Expand Your Mind: Entrepreneurs Go to the Dogs
by Miki Saxon
No, I don’t own a dog and nor am I particularly fond of them. I don’t dislike dogs, but, categorically, I’m a cat person. And, although I’m sure that people are just as stupid about cats and other animals, it’s been the dog business that’s getting lots of ink.
“62 percent of the 165 million dogs and cats in this country sleep in bed with humans,” not to mention other animals, and that estimate is considered low.
Many dogs are adopting the same entitled arrogance as their owners who go along with it, often out or insecurity.
- There are approximately 77.5 million owned dogs in the United States (and 93.6 million owned cats)
- Thirty-nine percent of U.S. households own at least one dog
- Most owners (67 percent) own one dog
- Twenty-four percent of owners own two dogs
- Nine percent of owners own three
According to Packaged Facts, Americans spent a record $55 billion on their pets last year (around $430 million was routine veterinary care). Advanced medical procedures and treatments probably ate up a few hundred million more, but that still leaves a giant, emotionally-driven, indulgence-oriented market that entrepreneurs have jumped on. Here is some of what’s bringing in the bucks.
I’m not sure if dog spas and massage fall under indulgence or medical, but they are gaining adherents across the country.
Entrepreneurs often invent something that solves their own problem, as was the case of Amber Pye who tired of her dogs chewing through their leashes, so she invented one that was impervious—and not made of metal.
From the relatively practical, we now move to the “you’re really stretching it here” products.
Anastasia Torres-Gil buys second-hand Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Chanel and Burberry that she finds in thrift stores and remakes into designer pet couture. What saves her business from being totally indulgent is the 25% of sales she donates to the Santa Cruz SPCA building fund.
Next is the you’ve-got-to-be-kidding category.
Remember those stories that horrified people about seniors eating dog food because they couldn’t afford anything else? It must have been Friskies or Alpo, because they certainly couldn’t afford today’s canine cuisine.
Lastly, as with humans, we look at a few of the over-the-top, more-money-than-brains selections.
From France (Why am I not surprised?) comes the most outrageous items* you’ll find for your pooch from a $14,000 for a gold-plated dog bowl to about $21,000 for the Haussmannian master apartment (dog) house; if the doghouse is too much, the little couches are only $17,000.
(The story appeared on MSNBC on July 11, but is no longer there. I found it at the link posted above, but that site may be down, it was earlier. If you are curious email me (miki@rampupsolutions.com) and I will send the article to you.)
Flickr image credit: MykReeve on flickr
