Our pampered pets have begun to cost us more and more each year. A recent study by the New York Times estimated that a dog can cost its owners between $11,650 (£7,650) and $13,350 (£8,750) in their lifetime. So why are we spending so much on our pets? The industry is worth £4.3 billion annually to the UK economy, so how is the pet franchise industry benefitting from this spending?
From initial costs to buy a dog to insurance, food, bedding, vet bills and of course the odd treat, our furry friends are becoming more and more like high maintenance every day! But us dog lovers at Franchise Direct definitely believe they’re worth it! In fact, it has been proven that pets can actually help to reduce the stress levels of their “humans” and lead towards a more balanced lifestyle. Elizabeth Scott, a wellness coach specialising in stress management writes that “pets can provide excellent social support, stress relief and other health benefits—perhaps more than people!”Benefits include an increased likelihood to exercise, a happier mood as your best friend always has the ability to cheer you up and lower blood pressure! The UK and Ireland are the biggest sufferers of asthma, however Dr. James Ramsden believes that the common believe that dog and cat hair can irritate asthma is untrue and claims that recent research has found that the opposite is true! Exposure to pet hair from an early age can develop a high tolerance of materials which cause allergies, and can actually reduce the chances of the development of allergies or asthma.
So with all these obvious benefits, it’s not surprising that 43% of the UK population owns either a pet or a dog...or both! These beloved pets are becoming even more pampered with regular trips to a doggy parlour for coat care and nail clipping. Pet insurance is also a budgeted expense for most pet owners and is now seen as a must to ensure the best care for your pet in case of any medical issues. Many pets are put in doggy day care while their owners are in work, and also into pet holiday homes which their owners go on holidays. On top of this, these pets can often be seen as substitutes for children by many single people and can be treated to regular gifts such as toys, edible treats and new collars, leashes etc. Also, within a family unit, the family dog can also be given regular gifts from doting children as Christmas and Birthdays (7 a year remember!!!) become fortuitous occasions for many canines!
The pet franchise industry is all too aware of the prevalence of pet pampering amongst pet owners and has met this demand through the development of many pet franchise models, from pet product retail opportunities from the popular Swedish brand Husse to Dial A Dog Wash’s pet parlour franchise and not forgetting Kirsty’s horse sitting franchise, the franchise industry has supplied a wide range of franchise models to boost the pet service and product industry.