Fetch Sales from Pet Lovers
and Watch Your Profits Soar

by

Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D.

Over 6 million Americans admit that they are as attached to their dogs as they are to their children, according to a 1999 survey conducted by the American Pet Association. Before you gasp or judge these parents, think about what this means to you if you are a provider of gifts. These parents are not alone. Over 13 million people in the same survey admitted that they are as attached to their dogs as they are to their best friend.

Of the 102.8 million households in the U.S. , 31 million own a cat and over 43 million own a dog. And most important to you, most pet owners buy gifts for and celebrate their pets' birthdays. How can you fetch profits from these pet lovers, and where will you find the purrfect customers?

Pet owners treat their pets like family. They take photos that they later display at home and at work, take them on vacation, and even take them to pet-friendly parks and restaurants. Consider photo frames as well as keepsake paw prints made with kits just like the ones you use for baby handprints.

Pets receive recognition and awards. The Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame was created to give Wisconsin veterinarians a chance to honor the outstanding contributions our animal companions make in human lives. The Hall of Fame celebrates the strength and meaningfulness of the bond between humans and animals. Nominees must be living pets and must have shown unselfish accomplishment, exemplified affection, loyalty, security and value of the human-animal bond.

Do the vets in your state or area have an association? Do they honor certain outstanding animals or their owners? What about cat or dog shows? Perhaps there are gift-giving opportunities here.

One of my clients ordered a gift basket for her veterinarian to say thanks for the great way they cared for her dog in its last days. I chose human treats for the office staff and put them in a gift box that had paw prints imprinted.

The concern for these beloved pets does not end with the pet's death. The owner of my local mail center had his deceased dog cremated and for a time put up a shrine with the urn and dried flowers surrounding it on a shelf. Not only did he feel strongly about his pet, but so did many of the customers who came to his store every week.

If you're ready to sniff out the profits in the pet world, you aren't limited to a gift for the pets themselves. When you take a custom order, ask if the recipient has a pet and if your customer wants something included for the pet or the owner. Don't forget to get the pet's name. But also consider pet-themed human products or gifts such as stationery, gift books, throw pillows, throw rugs, photo albums, stickers and more.

By including the family pet in your gift-giving and gift selection, you will not only boost your profits, but you’ll also increase customer loyalty and impress your customers with your thoughtfulness. Woof!

Looking for pet-themed products for your baskets? Get Pet It! now

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