Within recent years, pets have managed to climb the ranks to secure coveted spots atop family pedestals. These domestic companions—from the familiar dogs and cats to more exotic parrots, sugar gliders, and iguanas—have captured their owners’ hearts and nudged them to open up their wallets.
The pet industry continues to grow worldwide. In 2016, $66.75 billion was spent in the U.S. alone. Another country smitten with pets is Japan, which prefers kitties over pooches. The country even boasts cat cafes, which invite those without their own feline friends to come spend some time cuddling with kitty. Japan’s cat craze likely emerges from folklore, which is rooted in the belief that cats symbolize good luck.
Pet markets are also on the rise in China—a country with a low birth rate. Those with higher disposable incomes pamper their pets. The trend is driven by “humanization,” which refers to the fact that more people consider their pets members of the family, rather than as livestock.
In cities from Manhattan to London, proud pet parents send their pooches off to doggie day care. When birthday time rolls around, they celebrate with posh parties at destinations such as Zoom Room—a training center franchise. When pets get pooped, they can unwind and indulge in some pampering at one of the many spa/salons that cater exclusively to critters. Services include spa baths, grooming, and oral care.
Beyond cuddling and companionship, pets also deliver health benefits, such as decreasing blood pressure and diminishing feelings of loneliness. They also boost their owner’s activity levels and socialization time. Many singles seek others who are passionate about pets, giving rise to dating sites such as PetPeopleMeet.com.
Pet owners also sniff out chic apparel for their animals, such as luxe cashmere sweaters and colorful collars from top fashion labels like Tory Burch and Saint Laurent. They’re also snapping up eco-friendly beds and blankets, specialty bows, organic foods, shampoos, and oral care products.
In classic literature, animals did not have it quite so easy. Buck, the star of Jack London’s novel The Call of the Wild, endured harsh conditions. Old Dan and Little Ann—the dogs in Where the Red Fern Grows—and Old Yeller of the same movie title also lost their great struggle. In E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, a piglet named Wilbur’s life is spared thanks to the efforts of Charlotte—a spider who spins messages of praise for Wilbur before she passes away.
By Regina Molaro