by Nancy Hassel, American Pet Professionals
The pet industry in the USA is $107 Billion dollars more annually than when I started back in 2008.
If you were at Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL, a few weeks ago, then you may have heard the report for the pet industry here in the US – in 2023 we grew to $147 Billion dollars annually. Poof, mind blown – I mean at this point not really, but that is a staggering annual number for any industry – and this industry has proven year-over-year how it is not slowing down.
When I started full-time in the pet industry back in 2008 we were at about $40 billion a year, which was mind-boggling at the time. To give that number context the candy/confectionary industry in the USA, reached $49 billion annually, just last year in 2023. We were approaching that number by 2010, 14 years ago now. I started part-time in this industry in 2002 and was reading all the trade magazines, researching the industry in the mid to late nineties. Enamored by the industry, not just the dollar signs, but how much it was growing, and how quickly – due to our love of working with pets, and pet people.
I remember going to networking and business events outside of the pet industry in 2007 and 2008 and when I would meet other business owners, (non-pet), and they would ask what I do, I would tell them PR and then always mention what I did in the pet industry at the time and pet professionals – and I was given blank stares or looked at like I had 2 heads.
What do you mean, “Pet Professionals?” was the usual response.
I would ask, “Do you have a pet?” “Yes, I have a dog/cat…” , I would then say, “Do you bring your dog to the veterinarian? Groomer? Did you take dog training classes, do you buy pet products?” And the response was always, a perplexed look and, “Um, yes?” “Those are all pet professionals,” I would say.
Then I would go on to say the pet industry is a $40 Billion dollar a year industry – and heads would whip around, eyes would widen, “Wait, you said Million right…?” “No Billion with a B.” Inevitably the banker, accountant, lawyer, and eager entrepreneur would suddenly be asking for my card, handing me theirs, how do we get involved? I want to learn more? Please let’s connect.
Sometimes I would have to impress that the industry was bigger than the sporting goods industry, candy industry and whatever other industry we were far surpassed, for them to realize that the pet industry is an unstoppable force. Remember this was back in 2007/8, when most businesses in the mainstream were NOT paying attention to our industry at all. When the mainstream media surely was not interested in writing an article about the pet industry the way they do today and have done in the past 5+ years.
Fast forward 22 years since I started, really 28 years since I was intrigued by the industry and started researching owning a pet doggie daycare or pet retail store, reading the trades, and really paying attention. Big businesses outside of the industry were not invested, were not paying attention, and were not welcoming dogs into their hotels, facilities, etc.
Today, it’s a much different story as most of us industry veterans now know. And it is a good thing. The growth and stability of our industry have often been referred to as ‘recession-proof’ over the past 15+ years. We saw during the pandemic the rise of pets being adopted, new services being born in the pet space, new products being brought to life by that new pet parent, and new ways to cater to pet parents. While all of this growth is incredible, and the opportunities are endless, if you are new to the industry you can start a successful pet business, but it may not happen overnight. Business success takes time, dedication, know-how, and work.
The pet industry is an incredible industry to work in. Our common denominator is our love and passion for pets and their well-being. Think about what you saw at Global Pet Expo or any other conference in the last year that focuses on improving the quality of life for our pets. My dog Cody, sees a holistic veterinarian, gets incredible supplements daily, and has a plethora of dog toys, clothing and products to help him live his best life. And I am certainly not alone when it comes to pampering our pets – as the numbers tell us.
Is our industry purrfect, no. (You know I had to include a pet pun!) Is there room for improvement? Absolutely – but I do believe we have incredible humans who are making strides forward every day to improve the industry, fill in the gaps, and continue to strive for the best for our pets.
One of the heartbreaking downsides is that in 2023 and into this year, the number of pets that have been relinquished to shelters, and seeing how full our shelters are across the country. Hearing how pet parents are struggling to pay for their pet’s expenses is alarming as the costs for their pets have increased across the board, (food, supplies, veterinary care, etc.), which has made it difficult for a lot of pet parents.
So what can we do as an industry to help? I would encourage you as a pet professional, if you are not already doing this, to partner with your local low-cost vet clinic, food pantries, and local animal shelters and figure out a way to get the word out about what they offer pet parents to keep pets in homes. Perhaps there is a larger corporate pet product company in your community that can help.
Maybe you can offer a free educational pet parent class – partner with others in your area to help make a difference. I did this back in 2008 for 5 years and taught over 2,500 dog parents with our responsible dog ownership classes so that they would have the tools they need to keep their dogs. I partnered with incredible dog trainers and veterinarians to bring much-needed information to our communities to help have more educated dog parents and keep dogs from being dumped at shelters due to financial restraints or just not knowing dog behavior. Recently I hosted webinars for pet professionals to learn how to host these classes in their communities. If you want to learn more about how to do this, please reach out info@Americanpetprofessionals.com and we will send you information on how you can take the webinar.
I know so many people work 24/7 tirelessly to help pet parents keep pets in their homes, help with adoptions, and work full-time in shelters or animal rescues. I see you and I applaud and thank you for your efforts.
While this industry grows and we get to see all the incredible strides made by individuals and companies and see pets getting better pet care, there is always room for improvement and ways we can work together. What have you done to help this industry grow and give back at the same time? Inquiring minds would love to know to be inspired!