As the price of everything from gasoline to groceries continues to skyrocket, many consumers have had to cut back on their spending. However, a recent poll conducted by Petfinder.com shows that most of us will cut back on our personal spending before we cut back on what we spend on our pets.
The online poll found that, while 79% of people are cutting back on their personal purchases, 87% refused to change to a less-expensive brand ofpet food.
Some researchers believe we continue to spoil our pets because they give us unconditional love. Others think it is because the average adult dog has about the same level of intelligence as an average 2-year old toddler, but we know the dog will never grow up to be a challenging teenager. So, we feel the need to protect and pamper the child…er…dog.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, here’s where the money goes:
$2.1 billion (5% of the total) goes to live animal purchases
$2.9 billion (7% of the total) goes to grooming and boarding
$9.8 billion (24% of the total) goes to the vet
$9.9 billion (24% of the total) goes to supplies and over-the-counter medications
and a whopping $16.1 billion (40% of the total) goes to food.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!