The humanisation of pets has been a growing trend and there is no sign that this is abating. It continues to influence all aspects of the pet food and petcare market from packaging developments to new services and accessories. Looking to the human world provides major indications as to where the next developments in the petcare market might be.

Pets allow their owners to indulge themselves in a way they might not do for themselves or their children. This means that the market for treats, gifts and pet services, such as therapy and grooming, continues to widen. The market for accessories and healthcare products is therefore very buoyant.

Main report themes:

• If it is happening in the grocery market, it is happening in pet food. Thus, there is growing interest in food trends, premium options and packaging with improved convenience.
• Pet health is again mirroring human issues - with obese and ageing pets - and a greater emphasis is being placed on the link between pet weight and health. This has opened the door for the development of related products and services.
• Influence of changing lifestyles and the presence of children on pet ownership and whether the growth in services such as dog walking is making pet ownership become more feasible for those with busy lifestyles.
• Role of the specialist pet store in the face of growing competition from the non-specialist sector, particularly supermarkets, and opportunities offered to specialists by the internet.
• How the economic downturn will change the dynamics of the pet market, which has been all about indulgence and treating.

Related Reports:
Snapshots Hungary Pet Food 2009
Snapshots Mexico Pet Food 2009
Snapshots Peru Pet Food 2009
Natural, Organic and Eco-Friendly Pet Products in the U.S., 3rd Edition
Other Pet Care in Argentina to 2013
Other Pet Care in Australia to 2013
Other Pet Care in Austria to 2013
Other Pet Care in Belgium to 2013
Other Pet Care in Brazil to 2013
Other Pet Care in Chile to 2013