All American Pet Co. Inc. (Beverly Hills, Calif.) partnered with Dog.com, iBeatYou.com and PromotingGroup.com to present a Cutest Dog Competition. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 25. Learn more at www.cutestdogcompetition.com. [October 2009 PET AGE]

All Bird Supply Inc. (Miami) changed its name to All Pet Supply USA to reflect its expansion into dog products, including crates, carriers, treats and toys. For a free catalog, call 866-702-5992 or e-mail sales@allpetsupplyusa.com. [October 2009 PET AGE]

AMCOL International Corp. (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) reported net sales of $171.2 million from the 2009 second quarter, down 26.8 percent from $233.8 million for the year-earlier period. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The American Kennel Club (New York) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (Manasquan, N.J.) launched www.meetthebreeds.com, a comprehensive Web site for dog and cat information. The site is inspired by their Meet the Breeds event, set for Oct. 17-18 in New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. [October 2009 PET AGE]

American Pet Diner Inc. (Eureka, Nev.) hired Bethany Cutler as business development director and consultant for national and international account divisions. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The American Pet Products Association (Greenwich, Conn.) awarded $1,000 scholarships to five third-grade classrooms in the National Children’s Pet Poetry contest. The contest was part of APPA’s Pets Add Life public awareness campaign. was one of five winning poems. Read the winning poems and all submissions at www.petsaddlife.org. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Brakke Consulting (Dallas) redesigned www.brakkeconsulting.com to make it easier for animal health and nutrition executives to find industry news and events. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Central Garden & Pet (Walnut Creek, Calif.) reported net sales of $482 million for the 2009 third quarter, down 2 percent from $493 million in the year-earlier period; and net income of $31.1 million, up 99 percent from $15.6 million in the year-earlier period. Net sales for the pet products segment were $215 million in the quarter, down 10 percent from the year-earlier period. Sales of branded pet products were $176 million, down 13 percent from the previous year. Sales of other manufacturers’ products were $39 million, down 3 percent from previous year. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Chow Hound Pet Supply, a regional chain based in Grand Rapids, Mich., opened its sixth store in August, setting up shop in Standale, Mich. Greg and Tyson Keane opened Chow Hound in Grand Rapids in 1989. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Barney’s Pets, a companion animal distributor based in Chino, Calif., completed its rebranding project, which includes a Web site redesign, a suite of corporate logos and the new tagline, “Distributor of Exceptional Companion Animals.” [October 2009 PET AGE]

Big Bark Bakery (Dallas) has been approved as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Council Southwest, the nation’s leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Bluedogg Innovation Marketing & Media (Austin, Texas) launched HauteDog Magazine, a local-market lifestyle magazine for dog owners. The publication will be distributed in veterinary offices, specialty retail locations and shelters.  [October 2009 PET AGE]

Cardinal Laboratories installed solar panels to power its Azusa, Calif., factory. There, the company produces Crazy Pet, Pet Botanics, Gold Medal Pets, Trainer’s Choice and Ooh-La-La Dog Spa! products. [October 2009 PET AGE]

CONNECTICUT—Pet Lemon Law. Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed Senate Bill 499, expanding protections for consumers who buy a dog or cat that is sick or that dies shortly after its purchase from a licensed pet shop. The new law also requires that licensed pet shops that sell dogs have certificates of origin for the dogs. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Dogswell (Los Angeles) hired Steve Sandler as executive vice president of sales. He previously has worked for PepsiCo., Gallo Winery, Hasbro Toys, RoseArt and Playmates Toys. [October 2009 PET AGE]

DogTime Media (San Francisco) launched an online pet insurance center that includes an interactive comparison grid so users can see various plans side-by-side. For information, visit http://dogtime.com/pet-insurance/center. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The Dublin Dog Foundation, the non-profit branch of Dublin Dog Co. Inc. (Charlotte, N.C.), raised more than $20,000 through the 2009 Let Freedom Bark Ride to help a Winston-Salem, N.C., resident with cerebral palsy. Funds raised will cover training, food and medical bills for Butterball, the service dog presented to Terry Montgomery. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Licensed U.S. veterinarians may list their practices for free on a new searchable directory launched in August by FidoDogTreats.com (Jackson, Mich.). Listings include the practice’s name, contact information and Web link. Users can create accounts and post reviews and ratings. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Mike Hennessy and Tim Hennessy were inducted into the Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association’s Hall of Fame in July during the annual meeting of the Winter Haven, Fla.-based group. Mike Hennessy has worked with EkkWill Waterlife Resources in Ruskin, Fla., since 1981, and has served many years as treasurer of the FTFFA. Tim Hennessy is co-founder of the Florida Aquaculture Association and served 18 years on the board of directors, 13 of those as president. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Gibson, spokesdog for K9Grass by ForeverLawn Inc. (Albuquerque, N.M.) and the world’s tallest dog according to the Guinness Book of Records, died Aug. 7 near Sacramento, Calif. The 7-year-old dog had been battling cancer. Learn more at www.remembergibson.com. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Glo-Marr Products Inc. (Lawrenceburg, Ky.) hired Romac Export Management Co. (Los Angeles) as its exclusive worldwide export manager. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Grandma Lucy’s (Irvine, Calif.) moved its pet food manufacturing operation to a 15,577-square-foot building to increase production and freeze-drying capabilities. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The Greenies Co., a division of Nutro Products Inc. (Franklin, Tenn.), launched an online newsroom for pet journalists called Greenies Writers’ Pad at www.writerspad.greenies.com. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The Walkin’ Wheels dog wheelchair by HandicappedPets.com (Amherst, N.H.) was awarded a patent for its design and is the pet industry’s first fully adjustable dog wheelchair. The patent process took five years, according to Mark C. Robinson, the company’s founder and president. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Happytails Canine Spa Line (Los Angeles) signed Frisky Pets Distribution to cover its independent retail market in New Zealand. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Hikari Sales USA Inc. (Hayward, Calif.) hired Kirby Kim as a retail specialist. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Sales for Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. (Topeka, Kan.) were down 3 percent in the 2009 second quarter versus the year-earlier period, reported Colgate-Palmolive Co. Unit volume declined 11.5 percent. Organic sales were up 1 percent in the quarter from the year-earlier period. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The Honest Kitchen (San Diego) hired Steve Barber as a national sales manager. He previously worked for Dogswell (Los Angeles). [October 2009 PET AGE]

A handful of pet stores have signed agreements with the Humane Society of the United States (Washington) to support animal adoptions rather than puppy sales. HSUS is asking stores to implement similar policies and sign a “Puppy-Friendly Pledge.” [October 2009 PET AGE]

The International Cat Association (Harlingen, Texas) named Royal Canin USA (St. Charles, Mo.) its official sponsor to help educate communities on cat nutrition and welfare. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Interzoo, the world’s biggest pet supplies exhibition, will be held May 13-16, 2010, in Nuremberg, Germany. Organizers say registration has already outpaced that of the comparable timeframe for the last show. For information, visit www.interzoo.com. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Kennelwood Pet Resorts (St. Louis) and Invisible Fence of St. Louis donated specially designed pet oxygen masks to 13 area fire stations. The donated masks, in various sizes, will help rescue personnel save more pets from smoke inhalation. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Lixit Corp. (Napa, Calif.) hired Howard Pickens as its national sales manager. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Dianne DeDominicis of Markheim Tropical Fish and Pet (Amherst, N.Y.) won the G-Force End Cap Sweepstakes sponsored by Kaytee, Super Pet and Central Pet Distribution. [October 2009 PET AGE]

MICHIGAN—Pet Shop Inspections. The Michigan Department of Agriculture in August dropped its pet shop inspection program, citing state financial constraints. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Multipet International Inc. (Moonachie, N.J.) won the 2009 Best of Moonachie Award in the pet supplies category from the U.S. Commerce Association (Washington) through its “Best of Local Business” award program. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Multipet International (Moonachie, N.J.) redesigned its Web site, www.multipet.com, adding a directory where owners can upload images of their pets and enter contests. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (Mount Laurel, N.J.) will hold its Annual Conference and Small Business Forum Jan. 22-24, 2010, at the Regal Sun Resort in Orlando, Fla. Featured speakers include animal behavior consultant Arden Moore; William Berloni, animal behavior expert and president of William Berloni Theatrical Animals; marketing coach Vicki Lynne Morgan; and sales coach Dan Norman. Educational sessions will cover dog and cat behavior, pet loss and grief, liability and bonding insurance, emergency preparedness, and self defense and security. For information, call 856-439-0324 or go to www.petsitters.org. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Natura Pet Products (Fremont, Neb.) hired Doug Nelson as its West Central/Alaska territory manager. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Natura Pet Products (Fremont, Neb.) now uses 98 percent recyclable packaging for its Karma organic dog food, which the company calls “the first sustainable container produced for a major pet food company.” The bags, with the exception of the seal, are repulpable, biodegradable and made using compostable and biodegradable technology. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Nature’s Variety (Lincoln, Neb.) launched a consumer information Web site at www.naturesvariety.com that features an interactive feeding guide, learning center, testimonials and a veterinarian locator. [October 2009 PET AGE]

NEVADA—Sterilization Requirements. Retailers and dealers must provide dog or cat purchasers with information about any sterilization requirements mandated by local ordinance. Assembly Bill 15 became law without the governor’s signature.

Next Day Pets L.L.C. (Edgewater, Md.), working with e-commerce provider iCongo, developed the online storefront manager NextDayPets.com. Benefits include cross-selling abilities between the online community and store. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Chef Michael’s, the first new dog food brand in mass distribution from Nestlé Purina PetCare (St. Louis) since 2001, rolled out in August. The “Sunday Supper”-themed meals will be available at mass retail stores as well as independents. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Nestlé Purina PetCare Co. (St. Louis) and Kroger Co. (Cincinnati) teamed up to launch the second annual “Tales for the Pet Lover’s Heart” campaign, encouraging pet owners to share stories of the unique pet-owner bond. The companies will make a donation to animal welfare organizations for each story shared. For information, visit www.talesforthepetloversheart.com. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Nylabone (Neptune City, N.J.), a subsidiary of Central Garden & Pet (Walnut Creek, Calif.), made a donation to the Humane Society of Missouri to help 400 pit bulls rescued following the nation’s largest dog-fighting raid. [October 2009 PET AGE]

OREGON—Aquatic Invasive Species. Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed House Bill 2714, creating the Shipping Transport of Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force. The task force will study and make recommendations on ways to combat the introduction of aquatic non-native species associated with shipping-related transport into Oregon waters.

OurPet’s Co. (Fairport Harbor, Ohio) reported net revenues of $3.6 million for the 2009 second quarter, up 19.6 percent from $3.02 million for the year-earlier period. [October 2009 PET AGE]

OurPet’s Co. (Fairport Harbor, Ohio) hired Bryan Petel as a sales representative. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Out-U-Go! (Chicago), a franchised pet sitting and walking service, recently opened its fifth location, this one in Naperville, Ill.. Founded 13 years ago, the company plans to open five more locations in the Chicago area in the next 12 months before expanding throughout the Midwest. For information, call 877-268-8846 or visit www.outugo.com.

Iams, part of P&G Pet Care (Dayton, Ohio), is the presenting sponsor for the National Summit for Urban Animal Strategies, Oct. 14-16 in Lake Louise, Alberta. The event is organized by PetLynx Corp. (Calgary, Alberta). The summit will focus on “Urban Cats–Our Biggest Opportunity.”

P&G Petcare (Dayton, Ohio) will shut down its Iams-Eukanuba pet food headquarters in Vandalia, Ohio, in late October, according to published reports. The closure falls in line with the company’s decision to move its North American Pet Care operations to Mason, Ohio. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Pepper & Tanky Eau de Parfum for Dogs (Beverly Hills, Calif.) is now the exclusive fragrance used by Artist Knox, star of the Animal Planet reality show “Beverly Hills Groomer.”

The Pet Care Services Association (Colorado Springs, Colo.) named Joan Saunders chief executive officer. Previously, she was chief operating officer and chief financial officer for the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce. She also serves on the boards of the Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center and the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.

The Pet Care Services Association (Colorado Springs, Colo.) will hold its Fall Convention and Expo Oct. 13-15 at the Hilton Orlando in Orlando, Fla. Featured speakers include Victoria Stilwell, author and host of “It's Me or the Dog,” the hit series on Animal Planet; consultant Eric Beck, who has worked with clients from the Fortune 100 to entrepreneurs, Robin Bennett, co-owner of the largest dog training company in Virginia and author of All About Dog Daycare: A Blueprint for Success; Susan Briggs, co-owner of Urban Tails L.L.C., a dog daycare and full-service pet facility in Houston; Susan Overfield, a dog behavior expert dubbed Montana's dog doctor; attorney Lee Phillips, a nationally recognized in the fields of business structure, asset protection, financial planning and estate planning; and Dr. Paul Wade, founder of The Cat Hospital and The Cats Inn in Manchester, Maine. For information, call Robert Dally at 877-570-7788, ext. 17, or go to www.petcareservices.org. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The Pet Industry Distributors Association (Bel Air, Md.) took over management of The Pet Care Trust in July. Steve King, PIDA’s president, is the foundation’s executive director. Marci Hickey, PIDA’s director of meetings and member services, is the foundation’s administrative assistant. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Petco (San Diego) stopped selling fish antibiotics in August, according to an employee blog, but still sells remedies like Coppersafe, Ich Attack, Melafix, Pimafix, Rid-Fungus and Maracyn-Oxy. [October 2009 PET AGE]

PetSmart Charities (Phoenix) sent its Emergency Relief Waggin’ vehicle, stocked with $60,000 in animal supplies, to an animal rescue in Montague, Texas, where more than 450 dogs and puppies were rescued from an alleged puppy mill. [October 2009 PET AGE]

PetWellbeing.com (Vancouver, British Columbia), a Web site offering all-natural pet supplies and holistic supplements, is celebrating its fourth anniversary. [October 2009 PET AGE]

PetzLife Products Inc. (Spring Park, Minn.) signed American Distribution (Cottage Grove, Minn.) as a distributor. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The GreenDog Naturals line by Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems (Santa Cruz, Calif.) is the first certified organic supplement line to be sold at Petco (San Diego). GreenDog Healthy Motion and Omega Glo-Coat 3-6-9 are available at 430 of Petco’s 950 stores.

Social Media Ventures Inc. (Jericho, N.Y.) launched a networking site for pet owners, www.petplaces.com

Spectrum Brands Inc. (Atlanta) reported net sales in its global pet supplies segment of $144.6 million for the 2009 third quarter, down 2.7 percent from $148.6 million in the year-earlier period. Companion animal sales grew 7.4 percent for the quarter, while aquatics sales were down 7.5 percent.
Spectrum, the parent of United Pet Group and UPG Aquatics, voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 reorganization protection in February. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division, confirmed but then stayed a reorganization plan in July, pending appeal. Spectrum was expected to exit Chapter 11 protection in August. [October 2009 PET AGE]

The air collar from Spiffy Dog Pet Products L.L.C. (Steamboat Springs, Colo.) is now available in the United Kingdom through iCheeta. [October 2009 PET AGE]

SuperGroom 2009 will be held Oct. 8-11 in Mesa, Ariz. Produced by Barkleigh Productions Inc. (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) , the show will feature grooming competitions sanctioned by the International Judges Association and GroomTeam USA, seminars and a trade show with 50 booths. Speakers include Jay Scruggs, Christina Pawlosky, Marea Tully, Judy Breton and Gary Hartwig. In addition, clicker training innovator Gary Wilkes will host an animal behavior conference for groomers and a two-day clicker workshop for professional trainers. On Sunday, Ryan’s Pet Supplies (Phoenix) will host an open house at its distribution facility. For information, call 717-691-3388 or visit www.barkleigh.com.

Sustainable Aquatics (Jefferson City, Tenn.) signed exclusive marketing agreements with EkkWill Waterlife Resources (Ruskin, Fla.), Segrest Farms (Gibsonton, Fla.), and Sun Pet Ltd. (Atlanta) to distribute its tank-raised and tank-bred aquatic livestock.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Silver Spring, Md.) in July filed a permanent injunction prohibiting Teva Animal Health Inc. (St. Joseph, Mo.), its president and two principals from its parent company from manufacturing and distributing adulterated veterinary drugs. Significant violations of good manufacturing practices were found during inspections in 2007 and 2009, according to the FDA. The injunction prevents the company from manufacturing and distributing veterinary drugs until it achieves good practice compliance. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Texas Farm Products Co. (Nacogdoches, Texas), which makes Precise Pet Products, received an “excellent” rating from the American Institute of Baking (Manhattan, Kan.), for its pet food manufacturing plant.
Precise Pet also added five regional sales managers: Pete Pennell, Western regional sales director; Kendall “Elvis” Headley, Southeast regional sales manager; Mike Jones, Southern regional sales manager; Dennis Perrin, Midwest regional sales manager; and Lynda Roth, Northeast regional sales manager. [October 2009 PET AGE]

Curaflex by Travco Products Inc. (Forest Hill, Md.) passed a ConsumerLab.com test to determine whether joint health supplements included the ingredients they claimed to, like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. [October 2009 PET AGE]

TrueBlue Pet Products (Los Angeles) signed PPI Pet Products Inc. (Lakeville, Mass.) as its distributor for New England.

Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions (Granger, Ind.) will hold an encore presentation of Dina Perry’s mobile grooming business seminar this fall. To receive notification via the company’s e-mail list, sign up at www.wagntails.com. Among the attendees at Perry’s Aug. 1 seminar: Huber Pineda, named Groomer of the Year on the second season of Animal Planet’s “Groomer Has It” series. He recently received his grand prize Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions Endurance Sprinter grooming van.

WASHINGTON—Pet Business Regulation. King County, including the city of Seattle, is considering proposals to update regulations and permit requirements for pet shops, commercial kennels, pet daycare, grooming businesses, pet aquatic facilities and animal shelters. Proposals seek to raise existing permit fees and require groomers and aquatic facilities to obtain public health permits. [October 2009 PET AGE]

UNITED STATES—Tax Deductions. Pet owners could enjoy up to $3,500 in tax deductions for care-related pet expenses, including veterinary care, under a recently introduced bill. H.R. 3501, the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act covers “legally owned, domesticated, live animals” and does not include animals used for research or owned or used in trade or business. The bill, drafted in conjunction with data from the American Pet Products Association’s National Pet Owners Survey, has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. View it at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3501.IH:.