By Anne Stych – Contributing Writer, St. Louis Business Journal
A leading animal welfare non-profit organization found that human trends like tech connectivity, alternative health treatments and natural foods are spilling over into the pet world and are trends to watch in 2019.
According to a new survey of 1,000 dog and cat owners commissioned by the Michelson Found Animals Foundation, people are increasingly humanizing their companion animals and treating them as they would treat themselves.
"The macro trend of health and wellness and the increasing number of Millennial pet parents are changing the way we care for our pets," said Aimee Gilbreath, Michelson’s executive director.
The survey identified three general trends to watch for in the pet industry in 2019: tech, alternative treatments and food.
Consumers want tech that can help them track and maintain their pet's health and wellness. Those who use health-related pet tech are most interested nutrition apps (47 percent) followed by vet telemedicine (46 percent) and fitness trackers (31 percent).
More than half (53 percent) are interested in getting a pet tracking device or a microchip (52 percent) and four in 10 said they are interested in pet-monitoring cameras. One in four pet parents admits they spend more on tech for their pets than for themselves.
Sixty-one percent of pet owners said they have at least one form of smart technology in their home, while more than half (56 percent) of said they have special tech just for their pet.
About one-third use voice assistants for reminders like when to give their pets medication or to feed them.
Pet owners who have tried alternative therapies themselves are likely to use them on their pets as well. Nearly three-fourths — 74 percent — of people who have used CBD- or hemp-based products themselves have also used them on their pets.
Pet owners will spend an estimated $32.7 billion on their furry companions' food and treats alone in 2018, food, according to the American Pet Products Association. That’s a 5 percent increase — $1.5 billion — from the year prior. Online sales have increased 53 percent.
