Statistics confirm that Americans are pet lovers and view their four-legged creatures as members of their family: 47% of U.S. households have more than one pet, and $34 billion is spent annually on Fido and company. Like humans, pets need care and attention. Fortunately, a wide array of pet care services exists in the marketplace. These cater to the diverse needs of our furry friends and strive to ensure their well-being:
1. Pet Stores
The average pet shop places a full range of pet supplies at consumers' disposal. Customers will find plenty of products for their small animals at a pet store, including the following:
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Treats and bones
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Clothing
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Feeders and bowls
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Beds
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Whelping supplies
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Vitamins & supplements
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Training aid
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Toys
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Leads and collars
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Pet grooming supplies
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Carriers and crates
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Food
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Flea and tick control
Online pet shops offer clients the convenience of ordering from the comfort of their homes and having products delivered directly to their front door. Many pet stores extend special offers and allow consumers to purchase gift cards.
2. Pet Sitting Services
To ensure that their animals obtain the necessary daily exercise and are looked after, owners often hire a pet sitting service. Pet sitting service providers stop by clients' residences to care for their animals when the owners are unavailable to tend to them. Multiple daily visits may be scheduled, and the typical pet stop includes the following activities:
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Dog walking
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Companionship
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Playtime
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Pet training reinforcement
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Litter scooping
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Cleaning of kennel
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Feeding
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Pet laundry
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Pet health care (medication administration and watering upon owner's request)
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Round trip to the veterinarian
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Round trip to the boarding kennel or dog groomer
Some pet sitting businesses also pick up the client's mail, take out the trash, water the plants and take in the newspaper.
3. Pet Care Center
Consumers can offer their animals top-of-the-line pampering and medical care by visiting a pet care center, which provides such services as:
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Full-service pet grooming salon
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Pet training program
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Animal veterinary hospital [ideally, one that has both American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA) and American Animal Hospital Association [AAHA] certification
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Animal behavior modification
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Dog kennel facility
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Day care for dogs
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Heated swimming pools for dogs
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Boarding for dogs with special needs and "senior citizen" dogs
4. Pet Health Care
Pet ownership comes with responsibilities, a critical one being taking one's animal to the vet for a periodic health check up. A long healthy life for the pet means many years of priceless companionship for the owner. Pet health insurance is available for all kinds of small animals and can reduce the cost of vet bills. In the event that emergency veterinary treatment is needed, an owner with pet health insurance will have the security of proper medical care for his or her pet. The VPI Standard Plan and the VPI Superior Plan are the two leading pet insurance plans, and pet owners may apply for them anywhere in the U.S.. Individuals who purchase one of these two pet health insurance plans may take their pet to a vet in any part of the world.
5. Pet Insurance
Animal owners may avail themselves of a number of pet insurance programs:
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Pet Sitting Insurance
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Pet Liability Insurance
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Pet Travel Insurance
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Group Pet Insurance
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Dangerous Pet Insurance
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Feathered Bird Insurance
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Pet Dental Insurance
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Exotic Pet Insurance
6. Dog Walker
Physical exercise contributes considerably to a dog's quality of life, health, and well-being. Dog owners may hire a professional dog walker who will provide a full 30-45 minute walk (for up to 2 dogs). Dog walks are available during regular weekday work hours, as well as early morning, evening and on the weekends.
7. Pet Boarding
There are numerous pet boarding companies that offer a canine sleep-over with home-style boarding. Trainers who provide dog boarding keep clients' dogs at their homes, allowing them to interact with other dogs and treating them as one of the family. Each boarding dog is accommodated with a spacious, comfortable suite. The experienced pet sitter's home will usually have a fenced-in yard with plenty of space for the dogs to roam and play.
8. Dog Training
Dog owners can take advantage of different dog training programs, ranging from in-home dog training and private training to workshops and doggie day school. Individuals can contact an accredited pet instructor who will come to their home to provide positive-reinforcement-based dog training in the following areas: (1) leash manners, (2) housebreaking, (3) house manners, (4) obedience, (5) digging issues, and (6) barking control.
9. Dog Grooming
Dog grooming is needed on a regular basis, irrespective of the canine's breed, coat type, age or size. Pet grooming salons will usually provide the following services:
10. Dog Breeding
Prospective puppy buyers can locate, screen and choose quality dog breeders from around the world. Dog breeding listings include family breeders, kennel clubs, and private breeders.
11. Pet-Friendly Hotels
Animal owners can choose from more than ten thousand pet-friendly hotels across the country. At pet-friendly hotels, cats, dogs and other small animals are allowed in the rooms. Some of these hotels do not charge extra for the animals, although they may charge either a per night or per stay pet fee. Any deposit that a customer pays is refunded if the pet does not cause any damage.
12. Pet Photography
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, many animal lovers find it important to memorialize special occasions with their four-legged friends. They may contact one of many pet photography businesses for the creation of a pet portrait or for a photo opportunity with their animals at home, outdoors or in the studio.
13. Pet Therapy
Due to their therapeutic presence and impact, companion animals are being dispatched to health care institutions, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and nursing homes. Pet therapy foundations, organizations and businesses touting the health benefits provided by pets, offer training and certification for therapy animals and their owners.
14. Pet Adoption
Consumers may turn to countless animal shelters and organizations for pet adoption and for a search of adoptable pets.
15. Pet Cemetery
Animal owners can honor their deceased pets by burying them in a pet cemetery. They may also choose from the following services: