according to a US poll by market researcher Harris Interactive, almost two-thirds of pet owners in the States have bought their pet a holiday present.

In 2007 alone, spending has increased by more than $2 billion, and is estimated at a total of $40 billion or more by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Associated (APPMA).

Contributing factors to this trend include a rise in spending on higher quality pet food, and due to an increased disposable income there has been a phenomenal rise in the sales of pet clothing.

More and more people are filling up their pooch’s wardrobe with fashion items such as coats, hoodies, dresses, t-shirts, shoes and jewellery. Some are even buying them wigs. One only needs to look at the success of shows like Pet Fashion Week, held in New York and Tokyo, to see how popular pet fashion has become.

Christmas is expected to boost retail sales even further, with spending estimated to reach over $3 billion in the US alone. Among the sales are Santa outfits and reindeer antlers, as owners pamper and treat their pets as much as they would their own children.

Source: Ann-Marie Fleming, K9 Kloud9 Creations & Steve O’Malley, UKPets Dec 2007