Pet Services & Supplies

The pet services and supplies industry includes companies concerned with offering pet care services and retailing pet supplies to the general consumer and pet owner. Typical pet care services may include grooming, training, pet sitting, or boarding. Businesses that offer pet care services are comprised of obedience schools, pet hotels, animal shelters, pet day care services, or pet grooming services.

Pet supplies can typically be bought at pet stores where pets are sold, and general merchandise stores general have a section for pet supplies as well.

The pet supply market has different segments, including aquarium products, general supplies, and pet food. General pet supplies encompass products such as collars and leashes, cages, habitats and habitat materials, pet toys, and vitamins and supplements. Pet food general consists of dog and cat food, but also includes food for smaller animals, like hamsters or gerbils. The pet service market also includes preventive health products for pets, such as dietary supplements and parasiticides. Pets are increasing viewed as members of families, and as such this industry has remained fairly stable.

Demand in the pet services and supplies industry is driven by pet ownership. Competition in this industry exists amongst warehouse clubs, internet retailers, grocery stores, mass merchandisers, and sometimes veterinary practices. The revenue generated by independent pet supply and service stores is markedly less than the predominant chain stores. As such, individual companies strive to utilize efficient advertising strategies and produce consumer traffic within their locations. Small companies concentrate on serving a specific local, stocking exclusive goods, and providing individualized pet services and expertise. Large companies are able to offer lower prices due to their economies of scale in manufacturing, merchandising, and distribution, stocking a broad assortment of products, and offering services.