Billions spent to keep family pets happy, healthy, and pampered

U.S. consumers spent $58 billion on their pets in 2014, and the fastest growing spending category includes grooming, daycare, and trips to the spa, according to the American Pet Products Association.

Pet spas — which offer services from doggie hair dyes, to hot oil treatments, to facials and paw treatment — are doing a booming business, said Amy Howard owner of Grooming Dales in Beavercreek.

The pet association’s report showed that $4.8 billionwas spent on these and other types of pet spa and boarding services last year.

New trends include temporary tattoos and FURminator deshedding services, said Howard.

“It’s a feel good thing to know that your friend is smelling good and super pettable, it just makes for a very happy owner pet relationship,” Howard said.

More than $14 billion was spent on beds, collars, supplies and over the counter medicine, $14 billion went to veterinary bills, and $22 billion was spent on pet food, according to the study.

Christen Sushereba of Kettering estimates she spent $700 on food, vet bills, grooming, and toys for her Pomeranian-schnauzer mix, Sammy, last year.

“It’s hard to walk into PetSmart or Moochie and Co. at the Greene and resist picking up cute little things for your pets, I know I’ve fallen victim to that,” Sushereba said.

She thinks her pet spending budget will double next year because she expects to add another rescue dog to her family soon.

Barbara Marsh of Beavercreek said she’ll to spend even more money on kennelling her furry family member, Lady Bird, next year.

“We are planning on travelling a little bit more so we will pay to have the dog kennelled in a reputable place,” Marsh said.

Over the past 20 years, spending on pets has jumped threefold. The first APPA report in 1994 found Americans spend $17 billion on their pets.

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