you can then begin lengthening your bike trips and moving along at a more appropriate pace.

Safety First

There are some things to keep in mind when you have your dog with you on the bike so that you both have a safe and enjoyable experience.

1. Whenever possible, use bike trails or roads that are less busy. If this isn't a nearby option, use a bike rack and drive the two of you to a nearby park or trail.

2. Avoid extraordinary heat. In the warm summer months, reserve biking outings for early mornings or early evenings before it is getting dark.

3. Bring a small pack of necessary items, including water, treats, a cell phone, and your vet's number just in case of an emergency. Make sure that your dog has all of his tags and other identification.

Just you and your dog on the open road with the wind at your backs and the sunshine on your faces is a healthy and fun way to bond with your dog. Dogs are always overjoyed to be going anywhere with their humans, so finding new ways to spend time together (like biking) is bound to bring the two of you even closer together. Show your best friend just how much you love her and hop on that bike!

Swimming Turtles

For those of you looking for more information about turtles as pets, I found this article from Pet Business provided some valuable insight.  With two dogs and a fish tank, I'm not sure I'm ready to take on this challenge.

Stats about Pet Overpopulation

Some interesting information published by the ASPCA in regards to the pet overpopulation in the U.S.

Facts about Pet Overpopulation in the U.S.:

• It is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States; estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
• The average number of litters a fertile cat produces is one to two a year; the average number of kittens is four to six per litter.
• The average number of litters a fertile dog produces is one a year; the average number of puppies is four to six.
• Owned cats and dogs generally live longer, healthier lives than strays.
• Many strays are lost pets who were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.
• Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered, while 78 percent of pet dogs and 88 percent of pet cats are spayed or neutered.
• The cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for a year.

Facts about Animal Shelters

Here are some intersting bits that were published by ASPCA.org

Facts about U.S. Animal Shelters:
There are about 5,000 community animal shelters nationwide that are independent; there is no national organization monitoring these shelters. The terms “humane society” and “SPCA” are generic; shelters using those names are not part of the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. Currently, no government institution or animal organization is responsible for tabulating national statistics for the animal protection movement.

• Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.
• According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.
• Twenty-five percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred. (Source: NCPPSP)
• Only 10 percent of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered, while 78 percent of pet dogs and 88 percent of pet cats are spayed or neutered, according to the American Pet Products Association (Source: APPA).
• More than 20 percent of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter. (Source: NCPPSP)

Bill Would Allow Advocate to Speak for Animals in Court

A Connecticut legislator has proposed a bill that would allow the appointment of an advocate to act on behalf of an animal during court proceedings.

Rep. Diana Urban proposed the bill, known as HB 6310 "An Act Concerning Animal Advocates in Court Proceedings." It would permit a veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture to be appointed as an advocate for an animal whose welfare or custody is the subject of a civil or criminal court proceeding.

"HB 6310 would give the option for an advocate in court for an egregiously injured animal," said Urban, a Democrat from North Stonington. "This would enable the animal's injury to be identified as a red flag for future violent behavior. We are putting together a public/private partnership with the state Department of Agriculture and non-profit rescue groups including Connecticut Votes for Animals to be available to speak for the animals in court."
Urban was joined at a news conference Thursday by Asa Palmer, a North Stonington high school student who discovered two of the cows on his family farm shot in the face in January. One of the cows had to be euthanized.

"If this was in place today, Asa Palmer could request an advocate for his young cow, 'Angel,' who was shot in the face and left with her jaw hanging off," Urban said.
Two men have been charged with shooting Palmer's cows.
The bill, which is awaiting action in the legislature's Judiciary Committee, has the support of other lawmakers.

"Much like our children who cannot advocate on behalf of themselves, innocent animals that are abused or worse, killed, deserve that same right," said Rep. Brenda Kupchick, a Republican from Fairfield. "Violence of any type is unacceptable and we must do whatever we can to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves."
It was not clear if or when the Judiciary Committee would take action on Urban's bill

Cute Photo

Phillips Continues Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Phillips Pet Food & Supplies has donated over five truckloads of supplies to shelters, charities and retail locations following Hurricane Sandy. The donations included dog and cat food, cages, litter and pet toys. The company has been working with the retail stores, shelters and charities that were affected, and will continue to send donations.