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Kari Campbell's Dog Tired Doggie Daycare is filled to capacity soon after opening. Campbell is expanding to a second facility.
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In these times of economic uncertainty, consumers are more cautious with their spending. Still, even during these lean times, it appears people's money is going to the dogs.
Doggie daycare, organic pet treats, peanut butter pupcakes and custom handmade collars with designs ranging from fire hydrants to daisies, are just a few examples of what pet owners are continuing to buy despite economic concerns.
The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association reports U.S. owners spent $41 billion on their pets last year and that number is expected to grow.
“People get so much enjoyment out of pampering their pets that what they receive out of spending on them really makes them happy,” said Tierra Bonaldi, a spokeswoman for the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
The robust pet industry is a pleasant surprise to Anchorage business owner Kari Campbell, who runs Dog Tired Doggie Daycare. Campbell anticipated clients would cut back on spending for daycare because of the rising cost of living in Alaska, but said that hasn't been the case. In fact, Campbell said her current facility is at capacity with 60 dogs a day, and she's adding a second daycare.
“A lot of it just deals with the fact that when people get home and they've got a long day at work that they are trying to wind down from, they don't want to have to deal with that overly energetic dog. They may cut back on their Starbucks everyday and not cut back on their doggie daycare,” she said.
Many of the same things exist at a dog daycare that one would find at a daycare for children. Playtime, toys, soothing music, naps, lunch and water breaks are all part of the routine. At the end of the day, staff gives report cards to owners outlining their dog's specific activities, favorite companions and behaviors.
Cost is $27 for a full day and $17 for a half day. Customer Shelli Cutting owns an 8- month-old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog named Bella, who is expected to reach up to 130 pounds as an adult. Cutting drops Bella off daily and said spending on daycare is a necessary expense.
“She just needs a lot of exercise, so we decided that the best way she got everything she needed was to be at daycare every day,” she said. “It would seem really cruel to leave her at home all day. I can't even imagine now what life is like without daycare.”
Campbell said dog daycares are gaining popularity because breeders and animal experts are stressing the importance of exercise and socialization for dogs. Campbell said her daycare filled to capacity within months after opening three years ago because clients are realizing it is a necessity rather than a luxury.
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Two puppies lounge after a hard day at play.
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“I think everyone is feeling the stress of the decline in the economy and how that is affecting their own households, but the way they are picking and choosing it seems to be the things they can eliminate from their budget that is not going to have the biggest hit on their lifestyle,” she said. “Daycare is one thing that has been such a relief for people because of that exercise outlet or energy outlet that it gives.”
Julie Clem of the Alaska Leash Co. also anticipated a dip in sales due to the economy, but said business is good so far. Clem fills orders locally, nationally and internationally for her handmade leashes and collars.
“I did the Made in Alaska show the first part of September. I went in with reasonable and somewhat low expectations thinking maybe it would be down, but my sales from last year were not down,” she said.
Customers can choose from several different styles of leashes and from various custom patterns for collars. In addition to retail and Internet sales, Clem wholesales her products to Alaska Mill and Feed, vet clinics in Southeast Alaska, gift shops and pet boutiques.
“I continue to have new wholesale accounts come in. I have online sales that continue to grow. I have repeat customers calling,” she said. “It has not been my experience that the sky is falling and that sales are falling.”
The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association also reports an increase in spending on gift items and treats for pets, a niche that is proving profitable for Chelsey Homan.
Homan, a college student at the University of Alaska Anchorage, is founder of Doggy Decadents. She launched the business more than a year ago making pet treats in her parent's kitchen. Salmon cheddar bites, polar bear cookies and gourmet cakes for dogs are a few examples of her specialty products.
Homan initially got the word out about Doggie Decadents by giving free samples away at events, pet stores and to friends. Word spread quickly and now Homan sells her products to local pet boutique Paw Prince, Alaska Mill and Feed, Country Canine and Valley Canine Camp. Her products will soon be on sell at the Pet Zoo in Anchorage, Eagle River and Wasilla.
“Business is good,” she said. “I've found that with my products, there are enough people out there willing to spend the money to keep me very busy.”
Sales related to pet care don't appear to be letting up anytime soon. The manufacturers association anticipates spending will top $43 billion this year. Spokeswoman Tierra Bonaldi said the organization finds most people consider pets as part of the family and many owners even opt to go without things for themselves before skimping on their furry friends.
“In this economic climate, people are really looking for ways to be happy and pets provide that comfort,” she said.
