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A expanding admiration for pets has Americans getting increasingly inventive pet products, from self-washing, toilet bowl-shaped cat litter boxes and dog strollers to tennis ball-launching doggie golf-club drivers, treat launchers and high-tech clippers. These hot new items and hundreds of other individuals had been unveiled at International Pet Expo, the pet industry's biggest annual trade display in the planet. Figures from the American Pet Merchandise Manufacturers Association (APPMA) display investing on pets is at an all-time higher-an estimated $38.4 billion this year.

So just where are these billions going?

• $15.2 billion for food

• $9.3 billion for supplies and over-the-counter medicines

• $9.four billion for veterinarian care

• $1.8 billion for reside animal purchases

• $two.7 billion for other services.

And it really is not just the fundamentals. APPMA's National Pet Owners Survey shows 27 percent of dog owners and 13 percent of cat owners buy their pets birthday presents, and 55 percent of dog owners and 37 percent of cat owners acquire their pets vacation presents.

All this spending and pampering has prompted ingenuity ranging from low-maintenance aquariums, matching sunglasses for dogs and their owners and spa treatment options for your pet, to laser cat toys and adjustable heating and massaging dog beds.

Industry authorities point to a continued trend in the humanization of pet merchandise. "Each baby boomers and young experts who are delaying having households in favor of careers are turning to pets to fill the void at house," stated APPMA President Bob Vetere. "With these families' greater-than-common disposable incomes, their pets are enjoying elaborate higher-end and higher-tech products as nicely as progressive devices created for convenience for the pet owner."

Pet owners report in APPMA's National Pet Owners Survey that they have a special bond with their pets and consider them a greatest friend, a companion or like a youngster or member of their family.

Vetere likens it to his expertise with his golden Lab, Dakota. "I can sit and speak to him and inform him any dilemma I have and he just sits there with his tongue hanging out, smiling at me, just waiting for me to finish. It really is like, 'OK, you feel far better now? Let's go outside and play.'

"We've come a lengthy way in terms of how we view and treat our pets," concluded Vetere. "Fortunately, for pets and folks, there is nonetheless a lot of opportunity for healthful development." http://linkedin.com/in/simonarichards