Building on expert analysis presented in previous editions and other reports in Packaged Facts’ extensive pet market research collection, this comprehensive and data-rich market report explores every major category of the U.S. pet care services industry as well as important emerging ones. Marketwide the prospects remain strong, driven by technological and pharmaceutical advances in veterinary medicine, the ongoing penetration of PetSmart and Petco, the ever-widening range of pet care services, intense pet owner interest in preventive and therapeutic pet wellness, the all-important consumer benefit of time-saving convenience, the aging pet and human populations, and, of course, the all-important human/animal bond.

Following an in-depth discussion of market size, growth, composition, drivers and competitive dynamics, the report features expanded chapters devoted to veterinary, boarding/daycare, grooming, training and pet sitting/walking, focusing on such growth areas as mobile grooming, pet waste management and other at-home services as well as other promising areas including pet travel and funerary/bereavement services. Important market factors examined at length include the current and projected impact of the recession; industry ‘corporatization’ via the ramped-up involvement of major companies and home-grown franchises with natural aspirations; service trends in the independent pet specialty channel; the cross-channel multiservice facility trend; trends in premium/luxury areas including pet hotels, daycare and spa-style grooming; and high-growth areas in the veterinary channel including pain management, senior care, cancer care and hospice care.

Report Methodology

Featuring extensive profiling of the pet care services consumer based on a 2009 pet owner poll conducted by Packaged Facts, the report also profiles dog and cat owners more broadly, using data from Experian Simmons’ Winter 2008/2009 National Consumer Study. Additional key data sources include the Pet Care Services Association’s 2009 Pet Industry Survey, which tracks trends among boarding kennels and multiservice pet care facilities nationwide; the American Pet Products Association 2009-2010 National Pet Owners Survey; and the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2007 U.S. Pet Ownership %26 Demographics Sourcebook. Companies profiled include Best Friends Pet Care, Pet Butler, PetSmart, Petco, Banfield, VCA Antech, Inc., Pet Paradise, Camp Bow Wow, Pet Paradise, Aussie Pet Mobile, Bark Busters and Fetch! Pet Care.

Pet Care Services In The U.s. 3Rd Edition Riding The Multiservice Premium Luxury And Corporate Waves Reports is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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Is Holistic pet food and Holistic Vet care better for puppy/dog versus Allopatic medicine and cheeper food.? is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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One of the more common domesticated house pets is the cat. If you are contemplating having one for a pet, there are certain aspects that you need to be aware of before you bring one into your household, specifically basic care issues and proper nutrition. Feline companionship brings with it a variety of responsibilities but your biggest obligation to that pet is the attention and care that you give it.

One of the elements regarding the basic care of cats is the initial preparations needed before bringing the animal home. The basic items needed immediately are a litter box and litter, separate food and water bowls, a brush designed for the type of fur the cat has (i.e. long-hair or short-hair), and a carrier to bring it home in and as well as for trips to the vet. And of most importance, cat toys since they enhance the bonding process. Eventually, you may want to consider a bed or basket for them to nap and sleep in.

Once you have determined what type of cat they will be, as in strictly indoors or indoor/outdoor, then there are additional care issues to be covered. If the cat is going to be outdoors part of the time, one of the first things you should get them is a collar. It will obviously hold the cat’s identification tag and veterinary status. Make sure that the collar has an elastic section so that if they get caught on something and start panicking that they can escape from the collar without severely choking themselves.

The tag attached to the collar should provide vital information specifically, your name, address, and phone number. Modern technology has created an identification microchip that vet’s can inject into the skin of a cat’s neck. Speaking of veterinarians, that is the other most important aspect of the cat’s health and well-being. If you want them to be around for a lot of years, every penny you spend on veterinary visits will have benefits and your pet will live a happier and healthier life that way.

Finally, unless you are looking at the cat as an investment, as in breeding them for money, once they have reached the appropriate age, get them neutered or spayed. The ideal age for this is once they are six months old. Where males are concerned, it’s an out-patient type surgery, pending any complications — bring them in first thing in the morning, and pick them up towards the end of the day. Females will vary, but usually the spaying is a 24 hour turnaround.

The first rule of thumb with feline nutrition is that cats are not vegetarians — they require meat in their diets so that they have a sparkle in their eyes and a glossy coat. They require certain dietary needs and animal derived nutrients are one of the main ingredients necessary to their good health. The cat food that you feed them should come from a reputable manufacturer and be given to your cat at room temperature. One important note here is that you should establish a routine as to the place and time of day that you feed your cat.

Another aspect of feeding is that there should always be fresh dry food and water for them to take advantage of throughout the day. If you include canned food in their diets, it is recommended that they receive two or three small feedings per day, not one big one. And remember that until they are out of the kitten stage, that they are constantly eating and drinking.

Another health issue is your cat’s weight. Avoid letting them overeat. Just like with us, a cat can develop obesity and overweight issues. Arthritis, heart problems, and a shorter lifespan are issues that can result from a cat being overweight. So take care on this matter. Based on the breed, adult cats should way between 9 and 12 pounds, and the males tend to be heavier than the females. If you feel that your cat is overweight, a trip to the vet for a check-up and some questions is a good idea. Oftentimes, the weight issue is related to a hormonal problem, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Feline Health – Basic Care and Nutrition is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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People living on the wellness side of life, and health professionals will be the first to tell you that exercise plays a major role in health and fitness for people and pets.  It has so many benefits with one of the best being that helps tremendously in having a longer more productive life.  And this is true for pets as well.  Strong pet wellness practices require that pets get regular exercise and that their treatment for sore muscles and joints is one of natural pet health care.

Instead of using drugs to help your pet with sore muscles and joints consider this natural pet health care avenue to soothe, heal, and strengthen.

Here are some of the natural pet health care remedies for soothing sore muscles and delay cartilage break down.

Glucosamine Hydrochloride

An important supplement to add to your pet’s diet. It helps to rebuild the cartilage and delay further cartilage breakdown.

Dosage:  1/4 of a 500 mg tablet once daily per 10 lbs of body weight.

Methylsulfonymethane.  MSM

A supplement found in some plants such as Horsetail. It acts as an antioxidant and reduces inflammation in the joints.

Dosage:

50 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.

Keep the Joints Mobile

Joint fluid will lubricate them helping with pain.  To get joint fluid keep your pet mobile.  If your pet is reluctant to move then manually flex and carefully and gently stretch the sore joint (s) for 5 minutes.  Gradually increase daily exercise.

D-L Phenylalanine (DLPA)

An amino acid that works as a pain reliever.  Use as directed

Vitamins

Vitamins C and E may reduce some joint pain.

Dosage:

Vitamin E is dosed at 100 IU per 10 lbs of body weight.

Vitamin C is dosed at 100 mg.

Acupressure

Perform gently circular motions on the top inside of the ear.  This stimulates the back legs. Your pet will also love it, especially dog and cat. You can administer this technique several times a day.

People practicing pet wellness techniques and administering natural pet health care for illness and injuries are top doggies if you ask me.  When it comes to sore muscles and joints, these type of injuries have a high response to natural health care without the high cost of medicines and the toxins they include.  If you have a sports injury try acupressure instead of medicines and judge for yourself.  For your pet consider natural pet health care for a more vibrant, healthy, stronger and longer life.

Pet Wellness Natural Pet Health Care for Sore Muscles ampamp Joints is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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Most of us understand the foundation or basics of creating a healthy lifestyle and fostering wellness.  A healthy lifestyle includes a good diet, regular exercise and good relationships with the ones we love.  Our pets are among those we love, and they too need the same things for a healthy lifestyle.  

Our pets provide so much for us — unconditional love, companionship and laughter.  All of these things enhance our lives and help to make us happier and healthier; they deserve the same from us.  It can be easy to get caught up in our hectic lives but they depend on us to take care of them since they can’t make those choices on their own.  It is important to provide them with a healthy diet, exercise, a good environment and love to keep them feeling their best.

Choosing A Healthy Pet Food

The foundation of a healthy life is a healthy diet.  Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs than we do.  Many pets, especially cats, can have a difficult time digesting pet foods that are too high in certain grains, the grains that are common in commercial pet food because they are inexpensive.  This can cause health problems and problems with weight.  A good diet will help pets remain at a healthy weight and it will provide them with more vitality and energy.

Don’t Forget The Daily Exercise

This energy is important for a healthy activity level.  Like us they need daily exercise.  The problem is they often rely on us to help them get exercise.  They need playtime; dogs need to go for walks and cats need interactive play time if they don’t go outside.  Not enough exercise can often cause inappropriate behaviors or pet health problems.  Dogs and cats need fun toys and interaction to stimulate them and their desire to play.  Not only is it fun and healthy for them but it can be pretty entertaining for you as well.  It is also a fun way for you to bond with them and get a little exercise yourself.  

Limit Potentially Harmful Substances

Like us our pets have specific nutritional needs, however they may be more limited in their ability to handle a poor diet along with the common toxins we have in our everyday environment.  They have smaller organ systems and a shorter lifespan so it is important to provide them with the best diet to fit their physiological needs and to limit their exposure, whenever possible, to chemicals in their food as well as common toxic household chemicals.  Consider using natural cat litter and household cleaners that aren’t toxic to reduce your pet’s exposure to potentially harmful or irritating substances.

The health and well being of our pets is a result of many factors that are under our control.  By being attentive to your pet’s needs providing a healthy diet, regular exercise and plenty of love you and your pet can have a fulfilling, happy life together.

Pet Health Care 101 is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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Every pet owner knows that like any animals, cats need our attention and should not be physically harmed. Most cat breeds are very easy to take care but Persian cats require special attention. Persian cats have long and soft fur so most would think that shedding would be a problem. But unlike other long furred animals, Persian cats shed minimally. This is one reason why they are favored inside the house. Taking care of these cats will not be a hassle as long as you follow simple Persian cats care tips.

Yes, Persian cat does not shed a lot but because of its long furs, they tend to get in the way of what the cat is doing. One problem with its fur is that when your cat poops, some of it sticks to its fur making the cat look dirty and smell bad too. Another problem is that it easily gets mats on its fur which makes it annoying for both you and the cat to get rid of.

To prevent these fur problems, make sure you comb its fur and not brush it. Brushing is not as effective as combing the fur because it leaves some dead fur on the undercoat. Combing its fur daily prevents the fur to tangle with one another. You can also have its fur cut into a lion clip. Its fur will be similar to the lion’s fur. This will remove the fur around its rectum which will prevent the poop from sticking on it. These are some of the basic Persian cat care tips which should be done by the owner regularly.

Here are some Persian cat care tips:

1. Do not play with your cat using your hand especially when the game involves biting. Use toxic free toys instead of your hand to prevent biting habits and avoid unwanted injuries.

2. Keep small objects like coins, pins, eraser and matches away from the cat’s reach. When eaten, it may cause serious injuries to your cat. They might choke on it while others are simply poisonous to your cat.

3. Cats are naturally curious so they tend to lick and smell anything that will trigger their curiosity. So bear in mind to keep soaps, detergents or any hazardous chemicals in a closed storage. It is also best to keep your cat in its cage when you are cleaning the house.

4. Do not allow your cat to over eat. This will cause obesity, vomiting and other health problems. Feed your cat at a specific time. Do not allow your cat to have access to its food whenever it wishes by leaving its bowl full every time.

5. Do not let your cat wander outside your property. Your cat might get into fights, run over by a car or stolen by other people. Always accompany your cat when walking outside.

Cats have precious life that should be treasured. These Persian cat care tips are important to keep your Persian cat happy, healthy and safe from harm.

Easy Persian Cats Care Tips is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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Our pets need the best care we can give. Their lives depend on us. Here are some pet care tips you can use with your animal friends.

Since dogs are the most common house pet, let us start with them. When it comes to dog pet care you should consider comfort and amusement. Dogs love to play and they love to run. So before you even decide to buy a dog you should take into consideration the place where you and your dog can play. They are a very social animal that’s why if possible you should provide a place for them to have fun with you and your family. Dogs also like comfort, so as the owner you should provide a comfortable space for them to sleep and relax. When it comes to feeding your dog you have two options. One, is you can buy dog foods available in the market. Most dog foods already include all the daily vitamins that the dog will need. Second option is to feed him real food from your home. Dogs as we all know love to chew on chicken bones, but that shouldn’t be the only thing you give them. You can also add chicken meat, vegetables and boiled rice. You should also ask your veterinarian regarding the vitamins or supplements that your dog needs. Just like humans they also have daily requirements of calcium, and other vitamins. Lastly, for dogs and all other animals vaccination is needed. This is to prevent them to be able to protect them from disease. Better to do this while they are still young. Just like humans they can also get sick. Some of the most common sickness among dogs are the following: Vomiting and diarrhea, blood in urine and itching and scratching due to skin infection. These can all be prevented if they are properly given vaccines.

Another common house pet are fishes. Pet care for fishes is very meticulous. Before you even bring home your fish you should be able to prepare the aquarium that the fish will be living in. The water inside the aquarium should be treated. You should put water inside the tank and allow it to settle for a few days then add rocks and you can now run the filter and the air pump. Now that the aquarium is ready you can now put your fish there. Feeding them is another part of pet care. Fish food that can be purchased commercially should be approved by the vet. And you should also carefully read the back label first before you feed it to your fish. Fish shouldn’t be fed just about anything that you think you like. They have a special need that’s why it’s best to consult the vet first.

All in all pet care is a big responsibility because another life is in our hands. But you are not alone. You have your veterinarians that can help you and can give the best answers to your questions.

The Best Pet Care For Your Animal Friends is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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Pets are dependent on their human counterparts and need routine and wellness care to ensure optimum pet health. Unlike humans, pets cannot talk or communicate when they have an ache, pain or illness. Instead, they might let out the occasional whimper or simply remain quiet, which is why regular exams are so important.

A thorough pet health wellness exam should be all-encompassing and include equal part examination, vaccination, preventative measures, and testing. The exact health protocol for your pet will vary depending on the pet’s breed, age and current health.

During a physical exam, your veterinarian and their technicians will check for a host of things, such as irregularities in the heart, lungs, eyes, ears and throat. They will also check for lumps and bumps, feel the abdomen for abnormalities, take your pet’s temperature, evaluate your pet’s weight and inspect their mouth for tartar and oral growths.

Lymph nodes and joints will also be examined, and finally, mucus membranes will be checked for abnormalities which can indicate internal organ disease or anemia.

Part of the pet health exam should also include the pet’s health history. Let your veterinarian know if there have been any changes in behavior, appetite, or if the animal has been vomiting. If your pet has insatiable thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, lethargy or depression you should take him or her to the doctor as soon as possible.

Another important part of pet health is vaccination. Vaccines are administered to prevent contagious diseases, which can cause epidemics like distemper, rabies and parvovirus. Young pets that have undeveloped immune systems often require a series of vaccines which are spaced-out several weeks apart to provide temporary protection until their immune system matures.

Some vaccines require at least two inoculations to develop a lasting immunity, while others, such as rabies, provide immunity for several years. Your veterinarian will discuss which vaccines are the best options for your pet. In some circumstances, like when boarding a pet, additional vaccines may be necessary due to the likelihood of disease exposure.

Any good pet health care program should also provide screening tests which helps to identify medical conditions that are present whether or not symptoms have manifested.

An early diagnosis or abnormal finding may result in disease prevention or at least expedited treatment. Some tests, such as blood work and fecal tests, are recommended routinely.

Diagnostic tests after your pet has become ill can be quite expensive without pet insurance and many times could have been avoided by performing a less-costly routine test.

Regular wellness exams, vaccines and certain tests, depending on the age and health of your pet, can go a long way in keeping your beloved friend in the best possible pet health.

*Pets Best Insurance offers an optional Wellness and Routine care plan that can be added on to any of our three accident, illness and injury policies. For more information on pet care insurance, visit www.petsbest.com.

What happens during a pet health care exam is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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Going on vacation without your pet? when looking for a pet care service on the web, most people haven’t a clue the best way to secure a sitter who can meet their needs. Should they search reviews from past customers, online job boards, or should they enlist the services of a pet-sitting firm? Really, can they have confidence in whether a certain stranger is trustworthy and know that a certain candidate is the right person for the job? One of the simplest and most efficient ways for dealing with this stressful question is to use an online matching service that can fit the needs of families and sitters.

If you wish to find a pet care service – click here!

Ahead of time – before you actually need a pet care service, take a little time to define what your pet sitter will be asked to do and exactly what your sitter needs to do. The list should include things like the desired experience level and pay range. Is he or she capable of walking/exercising your pet? Is your pet a ‘senior citizen’? Do you want a friendly, outgoing personality to care for your pet? Create a ‘wish list’ that you and any candidates can refer to which describes all of the requirements that are part of this important job.

Upon completion of your list of requirements, your following step is to select an easy, and most importantly, reliable way to find the specific person you need. Of the various ways you can go about this, the best is to enroll with an online client-caregiver matching firm. Care-giver match-making firms are adept at providing online tools to access a vast collection of sitters in your area who can be hired to care for your animal.

In order to find a pet care service in your vicinity can be easy – you just open up google (or whatever search engine your choose) and type in the relevant or key phrases: your geographical area (be as specific as possible), and an item or two from the list of caregiver qualities you came up with. Taking a look at the various pet sitter listings which have shown up for your consideration, you decide upon the ones that might turn out to be the best choices available in your locale. Compare the best and worst points of all the sitters and make a choice among the options as to who is available when you need to leave your pet.

Specialized pet sitter agencies can equip you with the following tools: a no-charge search of the pet sitters in your area, and to check out the agency’s online file on them, including a picture, some basic facts, details about prior work experience, etc. There are sometimes free trial offers available, a common offer, but usually only for a short period, register while you can let your computer search engine do the work for you!

A Pet Care Service Find A pet caregiver You Can Trust is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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Your little girl has been asking for a kitten ever since her friend down the street got one and you’ve come to the point where it’s getting hard to resist her pleading little eyes. So you give in quite easily and take her down to the pet store, because let’s face it, you had always wanted a kitten when you were smaller as well. Before you actually go and get your kitten however, you might first want to consider what type of kitten you want. Sure they all look adorable with their big eyes when they’re still very young, but you have to realize that they’ll grow one day and you will have to live with your choice. And don’t forget that you’ll need to give the kitten care and love for a long time to come.

You might have only promised the kitten to your daughter on the basis that she look after the kitten by herself, but if you’re realistic you’ll know that there’s no way you’re going to let the poor thing go to rack and ruin when she does forget to look after it. And she will forget all about her kitten care will be the last thought on her mind, and you will be saddled with the kitten. She’s still too small and you knew that when you gave in to the whole kitten idea, so ultimately like everything else, the kitten care giving bit has now become your responsibility.

So how do you give your kitten care and love the way it needs to be done. Well first of all, the love part of this whole thing should be quite easy as you almost always fall under the spell of their big, wide eyes which will always seem to be staring up at you. For full details and information on what you will need to do for your kitten care wise that is, you should go see your vet.

They’ll also tell you what you need to do to keep your kitten happy and contented. You’ll be told that you need to give shots to your kitten care will also need to be taken to ensure that she doesn’t get into any scrapes or the like.

Kittens are also notorious for climbing up anything and everything that is within their sights so don’t be too surprised if you come home one day to find your lace drapes torn from top to bottom because the little critter climbed up them and couldn’t get a good enough grip.

When you go to get a kitten then, kitten care and everything that goes along with that should be uppermost in your mind. Your kitten should be healthy and well loved and able to boast to all the other little kittens it meets that he has found the perfect pets to keep him in the lap of luxury.

Kitten Care is a post from: Pet Medicine | Pet Health

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