Did you know that America’s love affair with pets is stronger than ever? So if you’re thinking our country is “going to the dogs”, I would have to argue… it’s going to the “dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, fish and birds!”

We spoil and pamper them. We bring them places. We surprise them with gifts on special occasions and holidays. They listen to us during hard times. They don’t talk back. They are sometimes closer to us than our family!

Our love affair with pets has made the sales of animal products a booming industry! Not even the rocky economy can put a dent in it, which is currently brings in $31 billion in annual sales. Close runners-up are the candy industry ($24 billion), and the toys for people industry ($20.3 billion). The industry has spun-off new creations of toys, beds, furniture and treats, and clothes. Speaking of which, have you seen celebrities wearing designer clothing and accessories that match their four-legged friends outfits? If not, go rent the Legally Blond movies for a good chuckle.

According to The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), we own more pets than ever before. Currently, 62% out of every household owns a pet, compared to 56% in 1988 (when the APPMA began its monitoring program survey). More than half of pet owners buy gifts for their pets. With that said, 60% of small animals owners (bird, dog, cats, etc) by gifts, and 3 out of 10 reptile and fish owners by gifts.

What are the latest trends? More pet-friendly destinations are popping up. Companies that use to sell only “people products” (i.e.: Christian Dior, Paul Mitchell, Origins, Harley-Davidson and Old Navy). New items include edible greeting cards, feather day beds, rhinestone tiaras, breath fresheners, bacon flavored popcorn, silky shampoos, detangler sprays, botanical fragrances, cashmere sweaters, leather leads and spike collars. The list goes on and on.

New innovations have made it so much easier to own, take care, and travel with pets. For the home, there are self-cleaning litter box trays and cages. Programmable feeders are available, as well as battery operated toys. For road trips, there motion sickness aids, and box lunches (complete with plastic bowl lid that doubles as a Frisbee).

Are pets getting the best of us? In addition to loving us unconditionally, our devoted pets also lower our blood pressure, reduce stress, and help us livelonger. It’s proven that talking and petting an animal lowers blood pressure and stress. Watching an Aquarian is a guaranteed stress-buster. Pet owners make fewer visits to the doctor. Pets also increase the survival rate of people with heart problems (such as a barking dog calling or running for help).

If you do not have a family pet, there is one out there waiting to meet you! Please consider adopting a pet from your local Human Society or animal rescue shelter. You may be saving an animals life, and will be greatly improving your own. Tips on pet adoption information (i.e.: what to considering before adopting, choosing the right pet, brining your new pet home) can be found on the Human Society’s site: http://www.hsus.org/ace/11826

So, the next time you go walk Max (or he walks you!) on a freezing morning – or Buddy lies down on your favorite newspaper to get cozy – or you need to clean Fluffy’s smelly cage; take in a moment to give them some extra pats of attention to say thanks for all the benefits they give you every day.

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