Survey finds opportunity growing for professional pet sittersApril 24, 2018Pet Sitters International (PSI) released its 2018 State of the Industry Survey, revealing that its member pet-sitting businesses performed more than 22 million pet-sitting assignments and generated more than $440 million in pet-sitting revenues last year. The association's survey—conducted every two years—gathers data about gross business revenues, types of services most offered, average charges for services, and more. According to the organization, its member businesses averaged 137 clients and 3,816 pet-sitting assignments in 2017. The national average gross revenue for these businesses was $75,658, showing an increase over the 2016 survey results, which indicated an average of 109 clients, 2,645 pet-sitting assignments, and $60,625 gross revenue in 2015. PSI conducted its survey exclusively online from Jan. 23, 2018, to Feb. 26, 2018. Approximately 28 percent of the nearly 6,000 member businesses contacted completed the survey. Visit petsit.com.
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AHI studies economic, social contributions of animal health industryMarch 15, 2018The Animal Health Institute has released its findings from a first-of-its-kind study into the economic and social contributions of the animal health industry, which also covers household pets. The report examines the role the companies that produce pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and flea and tick products play in the U.S. economy and beyond. Key report findings include: Household Pets – More than 67 percent of American households, or 84.6 million, own nearly 400 million companion animals. This includes dogs, cats, horses, birds, fish, horses, and more. Pets by Type – Nearly half of pet-owning households include a dog while over one-third own a cat, for a total of 89.7 million dogs and 94.2 million cats. There are between 100,000 and 200,000 service animals, including those who assist the blind and disabled (but not including police, forensic, or military dogs). Almost all—95 percent—of dog and cat owners view their pets as members of their family. Spending on Pets – Americans spent more than $75.5 billion on their pets in 2016, with an average total household spend of $892 on pet food, veterinary services, supplies, and other services. As pet owners look for solutions to increase the length and quality of life for …
Pet insurer Nationwide reveals annual cost of common health conditionsMarch 15, 2018Nationwide members spent more than $96 million in veterinary care last year to treat the top 10 most common medical conditions affecting their dogs and cats, according to the pet health insurer. Based on more than 1.4 million pet insurance claims submitted to the company last year for more than 650,000 insured pets, Nationwide has identified the top 10 medical conditions affecting dogs and cats (and their associated costs). Top 10 most common medical conditions for dogs Atopic or allergic dermatitis – average cost to treat: $255 Otitis externa – average cost to treat: $172 Benign skin neoplasia – average cost to treat: $377 Pyoderma – average cost to treat: $128 Enteropathy – average cost to treat: $175 Gastropathy Degenerative arthritis Periodontitis/Tooth infection – average cost to treat: $400 Cystitis or urinary tract infection Anal gland sacculitis/Expression Top 10 most common medical conditions for cats Cystitis or urinary tract disease – average cost to treat: $495 Periodontitis/Tooth infection – average cost to treat: $434 Gastropathy – average cost to treat: $334 Renal disease or failure – average cost to treat: $649 Enteropathy – average cost to treat: $221 Hyperthyroidism Feline upper respiratory infection Diabetes mellitus …
Dental product earns veterinary oral health council sealSeptember 28, 2017Two clinical studies show that SwedencareUSA's ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bites for dogs significantly reduce the formation of plaque and tartar. As a result, the bites earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) health claim seal "helps control plaque and tartar." Jerzy Gawor, DVM, Ph.D., president of Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations and president elect of the European Veterinary Dental College, performed the studies. "VOHC acceptance is an important indicator in the efficacy of pet dental health products," said Martin Shimko, president of SwedencareUSA in Poulsbo, Wash. "Pets love them, and now … there is science behind the product." Study methods Two groups of dogs, one group with small dogs, and one with small and medium size dogs, participated in the studies. Between two subgroups, one received ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bites and one received a placebo without the bites' active ingredient, Ascophyllum nodosum. All dogs were examined and had their teeth cleaned prior to the study. Study results After 30 days, researchers measured for plaque and tartar. Groups receiving ProDen PlaqueOff Dental Bites had significantly less plaque and …
Pet trade exhibit co-sponsored by Purdue CVMSeptember 28, 2017The Art Museum of Greater Lafayette in Indiana is hosting an art exhibit titled "Caged: The Illegal Pet Trade." The exhibit, by Justin Ladoux, hopes to shed light on this important but often neglected subject. "Animal health and well-being is our specialty, and everyone in the college of veterinary medicine encourages responsible ownership," said Willie Reed, DVM, Ph.D., dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. "The illegal pet trade is a cruel, inhumane business, and this outstanding art exhibit is an excellent means of educating people about this issue." Educating the public First of all, the internet fuels exotic ownership by making it easier for people to shop for various wildlife species, said Lori Corriveau, DVM, pet wellness veterinarian in the college's Small Animal Community Practice. "Many people are unaware of where exotic pets are from and how the pet trade affects world populations," she said. "Some exotic pets are bred from captivity, and some are taken directly from the wild. Sadly, many of those taken from the wild will die in transit." Further, many owners don't have the knowledge, money, or ability to adequately replicate a natural habitat for an …
