PETsits growing with the pet care market
The latest research into the pet product and pet care market* shows an encouraging growth with a tendency for pet owners to go for more premium products and services. PETsits continues to grow their business with pet owners considering pet-sitting services a must for their much-loved animals and it is no surprise as we Brits spend almost £94million a week on pet care.Purse-sized pooches!
There was an underlying trend in types of pet ownership over the review period which affected the market, with consumers looking for pets which are easier to manage in terms of care. Smaller animals have come into vogue, for example the Bichon Frise, a non-shedding lap-dog, was the sixth most popular breed in the UK in 2008, previously not listed in the top 20. This trend led to volume sales in cat and dog food declining in 2007 as these animals eat less but spend increased as owners are more likely to by premium food products and pamper their pets.
Extending the family
Pets are increasingly chosen as new additions to families rather than children, according to industry experts. Figures from a recent Petplan survey reveal that 25 per cent of people would prefer to buy pets than have children due to the economic downturn. A staggering 60 per cent of the UK stated that they would delay having children while the credit crisis continues to deepen. The company reported that animals make good additions to families at present as they do not cost as much to look after. Further research by insurer Liverpool Victoria shows that parents spend £86,032 on their children whereas RSPCA figures put dog care at £9,600 over a pet's lifetime.
"It seems that pets of all shapes and sizes are now being considered a perfectly sensible alternative to starting a family for cash-strapped couples," said a Petplan spokesperson, "We know that many owners develop very strong emotional ties to their pets that are often treated as part of the family."
You can join the PETsits family for a total investment of £3,000 which includes training and start-up promotion. Visit www.petsits.co.uk for more information or email franchise@petsits.co.uk for a franchise pack.
*published by Euromonitor International, September 2008
