Are pet products recession-proof? In 2009 American households spent an estimated $45 billion on their pets, despite a tough economy. What is the driving factor behind this market? Could it be that roughly 6 out of 10 households have a pet? Or could it be the majority of pet owners view their pets as a member of the family?

The desire to spoil a pet that provides unconditional love is a strong motivation when it comes to consumers parting with their money. Given all this,  it appears pet products have the ability to weather a tough economic storm.

Think about it:  Even in these economic times people continue to spend money on their pets. A leading box-mart pet store boasted a six percent increase in sales, amid U.S. economic struggles. Such a large increase when the economy is in strife clearly shows that pet products may be recession-proof.

What does that mean for you?
Maybe now is the time to collar the pet product market. Where do you begin? The majority of pets are dogs and cats, and as a result, most of the pet products purchased are for dogs and cats. But, what else do you need to know to come out ahead of the pack?

Who's Buying  For Their Pets?

Research has shown that baby boomers and empty nesters are the most common purchasers of pet products. Boomers love to dote on their pets, which, in turn, creates a need and a opportunity for dog accessories, cat toys, pet clothing and other pet-oriented products.

Empty-nesters with stable, disposable incomes are buying upscale collars, dogs beds and even doggie pools.Young professionals who are delaying the start of a family and opting for raising a pet are also jumping on the pet accessory bandwagon. A versatile customer base from all segments of life is what makes pet products a tremendous sales opportunity.

Selling Pet Products

As a retailer, what sales strategy should you take when about selling pet products? You need a clear starting point, whether expanding the pet products you offer or adding them to your existing product mix.  Take stock of what you already have and how pet products relate to your existing merchandise.

Do you offer gourmet foods? Gourmet pet foods maybe the perfect way to dive into the pet industry. If you carry jewelry, try adding dog or cat-inspired jewelry and upscale leashes and collars. New products are best introduced when you associate it with a product you already sell.

When you take time to work new products into your sales mix, you will have a greater success rate. One of the biggest mistakes a retailer can make is adding a product that is too different from their normal product mix.

Think about it:  It is far easier to sell a customer a dogie tee shirt, if they normally buy your line of human tees. The combining of human tees with dog tees is not at all far fetched.

The tee shirt example is just one example of how “cross selling” can help you integrate pet products into your store. “Cross selling” is an easy marketing tool that any shop can utilize. Just remember items like jewelry can lead to …click here to read Recession-Proof Pet Products…

“NO! Kitty stop scratching the furniture,” is a phrase shouted in most cat-loving homes. Cat owners have been faced with inappropriate cat scratching since the day cats became indoor pets. Often this scratching causes furniture damage and highly frustrated pet owners. C & D Pet Products has the solution to this age old problem.

All C & D cat products have one goal in mind keeping a cat happy, content, safe and entertained. They make quality cat scratch posts, kitty trees and cat condos. These sisal scratching post combined with carpeted perches give cats an appropriate and fun place to scratch. Not only perfect for scratching, these perches can be placed in a window allowing cats a view of the outside world from a safe indoor environment.

For owners that want to give their cat an outside experience, but are afraid the cat may escape the safe environment of their own yard, C & D has the ultimate cat enclosures. Designed to allow cats freedom to experience the outdoors, their cat enclosures allow cats to romp in the fresh air while keeping them safe in their own backyard.

Dogs shouldn't feel left out. C & D Pet Products has something for them as well. From bedding to toy boxes and from ramps to travel products, dog owners will find great products for their pooch. Whether large, small, geriatric or a pup, C & D has a ramp for every dog and situation. They have a water dock ramp for the aquatic pup. Their ramps give geriatric dogs a way to climb easily onto the couch for a snuggle. Any dog needed a step up will adore the ramps and steps from C & D.

Pet travel is a rising trend. Dogs love to be on the go. C & D's travel products for pets make it easier to load and go. The Buddy Pet Lookout is a clever pet car seat that keeps small dogs safe in the car while allowing them a window view. With its clever pull-out tray, this car seat makes it easy to care for a pet's needs during a trip.

Who should you turn to when you need quality pet products for cats or dogs? When it comes to scratching posts, cat condos, …click here to read C & D Products: What More Could Pets Ask For?…

Oral care for your pet often becomes a secondary thought. As with humans, if your pet's oral health is compromised, it can lead to serious consequences. You've invested time, money and most importantly, love into your pet. Don't let it all go to waste because you neglected to invest time in your pet's dental health.

Petzlife is dedicated to improving your pets' lives with 100% natural oral care products.  Their formula is made from seven natural ingredients that are anti-bacterial.  It is formulated to stop bacteria from growing in your dog or cat's mouth.

Why? Because bacteria is what causes the plaque on it's teeth and bad breath.  Giving this product to your cat or dog daily breaks down the plaque and tarter on their teeth and reverses gingivitis.

Using products that promote pet oral care for the prevention of periodontal disease and/or tooth loss will save you a trip to the vet. Petzife dental care products come in a spray or gel form, and both products are safe for cats and dogs.

Following the success of  their dental care line, Petzlife also has a line of pet shampoos and conditioners. The herbal ingredients used in these products calm hot spots, itching and scaly skin, and leaves your pet with a beautiful coat that smells great.

When you have a cherished pet, their health is very important to you. Pet health products that promote healthy teeth, coats and well-being are essential in keeping  pet active, strong and ensuring they have a long life. Petzlife …click here to read Petzlife The Quality Oral Care Pet Products You Need…

During the winter, dogs and owners alike often forgo their usual daily walks and other outdoor activities. They opt instead to stay in the warm indoors, which is often to their detriment. Many owners begin to regret their decision when their beloved dog, which was once so calm and loving, begins running amuck in the house. After the couch has been chewed to bits and the curtains have been ripped down, many owners begin searching for a pet health product to help with the canine cabin fever. Well, relief is on the way.

GoPet provides canine exercise wheels that suit dogs of all sizes both indoors and out. GoPet's dog-powered exercise wheels and dog treadmills are ideal for owners living in cold climates, apartments or locations where walking a dog might not be safe. You and your beloved pup can cuddle once again– after Chompers has ceased to chomp on the furniture.

To burn off excess energy and stay healthy, dogs can exercise either on an exercise wheel or doggie treadmill. GoPet's canine exercise wheels can stand alone or be attached to a kennel, allowing a dog to exercise independently.

Own more than one dog? Never again will you have to make multiple trips out into the cold or pouring rain for your dogs to get the exercise they desperately need. Both canine exercise wheels and dog treadmills allow your dogs to get exactly the amount they need and on their own time. …click here to read GoPet Takes the Guesswork Out of Canine Fitness…

Straight from the fashion streets of New York, Gramercy Distribution Inc. offers top quality pet clothing for your stylish furry one. Gramercy Pet Boutique is the epitome of unique dog apparel. What makes Gramercy superior? Their special attention to detail and an understanding of different needs and sizes. From toy breeds to large breeds, Gramercy ensures that their pet clothing will give your dog the best fit.

Say "I Do" To Gramercy Wedding Clothing For Dogs

With more and more couples including their pets in their weddings, Gramercy has taken a bite out of the pet wedding clothing market in a big way.  This pet clothing boutique offers bridesmaid outfits, tuxedos, and even flower pup dresses.

Dogs are like family. So why shouldn't they have the wedding of their dreams. Is your little "Princess" getting married? What a lovely bride she will make in a white lace-ruffled wedding dress from Gramercy. Picture your little pooch running down the aisle, only to be greeted by a handsome doggy groom in his tuxedo complete with pants.   Gramercy has some fetching formal wear that your dog will love, whatever the occasion.

A Fashionable Walk In The Park

Just like humans, dogs don't like to get wet on their daily walks.  Gramercy has a line of puppy raincoats to please you and your dog. Covering the back of the body, as well as the chest and legs, these raincoats provide full protection from the rain.

Rainy days are not the only days a dog wants to look stylish while on a walk. I personally love the line of dog kimonos. What a beautiful fashion statement they make, and you can't find dog kimonos just anywhere. Gramercy also sells jackets, fleece wear and parkas for the fall and winter seasons to keep your pup cozy and warm. Whatever the season, Gramercy has your dog covered.

Pet clothing isn't the only dog accessory offered by Gramercy. They have a wonderful product called a Fundle, which is an inventive pet sling. The Fundle snuggles your pet in a cloth carrier that you sling around your chest keeping your pet safe, secure and most importantly, comfortable.  The sling straps have been designed to help balance the weight, of the pet so it is also comfortable for you.

Gramercy is the place to go if your dog is in need of wedding fashion wear, formal wear and other stylish clothes.  Don't forget to look at their line of doggy spa products.  After all, your pup needs to smell and feel as good as she looks in her Gramercy clothes. Remember your precious pooch deserve the best in dog accessories and pet clothing.

Show Off Your Stylish Pooch

Tired of your pug wearing your rhinestone tee?  Maybe she needs her own rhinestone fitted tee. After all, if fashion is important to you, why wouldn't it be important to your dog?  Where can the fashion forward pooch find the couture they desire?

Although there are many wholesalers of pet clothing, Dog In The Closet (DITC) is the fashionista pet's dream shop. Like people, dogs come in all sizes. Providing a range of dog tee sizes for the tiniest pup to the largest dog, Dog In The Closet is the place for fashion-loving pooches.

Tops aren't the only pieces of clothing that make a fashion statement. Denim skirts for dogs are the most adorable pet clothing item.  Any dog who pairs a denim skirt with a harness vest is sure to be the next top dog on the block.

Not only are DITC's harness vests functional and fashionable, they were voted one of the Pet Style News top ten editor choice winners in 2009.  Pet Style picked the harness because "A unique twist lock prevents unwanted escapes when walking and serves as a connector for leashes. What differentiates this look from the other sturdy harnesses with interesting engineering is its style." A fashion piece with functionality. What more could you ask for in a dog accessory?

Functionality is a major component of  Dog In The Closet pet clothing. In fact, their coats are made of denim with silk appliqués or 100% Italian wool to keep wearers warm during a walk around the block.

Created with attention to detail and sturdy material all with a touch of flair, dog clothing from Dog In The Closest will delight any well-dressed pup and owner. With so many dog clothing options like dresses, tee, skirts and harness vests, you dog will need a closet of their own.

Dog In The closet can be found in local retail stores or online. DITC can help …click here to read Don't Keep Your Fashionable Dog In The Closet!…

Wacky does not even come close to explaining this clever dog accessory. Wacky walk'r is an absolutely ingenious leash design which makes dog walking easy and fun.

Have you ever taken your dog for a walk — when all of a sudden something catches her one of her senses? Before you know it, she yanks the leash so hard you're certain your elbow has been dislocated? With the Wacky walk'r, your elbow, knees and back are safe. Your pup will no longer jerk you as she investigates the world during your walks.

What is a Wacky walk'r? It is a dog leash that contains a band of rubber which acts like a shock absorber should your dog pull or jerk the leash.  The ingenious leash is constructed to work with the dog  not against them. This concept allows the dog can to stretch the leash out with out jerking you along.

Wacky walk'r comes in two different stretch types. The original Wacky walk'r leash is 3ft long but stretches to 6ft.  This stretch length is ideal for neighborhood or park walks where dogs have plenty of room to roam.

For urban areas where you and your dog need to be a bit closer, the Urban walk'r gives you tighter control.  At 1.5ft with a stretch length of 3ft, the Urban walk'r still give your dog flexibility in a tighter area.  Both style of dog leashes come in sizes to accommodate your pet.

They, also, offer a product called the Crazy Coupler which allows you to connect two similarly sizes pets together on one leash.

There is nothing wacky about this dog leash … it is a clever and practical dog accessory that makes both the dog lover and the dog happy. As their  moto …click here to read Wacky Walk'r Dog Leash Saves On Doctor Bill…

If you have a large breed dog, middle weight pup or a senior pooch, the Otto Step can keep your pet safe while saving you money.

How can a step for your dog save you money?  By removing the need to lift your pet into your SUV or truck.  Large breed, elderly and overweight dogs often need assistance to get in and out of SUVs or trucks.

Lifting your pouch can lead to chiropractic bills for you. Jumping into vehicles can cause issues for your dog. Large breed and older dogs can easily tear their ACL. These tears can happen if an overweight or older dog twist his knee while jumping into a vehicle. The Otto Step helps you and your pet by allowing your dog to safely and quickly enter and exit your truck or SUV.

Handy to use, this step fits into your receiver hitch creating the perfect entry and exit place for your pet. Weighing only six pounds, the Otto Step is easy to store because it conveniently fits in your vehicle when not in use.  It's compact nature makes it easier to use then carrying around bulky ramps.

Although ramps are great, the Otto Step gives you a better pet safety product option . The price, convenience and the ability to easily store the Otto Step makes  it the best choice.

Still need a reason to purchase the Otto Step? Watch The Otto Step Story or …click here to read Can Your Dog High Step? He Can With The Otto Step!…

If you are looking for absolutely exquisite dog collars, then FineArf by Lisa Green has just what you desire. It's jewelry for your pooch and a few charming things just for you.

Dogs who wear stylish leather collars with pewter dog charms and engraved name plates stand-out at the dog park. If you combine a sturdy leather lead with that chic leather collar, you've got a sophisticated, classic leash set for your dog.  These FineArf fashion accessories are the height of pet sophistication.

For the ultimate identification tags, FineArf's  has beautifully fine crafted charms that you can add to any collar.  These I.D. tags were featured in FAO Schwartz catalogs in the 90's and still fashionable today.

More than identification and beyond adorable, these charms tell the world who and what your dog is about. Let the the breed specific tags, personality tags or hobby tags speak for your dog. Whether your pouch is good dog, a sporty dog or maybe both, these simple little charms will make a bold statement.

Now that Fido is all decked out, what about you?  FineArf has a wide collection of charms for the pet owner. Just like the charms for your pet, you can announce with pride that you are a pet owner pride. Let others know you think beagles are the best by wearing a breed specific charm. Or, add fetching  stick pet charm to your bracelet to declare you love of the game of fetch.

Every guy or gal can show-off their love for the four-legged furry ones with FineArf fashion jewelry.  Bracelets, necklaces, cuff links and earrings can all be found with pet themes. One pet related bracelet caught my eye. The chic rawhide bone bracelet is a cool piece of jewelry with a bit of a twist. This dandy bracelet can be paired with a necklace and a rawhide bone charm. Pet themed jewelry is fashionable and fun.

If your a pet lover and like to show your per pride in high style, FineArf  is …click here to read Fetching Pet Jewelry For the Fashionable Pooch…

No truer statement can be made than “every dog needs a bone.” Now thanks to the company named One Dog One Bone, every dog needs her own pool too. We've all brought home a kiddie pool for our dogs, only to find hours later that our precious pup chewed through the pool. If the pool survived Fido's teeth, the pool couldn't handle his zestful splashing. The result — money wasted and an unhappy dog.

One Dog One Bone (ODOB) is the solution to an age-old dog pool problem. ODOB utilizes the same plastic processing method used to make sturdy truck bed liners to create a virtually indestructible dogie pool. Although these pools are meant for dogs other family pets may enjoy them as well. Don"t be surprised if you find your kids splashing in the pool as well.

These indestructible pools for dogs come in two canine friendly shapes — a bone shaped one for large pets or multiple pet households, and a paw shaped one for smaller pets to enjoy.

Easy to use, these pet pools have a built-in garden hose attachment for convenient filling and cleaning. Not only UV resistant, the white color keeps the water cooler on hot summer days. As one of the top ten pet cooling products available, ODOB dog pools are a natural choice for beating the summer heat. Not only does it keep your pet cool, but it also makes your pet …click here to read Every Dog Needs a Bone And A Pool…