It’s no secret that pet care services have been a boon to the pet industry—or that health concerns and the humanization of pet food have boosted retailers’ bottom lines. Now two updated studies from Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com (New York), show how these trends continue to drive sales in the pet industry.

“Pet Care Services in the U.S., 3rd Edition: Riding the Multiservice, Premium/Luxury and Corporate Waves” builds on previous studies by exploring all major categories of the pet care services industry—as well as important emerging categories.

Prospects are strong across the market, according to the study, and are driven by technological and pharmaceutical advances in veterinary medicine, the ongoing penetration of big box retailers and the expanding range of pet care services. The category also is helped by pet owners who want preventive and therapeutic remedies and time-saving solutions and convenience. Other factors include the aging pet population and the strengthening human-animal bond.

The updated report features chapters on veterinary care, boarding and day care, grooming, training, and pet-sitting and -walking, with a focus on growing areas such as mobile grooming, pet waste management and other at-home services. It also examines promising areas like pet travel and pet bereavement services.

“Pet Food in the U.S.: Health, Humanization and High Quality Ingredients in an Increasingly Value-Driven Global Market, 8th Edition” looks at how the 2007 pet food recall has changed the industry, and how pet owners want the safest and healthiest products possible—despite the often added expense. 

The report cites the popularity of new kibble, canned, raw and frozen foods made with ingredients that are natural, organic, grain-free or non-allergenic. Foods made domestically or with “whole” or human-grade ingredients are also gaining strength, according to the analysis.

Functional foods that target age- and weight-related conditions using novel ingredients like glucosamine, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and probiotics are also fueling the premium pet food wave.

New features of the 2009 edition include focus sections on the global pet food market, recall-related product safety initiatives, cross-channel private-label activity and prospects, levels of in-store merchandising and price promotions and how pet food purchasers use coupons. The report also provides market size estimates for the overall retail landscape.

“Pet Care Services in the U.S., 3rd Edition: Riding the Multiservice, Premium/Luxury and Corporate Waves” costs $3,500 and “Pet Food in the U.S.: Health, Humanization and High Quality Ingredients in an Increasingly Value-Driven Global Market, 8th Edition” costs $4,750. Both are available for purchase at www.marketresearch.com. [December 2009 PET AGE]