As a pet owner we love our pets as one of our own family members. In particularly, in the USA, pet owners as consumers spend billions of dollars annually on our pets. According to the American Pet Products Association, last year in 2017 pet owners spent and estimated $69.36 billion dollars on our pets. That’s a lot of money! On the other hand, is there anything we wouldn’t do to spoil our fur babies just a little bit? With the new year here and with these facts in mind, I wanted to explore the most popular pet trends to look out for in 2018. This list will explore what trends are growing in popularity as well as new products and ideas gaining momentum.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the links.
Food Trends
In looking at the food trends currently happening and growing in 2018, there is an emphasis on quality nutritious pet food. Seeing how our own human food industry has been under scrutiny, the same is true for the pet food industry. From issues of containing grain, GMOs and other toxic chemicals, pet parents nationwide are becoming more informed and advocating for transparency regarding knowing what is in our pet’s food.
With this emphasis on quality food ingredients, some of the trends that will continue to grow in 2018 are as follows:
- Continued focus on quality ingredients (i.e. GMO free, grain free, etc.)
- Customized pet food to relieve ailments (i.e. probiotics to help digestive issues or ingredients to alleviate joint issues in senior pets, etc.)
- Preventative focused pet food that encourages proper vitamins /minerals for pet longevity
- Pet food that is highly protein based which mimics a pet’s natural carnivore diet
- Online ordering and pet food delivery services
- Raw food and/or DIY food preparation
Travel
Secondly, our fur kids are part of the family and that means they travel with us too. Adventures are not limited to only the backyard. So, in 2018, the following travel trends will continue to grow and take off.
- Pet friendly travel apps
- Emphasis on car safety and buckling up (i.e. Sleepypods with strap attachments for cats/dogs traveling by car)
- Increase in luggage options for pets that fly on airlines
- Pet friendly travel activities (i.e. dog friendly restaurants, trails, and adventures) The website www.gopetfriendly.com is one resource for options to explore.
- Growing amount of hotels accommodations for pet owners and those with service animals. A few pet friendly websites you can look into are listed below:
Services
Lastly, since our furry family members are family, we can often times spoil them as such too. In the 21st century our lives continue to get busier and busier and thus, we have to find ways to ensure our pets are taken care of. And in some cases, pet owners want to ensure their pets have a way to decompress and relax as well. So, concierge like services from spa treatments to doggy day care, will continue to grow in popularity. Here are a few trends that will continue to flourish in 2018.
- Dog training services
- Pet sitting
- Mobile pet grooming
- Pet photography sessions
- Pet spa services
- Exclusive pet hotels
- Pet tracker technology
Owning a pet is one of my greatest privileges I’ve had in my life. I look forward to the day I adopt again. For those of you with furry family members at home, I hope you have found this 2018 Pet trends list insightful and helpful. Take care of your furry family member(s) and I wish you all good health, prosperity in 2018!
If you are looking for bucket list ideas to try this year, check out my other blog post 6 Bucket List ideas to Try with your pet.
What do you think of these pet industry trends for 2018? Have you tried any of these ideas yet? Are there any other trends you’ve seen on the horizon? Comment below and let me know your thoughts.
Pin me!
Sources:
https://www.thebalance.com/hot-industry-trends-in-pet-businesses-2660622
https://www.tripswithpets.com/twp-blog/top-5-pet-travel-trends
http://petslady.com/article/5-top-pet-food-market-trends-2018
http://www.vmdtoday.com/news/pampered-pet-trends-for-2018
http://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp
Lisa @Petoppia says
January 23, 2018 at 6:33 amAwesomely written post. Thanks for share Kamira.
Kamira Gayle says
January 24, 2018 at 1:51 pmThank you Lisa!
Dolly the Doxie says
January 18, 2018 at 10:20 amCongratulations on the infographic! The latest in pet trends is why I go to Global Pet Expo, hopefully for the 3rd time, you get to see the coolest stuff! Sandra and Dolly
Ava at Savvy Pet Care says
January 18, 2018 at 1:37 amI love Marjorie’s comment. I totally agree with everything she said. Better food at a reasonable price is something to hope for but I don’t have a lot of confidence in pet food manufacturers. I have fed homemade raw for over five years. I’d like to see the trend towards raw pick up. And the struggle for respect for cats is real!
Chirpy Cats says
January 18, 2018 at 1:27 amI like that we are treating our pets as part of the family. As pet parents we have come a long way since the old days when it was thought that pets are just pets. I second Marjorie’s thoughts about more affordable good quality food for cats with illnesses instead of the bland gunk that I have to feed my CKD cat that he won’t eat most days! Fancy Feast to the rescue!
Nice infographic, I have it pinned!
Amelia Johnson says
January 17, 2018 at 11:49 pmAs someone who has been a pet professional all of her life…starting back in the day when dogs went to the groomer only when their coat was filthy matted and full of critters until today when dogs get coloring, shaping, massaging and you name it. Cats have come a long way too from the time they were only allowed to live outside and work for a living. Now we pet parents work our tails off to support our pets…lol
Joely Smith says
January 17, 2018 at 10:01 pmWhat a great topic!! I love finding out about new treads especially when it comes to pets! I really want the pet tracker for my furbabies!
Natasha Thompson says
January 17, 2018 at 9:07 pmThese trends are spot-on! Along with mobile grooming, mobile veterinary care is picking up where we are, luckily. It was an amazing help when it was time to say goodbye to our 15 year old Ginger, and I hope the mobile trend continues to grow! Great post!
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:32 pmNatasha,
Great point. I know if I knew then what I know know I would have definitely opted for that option of home vet services when my cat Dusty went to get her angel wings. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Shanika says
January 17, 2018 at 8:39 pmI love this! Pet trends are definitely big and I think that they will only get bigger as years progress. I’m thinking about getting a puppy for my family and I know that I will be one of those pet owners that spend a lot on my little pup! Haha!
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:31 pmShanika,
Thank so much. Glad you enjoyed the post. Good luck with your search! #adoptdontshop
Jana Rade says
January 17, 2018 at 7:54 pmI’m glad to see that quality, species-appropriate foods are becoming more and more popular with pet parents and that the market is responding to it.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:30 pmJana,
Agree. I think pet parents are demanding it and putting their dollars where their mouth is. So when the pet industry sees that, they have to respond. You know corporations love $$$$. They are going to support what lines their pocketbooks. I just hope there is adequate transparency with consumers.
Ruth Epstein says
January 17, 2018 at 6:05 pmWhat a great list of Trends and it always amazes me how the pet industry has evolved compared to when I was a kid with pets – WOW.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:28 pmRuth,
I know right?!
Sandy Kubillus says
January 17, 2018 at 6:00 pmThese trends agree with what I have seen. I would still like to see pets allowed on airplanes if you buy them a seat! I like to travel everywhere with my dog.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:28 pmSandy,
I totally second that!!
The Dash Kitten Crew says
January 17, 2018 at 4:52 pmOne day, they will make good pet food for pet parents on a budget instead of charging an absolute fortune for every premium brand out there. That is a trend that will benefit pets.
You can make a profit and a business out of pet food but, really? I want to see a focus on good food for cats with kidney issues. At the moment most of it is simply hideous. Our Harvey gets really fed up with his ‘kidney diet’ so I get desperate and give him watered down Fancy Feast. Something better than flavoured cardboard might be a big step forward. Low protein but high flavour would be miraculous!!!!
I would also like to see respect for cats trending more. I am tired of being treated like a lesser person because I don’t drag a dog around with me. Cats are worth millions in income to pet companies so let’s see more men in cat ads, more cats taken seriously, less of the stupid ‘crazy cat lady’ rubbish.
Another trend I want to see pushed is taking cats to the vet every year. Instead of rushing to the obscene profits from declawing cats, why not encourage owners to have regular kitty health checks.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:27 pm(Clapping hands) You make great points Marjorie! I understand the struggle. I remember when Dusty was ill she had to have a special bland diet and I did the same as you to get her to eat something. I’d love to see more people warm up to cats like dogs. (sigh) Well I guess we’ll have to convince one person at a time. My hubby’s a convert (former dog obsessed man ; transformed cat lover & dog lover). Agree! Annual visits should be promoted more too! Prevention is the best medicine. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Chirpy Cats says
January 18, 2018 at 1:22 amHeh heh ditto to every point you made!
Tenacious Little Terrier says
January 17, 2018 at 4:16 pmI think we’ve tried almost everything on this list! We haven’t done mobile grooming yet but we have had a housecall groomer groom Mr. N.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:22 pmThat’s cool!! Mr. N is one pampered pooch! 🙂
Sweet Purrfections says
January 17, 2018 at 3:57 pmI wish we had a mobile cat grooming person near me. I comb and brush the girls, but they are too much for me to handle for a bath. Also, I don’t want to stress them by taking them to a groomer with a bunch of dogs barking.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:21 pmPaula,
I understand that. I remember when my first cat Precious was alive I would bath her. She would do fair. Always grumpy but I managed. The one and only time I took her to the groomers for a bath and trim, the groomer called and said ” Um can you come back? Precious won’t let us touch her.” LOL I guess the stress and anxiety of new surroundings was just too much. That was the first and last time. So I understand. You take great care of Truffle and Brulee!
Beth says
January 17, 2018 at 2:41 pmI’m glad that there are products and services to make our pets lives safer and healthier. I wish my vet made house calls and I would love to have a mobile groomer in the area. Of course, I’m biased towards pet photography, and I’m glad that more people are taking the time to get great photos of their pets.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:18 pmBeth,
You share such beautiful photography on your site. I’m definitely a fan. I know for sure when I adopt again, I’m going to make an ernest effort to get professional photo sessions done. A great way to capture long lasting memories and complete those bucket list items.
Lola The Rescued Cat says
January 17, 2018 at 1:52 pmTravel is a big one. I would love to travel with my cats, but it’s just not for them. That’s OK… we have a great time when we’re home together.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:17 pmThat’s okay. Make it a staycation!
The Daily Pip says
January 17, 2018 at 1:43 pmIt’s amazing how much pet parents spend on their pets. I’m guilty of it, too! We have taken several trips with our dog Ruby and I really hope to travel more with her in the years to come. It’s wonderful that there are so many great resources now.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:16 pmHa Ha! That’s quite alright. You know we pet parents understand for sure. You are right! Now we have many more options to spoil our fur kids. 🙂
Lori Hilliard says
January 17, 2018 at 12:36 pmI believe the mobile pet grooming market will grow quickly as more seniors adopt pets. When they lose their mobility, they may find it difficult to get to the groomer and a mobile grooming service can save the day.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:15 pmLori,
Agree. I even think those pet parents with busy lives or anxious animals will find mobile pet services useful. Pets are often times much more relaxed at home.
Heather Wallace, Bridle & Bone says
January 17, 2018 at 12:28 pmYes, I loved this post and pinned your infographic. Increasingly people are concentrating on improving quality of life for their pets, and I’m so glad to be a part of it.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:14 pmHeather,
Well said and thank you for the pin!
Cathy Armato says
January 17, 2018 at 11:36 amThese are so Spot On! People are definitely looking for all these things. I myself have spent so much time reading dog food labels and choosing the 2 or 3 brands we feed our dogs. We also hate to go on vacation without our dogs – they are family and having them along is what I consider a “family vacation” for us! I love your infographic, it’s perfect, I Pinned it & shared this post as well.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 11:50 amCathy,
Thanks for sharing your input too and sharing! Much appreciated!
Rachel says
January 17, 2018 at 10:14 amWhat a great list! We’ve used mobile pet grooming and think it’s fantastic. I’m also interested in pet tracker technology. Your infographic is great, too! I’ve pinned it!
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 10:53 amRachel,
Mobile pet grooming is an awesome idea. I’m surprised that trends didn’t kick off sooner. Thanks so much for the Pin!
Kelly says
January 17, 2018 at 9:28 amThe pet industry is indeed popular and expanding by leaps and bounds! There is not much we can’t find for, or to help pets and pet parents. I believe we will continue to see technology for pets and pet parents grow.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:55 amKelly,
I agree, especially with technology. There are so many new products out now (and being developed) that integrate with our busy lifestyles now.Thanks for sharing your input.
Maricel says
January 17, 2018 at 8:17 amNice list! I like the fact that nowadays there are many services for our dogs, I love the spa and the photo services.
Kamira Gayle says
January 17, 2018 at 9:54 amMaricel,
So true and thank you!