Pet Franchise Opportunities, Pet Franchises for Sale

Trends and Facts About Pet Franchises

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Starting Up Your Own Pet Business

Despite a downturn in the economy, the pet industry is growing. According to the National Office of Statistics, in 2008 £4.3 billion was spent in the UK on pet products including pet food which accounted for 49% of expenditure, pet purchases and accessories (16%) and veterinary and other services (35%). In 1957, spending on pets ranked 49th in the weekly expenditure list by UK households. However in 2007, it ranked at 37^th – ahead of cakes, cosmetics and holidays.

Pets are very popular in the UK. In a survey carried out by the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, over 43% of the UK population owns a pet with dogs and cats continuing to be the preferred companion. There are an estimated 7 million each of dogs and cats in the UK. Fish and birds continue to be popular but the number of smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and pet-rats rose to 1.7 million in 2008.

Pet products and services are increasing in value. In 2008, Intune Insurance Company published a survey which found that keeping a dog cost on average £13,000 over its lifetime, which is a 24% increase on the same cost in the year 2000.

Pets in the UK are well fed. In 2007, the pet food business market was valued at 1.7 billion, up 3% from 2006, with consumers expressing increased concern about the quality of food they are feeding their pets. This means there is a gap in the market for quality pet food businesses aimed at the pampered and healthy pet.

People are treating their pets more and more like family members. In a survey conducted by The Blue Cross Animal Charity, 59% of women said they would turn to their pet for comfort in times of stress compared to just 39% of men. When given the choice of who they would miss most whilst on holidays, a fifth of single women chose their pet over a partner, friend or relative. In addition, 91% of bird owners said that they regularly talk to their pets. Whilst people in the UK continue to love their pets, the pet business grows bigger every year.

Pet Business Franchises are really taking off, with a variety of services now being sought by the consumer in an effort to really pamper their pet.

- Creature Comforts is a caring dog franchise that helps dog owners go away on holiday or business without worrying about their pet. Creature Comforts provides a personal, loving environment for dogs, with minimal disruption of their routine, while their owners are away.

- Oscar Pet Foods is a family business that started life making good, honest pet food for working dogs and supermarkets and is now a thriving franchise.

So if you have love of animals and want to be top dog in the pet business, why not consider the pet franchise opportunities on offer.