The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) Foundation has announced the findings of a new economic study on the health care cost savings associated with pet ownership. The economic analysis, conducted by two researchers from George Mason University, calculated an US$11.7 billion savings in US health care costs as a result of pet ownership.
“There was abundant research to show that pets have a positive effect on our health, but this is the first time that anyone has looked at the impact on the US health care system,” said study co-author Terry L. Clower, PhD northern Virginia chair and professor of public policy at George Mason University’s School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs and director of its Center on Regional Analysis. “Our analysis shows that pet ownership produces meaningful savings for total health care costs in the United States.”
“Thinking about things that people should do to maintain their health, ‘get a pet’ belongs on that list,” said HABRI Executive Director Steven Feldman. “When health insurance companies are looking at wellness incentives to keep costs down, pet ownership provides another way for people to stay healthy and save money.”
The largest savings was determined based on a lower incidence of physician office visits by pet owners as compared to non-owners. According to the study, 132.8 million pet owners in the United States visit a doctor 0.6 times less than the average non-pet owners. The average cost of a physician office visit is US$139. Pet owners, in this way, were responsible for saving US$11.37 billion in US health care costs.
Additional savings were calculated for dog owners who walk their dog five or more times a week. This group, totaling more than 20 million people, shows a lower incidence of obesity, and were responsible for saving US$419 million in related health care costs.
While additional health benefits associated with pet ownership have been documented by scientific research, the economists were unable to determine specific cost data associated with those findings. Researchers looked at scientific studies showing a positive impact from pet ownership on infection control, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cholesterol, allergies, stress, blood pressure and psychological issues, and concluded that further economic data was necessary before health care savings could be calculated. According to the report, “because this analysis is limited and conservative, the health care cost savings associated with pet ownership is likely to be even greater.”
“As HABRI continues to fund human-animal bond research, we will look for ways to measure specific economic variables that measure additional health care cost savings,” Clower added.
Showing posts with label Pet ownership benefits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pet ownership benefits. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Friday, December 18, 2015
Purina: Nearly half of millennials are cat owners
Forget the stereotype of the pet-loving lady with a houseful of cats. Turns out many of today’s most passionate cat owners are millennials – nearly half of whom surveyed have a cat at home.
To better understand the relationship between young Americans and cats, Purina surveyed millennials in the United States (age range 18-34) in October 2015 and found:
Further fueling millennial enthusiasm for cat ownership is social media. Nearly 60% of millennials watch cat videos online. And – reflecting this generation’s love of sharing – half have spread cat memes online, and nearly 2 in 5 talk about their cat(s) often on social media.
Though cats seem particularly well-suited for today’s lifestyles, many of the reasons millennials love them have remained constant for millennia:
“Living alone after college, getting a cat was one of the first things on my to-do list,” said Hayley Lynes, 23, of Chicago. “I wanted the comfort of a pet but also knew I didn’t have the lifestyle to take care of a dog. I have heard so many stereotypes that cats are ‘mean’ and ‘loners,’ but my experience with my cat, Tilly, can’t be further from that – she loves to cuddle!”
To better understand the relationship between young Americans and cats, Purina surveyed millennials in the United States (age range 18-34) in October 2015 and found:
- 88% consider themselves similar to their cat, and nearly the same number say they’re “in sync” with their cat.
- 57% consider their feline friends as important as the friends in their lives, and 2 in 5 say that owning a cat means they have a new best friend.
- 86% consider their cats to be a loyal companion, and nearly 1 in 2 say they tell their cat secrets no one else knows.
Further fueling millennial enthusiasm for cat ownership is social media. Nearly 60% of millennials watch cat videos online. And – reflecting this generation’s love of sharing – half have spread cat memes online, and nearly 2 in 5 talk about their cat(s) often on social media.
Though cats seem particularly well-suited for today’s lifestyles, many of the reasons millennials love them have remained constant for millennia:
“Living alone after college, getting a cat was one of the first things on my to-do list,” said Hayley Lynes, 23, of Chicago. “I wanted the comfort of a pet but also knew I didn’t have the lifestyle to take care of a dog. I have heard so many stereotypes that cats are ‘mean’ and ‘loners,’ but my experience with my cat, Tilly, can’t be further from that – she loves to cuddle!”
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Purina showcases relationship between pets, people
From a child development expert whose pet-centric curriculum is helping rehabilitate troubled adolescents to the founder of New York City’s first cat café, Purina’s third Better With Pets Summit showcased how the relationship between pets and people enhances overall emotional wellness.
The daylong summit, which was hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian and writer, Josh Gondelman, took place at the Brooklyn Expo Center in New York City on November 3, 2015, and featured three panel discussions that examined the emotional relationship between pets and people, including the reciprocal effects both have on one another. Keynote speeches were presented by Purina senior research nutritionist Arleigh Reynolds, who has researched the dog and human bond for many years in Alaska and supports of The Frank Attla Youth Program; and author and reality television personality Carole Radziwill, who shared how pet ownership has shaped her life experiences.
The first panel at the Better With Pets Summit examined how millennials are changing the relationship between pet owners and cats. Purina revealed results at the summit from a recent survey that showed that nearly half of the 1,000 millennials surveyed own a cat and that 88 percent of cat owners consider themselves similar to their pets. The second panel provided an in-depth look at pets’ environments and the impact it may have on their stress levels, and the third panel focused on the benefits of raising pets and kids together and how it brings unique benefits that extend beyond a typical human-animal bond.
“The Purina Better With Pets Summit has become a platform where the best and the brightest in the industry meet and discuss how pets and people are better together,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, chief marketing officer for Nestlé Purina PetCare. “This year, we not only explored emotional wellness across three expert panels, but attendees had access to one-of-a-kind interactive exhibits where they experienced first-hand ways to improve pet wellness.”
New to the Better With Pets Summit this year were five educational zones which featured interactive exhibits for attendees to engage, as well as see Purina’s vast expertise in the pet wellness space and connect with Purina experts. The exhibits featured educational touchscreen displays, a dedicated room showcasing healthy environments for cats, a play lab for agility dogs with wearable technology that monitored their activity as they played, and an area where attendees can see how nutrition impacts cognition and emotional wellness in pets.
“It’s incredible to see the kind of work people are doing to enhance and strengthen the bond between pets and their owners,” Radziwill said. “As someone who has experienced the benefits of pet ownership throughout my life, I’m happy to see that Purina is leading these conversations through the Better With Pets Summit to create a better world for our pets.”
The 10 panelists included Heather Lewis, an animal arts architect who is paving the way for pet wellness through pet-centric design and architecture; Jayne Vitale, a child development expert and director of the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum, a social and emotional learning (SEL) program designed to teach empathy as a skill to adolescents; Christina Ha, the founder of Meow Parlour, the first permanent cat cafe in New York City; and Dr. Tony Buffington, a cat stress expert who has spent the majority of his career examining stress in pets and the impact it can have on health.
Purina also announced at the summit that it will donate $50,000 to The Frank Attla Youth Program, which was developed to help at-risk youth in rural Alaska gain confidence and self-esteem by adding dogs into the school curriculum and giving them an opportunity to create a unique bond with dogs, and teaching students how to care for them. The donation is part of Purina’s broader support of more than 900 pet welfare organizations each year.
The daylong summit, which was hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian and writer, Josh Gondelman, took place at the Brooklyn Expo Center in New York City on November 3, 2015, and featured three panel discussions that examined the emotional relationship between pets and people, including the reciprocal effects both have on one another. Keynote speeches were presented by Purina senior research nutritionist Arleigh Reynolds, who has researched the dog and human bond for many years in Alaska and supports of The Frank Attla Youth Program; and author and reality television personality Carole Radziwill, who shared how pet ownership has shaped her life experiences.
The first panel at the Better With Pets Summit examined how millennials are changing the relationship between pet owners and cats. Purina revealed results at the summit from a recent survey that showed that nearly half of the 1,000 millennials surveyed own a cat and that 88 percent of cat owners consider themselves similar to their pets. The second panel provided an in-depth look at pets’ environments and the impact it may have on their stress levels, and the third panel focused on the benefits of raising pets and kids together and how it brings unique benefits that extend beyond a typical human-animal bond.
“The Purina Better With Pets Summit has become a platform where the best and the brightest in the industry meet and discuss how pets and people are better together,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, chief marketing officer for Nestlé Purina PetCare. “This year, we not only explored emotional wellness across three expert panels, but attendees had access to one-of-a-kind interactive exhibits where they experienced first-hand ways to improve pet wellness.”
New to the Better With Pets Summit this year were five educational zones which featured interactive exhibits for attendees to engage, as well as see Purina’s vast expertise in the pet wellness space and connect with Purina experts. The exhibits featured educational touchscreen displays, a dedicated room showcasing healthy environments for cats, a play lab for agility dogs with wearable technology that monitored their activity as they played, and an area where attendees can see how nutrition impacts cognition and emotional wellness in pets.
“It’s incredible to see the kind of work people are doing to enhance and strengthen the bond between pets and their owners,” Radziwill said. “As someone who has experienced the benefits of pet ownership throughout my life, I’m happy to see that Purina is leading these conversations through the Better With Pets Summit to create a better world for our pets.”
The 10 panelists included Heather Lewis, an animal arts architect who is paving the way for pet wellness through pet-centric design and architecture; Jayne Vitale, a child development expert and director of the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum, a social and emotional learning (SEL) program designed to teach empathy as a skill to adolescents; Christina Ha, the founder of Meow Parlour, the first permanent cat cafe in New York City; and Dr. Tony Buffington, a cat stress expert who has spent the majority of his career examining stress in pets and the impact it can have on health.
Purina also announced at the summit that it will donate $50,000 to The Frank Attla Youth Program, which was developed to help at-risk youth in rural Alaska gain confidence and self-esteem by adding dogs into the school curriculum and giving them an opportunity to create a unique bond with dogs, and teaching students how to care for them. The donation is part of Purina’s broader support of more than 900 pet welfare organizations each year.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Purina pushes for more pets at work
More than 17 years ago, Nestlé Purina started encouraging its associates to bring their pets to work, and the program has provided many benefits for employees and their pets through the years. This year, the company celebrated national Take Your Dog to Work Day by encouraging other companies to join them in this movement and start their own pets-at-work policies.
“At Purina, we believe that pets and people are better together – whether at home or at work,” said Dr. Kurt Venator, a Purina veterinarian. “As pet lovers and owners, we are passionate about the Pets at Work movement and encourage our associates to bring their pets to work every day so they can experience the benefits, including exercise from a dog walk during lunch break or having a calming companion nearby during stressful times. This is why we see hundreds of pets at our St. Louis campus every week.”
Studies show that employees who bring pets to work have fewer signs of stress. To get a better understanding of how people felt about pets in the workplace, Purina partnered with the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine to conduct a U.S. survey in June 2015 and found among 750 respondents:
“The relationship humans and animals share is dynamic and, over the years, it has been shown that the bond can be beneficial to the well-being of both,” said Dr. Sharon Fooshee Grace, clinical professor at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Through this survey, we now have a real opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the human-animal bond and how to maximize the potential of the special relationships shared between people and pets.”
Purina is calling for other employers to join the Pets at Work movement by asking companies to pledge their intent to implement their own pets at work program. The company has developed resources to help other companies become more pet friendly, including an Employer Toolkit with tips and documents to help employers implement a pets at work program. The toolkit includes an etiquette guide, office checklist and an authorization and release form, among other helpful resources.
Purina has also provided pet lovers with their own Employee Toolkit to help encourage facility managers and employers to embrace pets in the workplace and recognize the positive impacts it can have on employees and the overall business. Employees can get access to tips, articles, printable guidelines and a petition to help make their workplace pet friendly.
“Having pets walking through our offices every day makes for a warmer, friendlier environment at Purina, and we believe it helps with our productivity,” Dr. Venator said. “We realize it won’t work for every company and every pet owner, but we encourage other companies to try it and see for themselves how bringing pets to work can be a real benefit – for pets and their owners.”
“At Purina, we believe that pets and people are better together – whether at home or at work,” said Dr. Kurt Venator, a Purina veterinarian. “As pet lovers and owners, we are passionate about the Pets at Work movement and encourage our associates to bring their pets to work every day so they can experience the benefits, including exercise from a dog walk during lunch break or having a calming companion nearby during stressful times. This is why we see hundreds of pets at our St. Louis campus every week.”
Studies show that employees who bring pets to work have fewer signs of stress. To get a better understanding of how people felt about pets in the workplace, Purina partnered with the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine to conduct a U.S. survey in June 2015 and found among 750 respondents:
- Almost two out of three employees agree pets should be allowed in the workplace if there is a general consensus among employees
- 85% of employees of companies with pets in the office say that pets-at-work policies are beneficial
- 72% of employees said their jobs do not allow pets in the workplace
- More than half of those who want pets allowed in the office are willing to spearhead efforts to make their workplaces pet friendly
“The relationship humans and animals share is dynamic and, over the years, it has been shown that the bond can be beneficial to the well-being of both,” said Dr. Sharon Fooshee Grace, clinical professor at the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Through this survey, we now have a real opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the human-animal bond and how to maximize the potential of the special relationships shared between people and pets.”
Purina is calling for other employers to join the Pets at Work movement by asking companies to pledge their intent to implement their own pets at work program. The company has developed resources to help other companies become more pet friendly, including an Employer Toolkit with tips and documents to help employers implement a pets at work program. The toolkit includes an etiquette guide, office checklist and an authorization and release form, among other helpful resources.
Purina has also provided pet lovers with their own Employee Toolkit to help encourage facility managers and employers to embrace pets in the workplace and recognize the positive impacts it can have on employees and the overall business. Employees can get access to tips, articles, printable guidelines and a petition to help make their workplace pet friendly.
“Having pets walking through our offices every day makes for a warmer, friendlier environment at Purina, and we believe it helps with our productivity,” Dr. Venator said. “We realize it won’t work for every company and every pet owner, but we encourage other companies to try it and see for themselves how bringing pets to work can be a real benefit – for pets and their owners.”
Friday, July 3, 2015
Study: Pet ownership can benefit older adults
Research published in Activities, Adaption & Aging calls for increased understanding about older adults, the relationship between pet ownership and health, and the current barriers which limit older adults’ chances to own a pet. The study, “Fostering the Human-Animal Bond for Older Adults,” goes into detail about physical and financial risks for older adult pet ownership and how it can be diminished.
Medical problems that arise with older adults, such as physical illness and emotional issues, have the potential to be mitigated by companionship of pets because it reduces social isolation and enhances physical activity. But illnesses that are often associated with aging, ranging from arthritis to diabetes, make it hard or impossible for older adults to provide routine care for their pets. Financial barriers are another issue that older pet owners face.
In the article, the researchers describe these common issues affecting older adults, particularly those living alone. They tell a story about Janet, a 75-year old obese woman who has diabetes and arthritis, but really wants a cat for company. Though she described herself as a “cat lady,” she worries about the monetary investment and the fate of the feline should she fall ill or pass away.
When asked about what sparked the study, author Keith Anderson from the University of Montana commented “As a geriatric social work researcher, I’ve always been interested in finding creative, cost effective ways to improve the lives and well-being of older adults … My co-authors direct the Veterinary Outreach Program, affiliated with The Ohio State University, which provides mobile wellness care for the pets of older adults and/or homebound residents. Our interests overlapped and we began to discuss ways in which we could link pets in shelters with older adults who may benefit from pet ownership.”
The study was funded by the WALTHAM Foundation.
The researchers found that programs are beginning to arise to overcome these obstacles. “Programs are emerging that facilitate the adoption of pets by older adults. These programs match older adults with adult shelter animals and provide support throughout the adoption and ownership processes.” Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks that these programs need to overcome, but the authors seem hopeful about finding potential solutions: “Lower-income older adults often live in buildings where there are fees and deposits associated with owning pets. We need creative solutions to address these financial barriers.”
“Future researchers should continue to explore the human-animal bond for older adult populations, particularly for those with cognitive, physical, and financial limitations. There is so much potential benefit here for both pets and potential pet owners” wrote the research team.
Medical problems that arise with older adults, such as physical illness and emotional issues, have the potential to be mitigated by companionship of pets because it reduces social isolation and enhances physical activity. But illnesses that are often associated with aging, ranging from arthritis to diabetes, make it hard or impossible for older adults to provide routine care for their pets. Financial barriers are another issue that older pet owners face.
In the article, the researchers describe these common issues affecting older adults, particularly those living alone. They tell a story about Janet, a 75-year old obese woman who has diabetes and arthritis, but really wants a cat for company. Though she described herself as a “cat lady,” she worries about the monetary investment and the fate of the feline should she fall ill or pass away.
When asked about what sparked the study, author Keith Anderson from the University of Montana commented “As a geriatric social work researcher, I’ve always been interested in finding creative, cost effective ways to improve the lives and well-being of older adults … My co-authors direct the Veterinary Outreach Program, affiliated with The Ohio State University, which provides mobile wellness care for the pets of older adults and/or homebound residents. Our interests overlapped and we began to discuss ways in which we could link pets in shelters with older adults who may benefit from pet ownership.”
The study was funded by the WALTHAM Foundation.
The researchers found that programs are beginning to arise to overcome these obstacles. “Programs are emerging that facilitate the adoption of pets by older adults. These programs match older adults with adult shelter animals and provide support throughout the adoption and ownership processes.” Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks that these programs need to overcome, but the authors seem hopeful about finding potential solutions: “Lower-income older adults often live in buildings where there are fees and deposits associated with owning pets. We need creative solutions to address these financial barriers.”
“Future researchers should continue to explore the human-animal bond for older adult populations, particularly for those with cognitive, physical, and financial limitations. There is so much potential benefit here for both pets and potential pet owners” wrote the research team.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Humans, pets united under ‘one health’ concept
A large and growing majority of U.S. pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family, and this human-animal bond is one of the most important factors behind pet owners' willingness to spend generously on pet products and services, according to Packaged Facts, a market research publisher with a diverse catalog of reports on pet products and services.
Part of the reason pet owners are spending more on their companions is because not only do they increasingly view their pets as family, but research indicates that an investment in their pets is also in many ways an investment in themselves. It's a concept that some experts in the medical industry refer to as "one health," or the idea that human health is connected to animal health and the environment.
According to Packaged Facts' Pet Owner Survey data from January 2015, three out of four dogs owners report being healthier and happier because of their canine companions: 38% strongly agree and 36% somewhat agree that their dogs have a positive impact on their physical health, and 44% strongly agree and 36% somewhat agree that their dogs have a positive impact on their mental health. The ratings for cat ownership are nearly as high: 34% of cat owners strongly agree and 31% somewhat agree that their cats have a positive impact on their physical health, and 41% strongly agree and 33% somewhat agree that their cats have a positive impact on their mental health.
There are several examples over the past several years that point to the blurring lines between products designed for humans and those designed for pets. The shift extends not only to retail products such as human grade pet food, but also to the veterinary segment.
For example, highly regarded Johns Hopkins University recently opened the Center for Image-Guided Animal Therapy. The new center allows Johns Hopkins to provide pets with many of the same advanced equipment and procedures that benefit humans, including imaging tools to diagnose pets and services involving image-guided biopsies and minimally invasive procedures. John Hopkins, renowned for its contributions to human medicine and unaffiliated with any veterinary schools, can now assist various veterinarians from outside practices who need to bring dogs, cats, and more exotic pet patients to the university for advanced diagnostic scans and therapies. The cost for these imaging procedures is no small sum for pet owners, yet it's no surprise that so many pet owners are willing to foot the bill, especially considering that spending on veterinary services overall has been on the uptick.
In the soon-to-be-released report, “U.S. Pet Market Outlook, 2015-2016,” Packaged Facts estimates that the veterinary services segment (including pet products sold through the channel) is the pet industry's second largest, with US$23 billion in revenue in 2014, up 5%. Solid growth is expected for the future, and the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the veterinary services segment from 2014-19 is projected to be 5%.
Part of the reason pet owners are spending more on their companions is because not only do they increasingly view their pets as family, but research indicates that an investment in their pets is also in many ways an investment in themselves. It's a concept that some experts in the medical industry refer to as "one health," or the idea that human health is connected to animal health and the environment.
According to Packaged Facts' Pet Owner Survey data from January 2015, three out of four dogs owners report being healthier and happier because of their canine companions: 38% strongly agree and 36% somewhat agree that their dogs have a positive impact on their physical health, and 44% strongly agree and 36% somewhat agree that their dogs have a positive impact on their mental health. The ratings for cat ownership are nearly as high: 34% of cat owners strongly agree and 31% somewhat agree that their cats have a positive impact on their physical health, and 41% strongly agree and 33% somewhat agree that their cats have a positive impact on their mental health.
There are several examples over the past several years that point to the blurring lines between products designed for humans and those designed for pets. The shift extends not only to retail products such as human grade pet food, but also to the veterinary segment.
For example, highly regarded Johns Hopkins University recently opened the Center for Image-Guided Animal Therapy. The new center allows Johns Hopkins to provide pets with many of the same advanced equipment and procedures that benefit humans, including imaging tools to diagnose pets and services involving image-guided biopsies and minimally invasive procedures. John Hopkins, renowned for its contributions to human medicine and unaffiliated with any veterinary schools, can now assist various veterinarians from outside practices who need to bring dogs, cats, and more exotic pet patients to the university for advanced diagnostic scans and therapies. The cost for these imaging procedures is no small sum for pet owners, yet it's no surprise that so many pet owners are willing to foot the bill, especially considering that spending on veterinary services overall has been on the uptick.
In the soon-to-be-released report, “U.S. Pet Market Outlook, 2015-2016,” Packaged Facts estimates that the veterinary services segment (including pet products sold through the channel) is the pet industry's second largest, with US$23 billion in revenue in 2014, up 5%. Solid growth is expected for the future, and the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the veterinary services segment from 2014-19 is projected to be 5%.
Monday, March 23, 2015
APPA: 50% more households have pets
A survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) shows 79.7 million pet-owning households, representing a 50% gain over the past two decades.
Noteworthy findings from the 2015-2016 National Pet Owners Survey include an increase in the number of new and younger pet owners. The study found that more than 10% of pet owners are new pet owners, which equates to almost 8 million new pet owners within the past year, the majority of which are Gen Y and Gen X. The survey also reports that the average length of pet ownership is shorter for some pet types than in previous studies, which is suggestive of new owners entering the marketplace.
“This is really exciting as the industry as a whole has been trying to engage Gen Y in pet ownership the way generations before them did,” said Bob Vetere, APPA president and CEO. “These numbers demonstrate huge potential for the industry to grow with up-and-coming, new pet owners.”
“This generation also likes high-tech gadgets like pet cams and electronic health monitoring collars, and convenience products to take their pets with them or care for them while they’re gone,” said Vetere. “This opens the door for innovation in products and services as well.”
One inevitable fact to come out of this year’s survey is that the historically largest population of pet owners, Baby Boomers (comprising 37% of pet owners), may be nearing the point where they are no longer able or willing to care for a pet. This may partially explain a slight decrease in overall pet ownership over the past two years.
“We knew this was coming as the generation that started the humanization and pampering of pets is aging,” said Vetere. “But, what’s important to note is that this is only one number over 20 years and is by no means indicative of a trend. In fact, the growing incidence of pet owners among the younger generations is so encouraging, we are extremely optimistic about the future of pet ownership and the industry that stands to serve those pets and their owners.”
The Survey also shows that more places of business are catering to pets. Eight percent of current pet owners report that their workplace allows pets. Twenty-eight percent of dog owners have been to a pet-friendly hotel and 9% have dined at a pet-friendly restaurant.
“The body of science validating that pets are good for us is growing with strong research in numerous areas of health,” said Vetere. “Studies now exist that show pets can help improve our cardiovascular health, improve immunity in young children and assist with therapy for autistic children and people suffering from PTSD. Our desire to take better care of our pets and the joys and benefits they provide are continuing to work together to grow pet ownership and keep this great industry strong.”
“This is really exciting as the industry as a whole has been trying to engage Gen Y in pet ownership the way generations before them did,” said Bob Vetere, APPA president and CEO. “These numbers demonstrate huge potential for the industry to grow with up-and-coming, new pet owners.”
Generational differences
According to the survey, this generation tends to pamper and spend more on their pets than their parents and grandparents. A Gen Y dog or cat owner spends more to purchase their pet; takes them to the vet more often; buys more toys, gifts and care items; and utilizes more services than Gen X, Baby Boomers and Builders.“This generation also likes high-tech gadgets like pet cams and electronic health monitoring collars, and convenience products to take their pets with them or care for them while they’re gone,” said Vetere. “This opens the door for innovation in products and services as well.”
One inevitable fact to come out of this year’s survey is that the historically largest population of pet owners, Baby Boomers (comprising 37% of pet owners), may be nearing the point where they are no longer able or willing to care for a pet. This may partially explain a slight decrease in overall pet ownership over the past two years.
“We knew this was coming as the generation that started the humanization and pampering of pets is aging,” said Vetere. “But, what’s important to note is that this is only one number over 20 years and is by no means indicative of a trend. In fact, the growing incidence of pet owners among the younger generations is so encouraging, we are extremely optimistic about the future of pet ownership and the industry that stands to serve those pets and their owners.”
Social media, businesses play a role
New data from the 2015-16 survey reveals a growing prevalence of online and social media networks used to find pets and pet products with websites, product review sites and Facebook pages leading the charge. But emerging channels including blogs, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram are gaining growth as well.The Survey also shows that more places of business are catering to pets. Eight percent of current pet owners report that their workplace allows pets. Twenty-eight percent of dog owners have been to a pet-friendly hotel and 9% have dined at a pet-friendly restaurant.
Economy no longer a factor
What no longer seems to be a factor on pet spending is the state of the economy. According to the survey, more pet owners, 74%, report they are not influenced by the economy when it comes to their pets. Furthermore, fewer pet owners report spending less money on their pet or that they did not get a pet or had to give up their pet due to economic factors. With regard to spending money on their pets, many owners report increased or consistent spending across all pet types.Pets good for our health
Another relatively new finding from this survey along with research conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI), supported in part by APPA, finds that not only do more pet owners believe pets are good for our health, so do doctors. Along with 64% of pet owners in the National Pet Owners Survey saying the health benefits of pets are important to them, according to a survey of 1,000 family doctors and general practitioners, 97% of doctors polled believe in the health benefits of pet ownership and 60% would recommend a pet to improve overall health.“The body of science validating that pets are good for us is growing with strong research in numerous areas of health,” said Vetere. “Studies now exist that show pets can help improve our cardiovascular health, improve immunity in young children and assist with therapy for autistic children and people suffering from PTSD. Our desire to take better care of our pets and the joys and benefits they provide are continuing to work together to grow pet ownership and keep this great industry strong.”
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Pets benefit human health, says survey
- 75% of those surveyed said they've seen a patient's overall health or a specific medical condition get moderately or significantly better after the patient adopted a pet.
- 87% said they've seen a patient's mood or outlook improve as a result of owning a pet.
- 84% said they talk to patients about their pets.
- 60% have recommended that a patient get a pet.
- 82% said that if medical evidence supported it, they would prescribe a pet for a patient.
A recent survey conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute has found that there are human health benefits to owning a pet. The survey interviewed 1,000 family doctors and general practitioners.
Ninety-five percent of those surveyed either own or have owned a pet, and 69% have worked in a facility that used pets to assist patient treatment or therapy. Ninety-seven percent said they believe there are health benefits to owning a pet. In addition:
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Nestlé Purina holds 2014 Better with Pets Summit
Nestlé Purina PetCare Co.’s second Better With Pets Summit, held in New York on Oct. 14, 2014, emphasized how technology and scientific advances are leading to a brighter future for pets. Speakers included 15 experts, including animal behaviorists, researchers and entrepreneurs.
"As a leader in the pet care industry, we believe it’s very important to bring together these remarkable speakers to share their knowledge of how pets deeply impact our own behaviors,” said Steve Crimmins, chief marketing officer for Nestlé Purina PetCare. "From a rocket scientist to a 14-year-old inventor, we've brought together some of the most amazing thinkers and storytellers from across cultures to showcase the many ways pets and people are better together—both today and tomorrow.”
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Royal Canin conducts New Zealand survey of cat owners
- 69% of New Zealand cat owners surveyed consider flavor to be the most important factor when buying food for cats
- 90% of cat owners don’t consider their cat’s lifestyle when selecting food
- 94% of cat owners surveyed said breed isn’t an important factor when choosing a diet
- 58% of New Zealand cat owners surveyed don’t measure the portion of food they serve their cat for each meal
- Over half of owners believe a cat tends to be overweight due to not being fed the right type of food
- 23% of cat owners surveyed said they make sure their cat gets exercise on a daily basis
- On a daily basis, 88% of cat owners are most likely to pet their cats
- On average, New Zealand cat owners believe their cats are sleeping 14.51 hours in a typical 24-hour period
- Almost all owners think their cats spend the most time sleeping during the day
- On average, New Zealand cat owners believe their cats are snacking/nibbling 4.07 times a day
Royal Canin conducted a New Zealand-wide survey asking cat owners to help shed light on the relationship they have with their pets. The survey uncovered some commonly held myths, as well as revealing insights into the eating, sleeping and other daily habits of pet cats, according to the company.
Royal Canin Veterinary Technical Consultant Mark Edwards said that while New Zealanders really do care a lot for their cats, with almost half of owners thinking about their cats’ level of happiness on a weekly basis, there were some common misconceptions around cats, especially when it comes to what to feed them. Some key survey findings included:
Royal Canin Veterinary Technical Consultant Mark Edwards said that while New Zealanders really do care a lot for their cats, with almost half of owners thinking about their cats’ level of happiness on a weekly basis, there were some common misconceptions around cats, especially when it comes to what to feed them. Some key survey findings included:
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Freshpet Fresh Start program highlights Sochi pups
“Mama and her pups were living off of scraps that people would bring as they lived on the streets,” said Kenworthy. “It’s amazing to see how much their health has improved in just a few, short months. I really started to notice a difference when I switched them over to Freshpet. They are so excited to eat and have so much energy now. I can’t even get a snack out of the fridge for myself without them standing there in front of the fridge hoping for more!”
The Sochi pups are part of the Freshpet Fresh Start program, which encourages pet parents to incorporate more fresh, all-natural food into their pets’ diets. “Every day we hear amazing stories from pet parents about how feeding fresh has drastically improved, and sometimes even saved, their pet’s life,” said Courtney Groome, Freshpet director of marketing. “The Fresh Start program invites others to give fresh a try and see the real differences it can make to your pet’s health both inside and out.”
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
PetSmart Inspiration Waggin' Tour to bring 'pet-inspired' moments to everyday life
- Los Angeles – May 9
- Phoenix – May 12
- Dallas – May 14
- Chicago – May 15
- Toronto – May 20
- New York City – May 22
PetSmart's Inspiration Waggin' Tour aims to transform everyday moments into pet-inspired ones with a six-city tour in the US and Canada.
During the tour, dogs, puppies and cats will visit retirement centers, university campuses and local spots so people "can benefit from a wagging tail and and some unconditional love to make even the most regular of days better," said PetSmart. “The purpose of the Inspiration Waggin’ tour is to bring pet-inspired moments to people across the country,” said David Lenhardt, PetSmart president and CEO. “PetSmart is all about creating more moments for people to be inspired by pets with our unique products, services and experiences, and the Inspiration Waggin’ is a great example of our commitment to this mission.”
The Inspiration Waggin' will make stops in:
During the tour, dogs, puppies and cats will visit retirement centers, university campuses and local spots so people "can benefit from a wagging tail and and some unconditional love to make even the most regular of days better," said PetSmart. “The purpose of the Inspiration Waggin’ tour is to bring pet-inspired moments to people across the country,” said David Lenhardt, PetSmart president and CEO. “PetSmart is all about creating more moments for people to be inspired by pets with our unique products, services and experiences, and the Inspiration Waggin’ is a great example of our commitment to this mission.”
The Inspiration Waggin' will make stops in:
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Purina, Urban Resource Institute create dog park in domestic violence shelter
Urban Resource Institute (URI) and Nestlé Purina PetCare hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate New York City's first-ever dog park in a domestic violence shelter, called the Purina Play Haven and Dog Park. The event marks the official expansion of URIPALS-People and Animals Living Safely-which launched in June 2013 as a pilot program to enable domestic violence survivors to enter shelter with their cats and other small animals. With the opening of the Purina Play Haven and Dog Park, URI will now be able to open its doors to families with dogs.
Sponsored by Purina, which contributed funds for the design and construction of the dog park, the Purina Play Haven and Dog Park will give families at URI's largest emergency shelter in New York City a safe and calming retreat in which to heal together. The unique dog park features a ramp, tunnel, bridge and platform for dogs to play and exercise, as well as overhead trellises to ensure the privacy and security of shelter residents.
"At Purina we share the belief that when pets and people are together, life is truly better," said Lindsey Hogan, brand manager for the Purina brand. "We're very proud to support the Urban Resource Institute and its PALS program, which is helping to keep families and pets together during difficult times."
Studies show that as many as 48% of domestic violence victims stay in abusive situations out of fear of what would happen if they left their pets behind, and more than 70% of pet owners who enter shelter report that the abuser has threatened, injured, or killed family pets. Among New York City's 50 domestic violence shelters, URI is the only one that accommodates pets.
Sponsored by Purina, which contributed funds for the design and construction of the dog park, the Purina Play Haven and Dog Park will give families at URI's largest emergency shelter in New York City a safe and calming retreat in which to heal together. The unique dog park features a ramp, tunnel, bridge and platform for dogs to play and exercise, as well as overhead trellises to ensure the privacy and security of shelter residents.
"At Purina we share the belief that when pets and people are together, life is truly better," said Lindsey Hogan, brand manager for the Purina brand. "We're very proud to support the Urban Resource Institute and its PALS program, which is helping to keep families and pets together during difficult times."
Studies show that as many as 48% of domestic violence victims stay in abusive situations out of fear of what would happen if they left their pets behind, and more than 70% of pet owners who enter shelter report that the abuser has threatened, injured, or killed family pets. Among New York City's 50 domestic violence shelters, URI is the only one that accommodates pets.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
PetSmart, Canine Companions partner to help wounded military veterans
A new partnership will help more wounded veterans get access to and information about a potentially life-changing assistance dog. PetSmart for Patriots is a joint endeavor between PetSmart and Canine Companions for Independence, in support of Canine Companions' Wounded Veterans Initiative to help partner assistance dogs with the military veterans who need them. Since 1992, Canine Companions has placed 102 assistance dogs with military veterans, with the number of dogs placed tripling since 2008. Many of those dogs have been placed with men and women who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and returned with spinal cord injuries, limb amputations and deafness.
"This program is very personal to me-as a combat veteran, I know how hard it is to come back and transition to civilian life," said Bruce Thorn, PetSmart senior vice president of store operations and services. "It is that much harder to transition when you've been injured. To be able to have a service dog who loves you unconditionally and is able to help you live a better life, is priceless."
PetSmart is teaming up with Canine Companions not only financially, but also to raise awareness of assistance dogs among veterans. In the next 6-12 months, veterans with disabilities will be able to visit any PetSmart store and learn about Canine Companions and what they need to do to get their own assistance dog. In addition, a number of patriotic-themed services in PetSmart stores will roll out in the summer of 2014 to honor the nation's brave men and women in uniform. A portion of proceeds from special grooming packages, PetsHotel services and training activities will benefit Canine Companions.
"Canine Companions is pleased to team up with PetSmart to help expand the reach of our Wounded Veterans Initiative and ensure that all dog lovers-whether they're veterans or not-are aware of the important work that assistance dogs can provide," said Corey Hudson, CEO, Canine Companions for Independence and a Navy veteran. "Over 50,000 servicemen and women in the U.S. military have been wounded since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hearing loss is the most prevalent service-related disability for military veterans and an assistance dog can significantly improve these veterans' lives."
"This program is very personal to me-as a combat veteran, I know how hard it is to come back and transition to civilian life," said Bruce Thorn, PetSmart senior vice president of store operations and services. "It is that much harder to transition when you've been injured. To be able to have a service dog who loves you unconditionally and is able to help you live a better life, is priceless."
PetSmart is teaming up with Canine Companions not only financially, but also to raise awareness of assistance dogs among veterans. In the next 6-12 months, veterans with disabilities will be able to visit any PetSmart store and learn about Canine Companions and what they need to do to get their own assistance dog. In addition, a number of patriotic-themed services in PetSmart stores will roll out in the summer of 2014 to honor the nation's brave men and women in uniform. A portion of proceeds from special grooming packages, PetsHotel services and training activities will benefit Canine Companions.
"Canine Companions is pleased to team up with PetSmart to help expand the reach of our Wounded Veterans Initiative and ensure that all dog lovers-whether they're veterans or not-are aware of the important work that assistance dogs can provide," said Corey Hudson, CEO, Canine Companions for Independence and a Navy veteran. "Over 50,000 servicemen and women in the U.S. military have been wounded since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hearing loss is the most prevalent service-related disability for military veterans and an assistance dog can significantly improve these veterans' lives."
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Online grocer FreshDirect now offering petfood, treats, supplies
Online grocer FreshDirect launched its Pet Shop page, featuring natural and national petfood brands, treats, toys and pet care options for cats and dogs. The grocer will now carry brands including Greenies, Wellness, Canidae and Natural Balance, as well as an assortment of Ellen DeGeneres' Halo products.
In addition to offering all customers 20 percent off of their first two orders from the Pet Shop, FreshDirect will donate a portion of October's Pet Shop sales to benefit Maddie's Corner. Founded by actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth in honor of her beloved Maltese, Maddie's Corner brings attention and support to animals in need and groups working on their behalf, as well as highlights the many ways animals help people and enrich lives.
In addition to offering all customers 20 percent off of their first two orders from the Pet Shop, FreshDirect will donate a portion of October's Pet Shop sales to benefit Maddie's Corner. Founded by actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth in honor of her beloved Maltese, Maddie's Corner brings attention and support to animals in need and groups working on their behalf, as well as highlights the many ways animals help people and enrich lives.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Research funded by Mars, Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition looks at benefits of animal interactions
New research studies, supported by funding from Mars and Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition, focus on how interactions with animals positively affect people's physical, mental and social well-being.
The studies focus on three areas: the impact of equine-based programs on early teens' social skills, how structured interactions with dogs impacts people with dementia, and the effect of pet ownership on social relationships and community connectedness.
The new research will be presented at the triennial meeting of the international Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations, in partnership with the annual American Veterinary Medical Association meeting, taking place July 19-23 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
The studies focus on three areas: the impact of equine-based programs on early teens' social skills, how structured interactions with dogs impacts people with dementia, and the effect of pet ownership on social relationships and community connectedness.
The new research will be presented at the triennial meeting of the international Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations, in partnership with the annual American Veterinary Medical Association meeting, taking place July 19-23 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Purina ONE dog food, Dognition to study canine intelligence
Purina ONE brand dog food is working with Dognition, the science-based service that enhances relationships between dogs and their owners, to share the Dognition Experience with Purina customers, contribute to canine research and develop educational content.
The Dognition Experience includes a range of services and benefits for dog owners, including a series of interactive games to play with their dogs, each designed to assess key dimensions of intelligence: empathy, communication, cunning, memory and reasoning. The games are based of research conducted by Dognition chief science officer, Dr. Brian Hare, director of Duke University's Canine Cognition Center.
Through the Dognition Experience, Purina ONE customers will receive a US$20-off discount to participate in a "citizen science" undertaking. Participants will contribute to the collection of data that could lead to discoveries that benefit dogs, in addition to learning about the cognitive profiles of their own dog.
“Research indicates that there are different types of animal intelligence,” said Dr. Hare. “One very effective way to measure these types of intelligence is through carefully constructed cognitive game play. When we can compare the results of those games to other dogs, we can discover each dog’s special genius.”
The data will be aggregated and evaluated by the Dognition Scientific Advisory Board, which is made up of leading canine cognition researchers. The data will make it possible to examine individual differences in behavior and intelligence as it relates to breed, age, sex, training history and a range of other important variables.
“While traditional definitions of intelligence have applied a linear approach – you’re either smart or you’re not – cognitive science has shown that there are many types of intelligence, including memory, communication and reasoning,” said Dr. Hare. “We’ve discovered that dogs use specific strategies that have made them among the most successful animals on the planet. Today we can take that broad understanding and help each individual owner uncover the special genius that their individual dog possesses.”
The Dognition Experience includes a range of services and benefits for dog owners, including a series of interactive games to play with their dogs, each designed to assess key dimensions of intelligence: empathy, communication, cunning, memory and reasoning. The games are based of research conducted by Dognition chief science officer, Dr. Brian Hare, director of Duke University's Canine Cognition Center.
Through the Dognition Experience, Purina ONE customers will receive a US$20-off discount to participate in a "citizen science" undertaking. Participants will contribute to the collection of data that could lead to discoveries that benefit dogs, in addition to learning about the cognitive profiles of their own dog.
“Research indicates that there are different types of animal intelligence,” said Dr. Hare. “One very effective way to measure these types of intelligence is through carefully constructed cognitive game play. When we can compare the results of those games to other dogs, we can discover each dog’s special genius.”
The data will be aggregated and evaluated by the Dognition Scientific Advisory Board, which is made up of leading canine cognition researchers. The data will make it possible to examine individual differences in behavior and intelligence as it relates to breed, age, sex, training history and a range of other important variables.
“While traditional definitions of intelligence have applied a linear approach – you’re either smart or you’re not – cognitive science has shown that there are many types of intelligence, including memory, communication and reasoning,” said Dr. Hare. “We’ve discovered that dogs use specific strategies that have made them among the most successful animals on the planet. Today we can take that broad understanding and help each individual owner uncover the special genius that their individual dog possesses.”
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Children with autism benefit from pets, research shows
The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative released new research showing how pets can help children with autism, after new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show one in 50 US children has autism spectrum disorder. HABRI's research found that social behaviors increase in children with autism in the presence of animals compared to toys.
Researchers examined the interactions of children with autism along with an adult and peers in the presence of two guinea pigs compared to toys. The study involved 99 children from 15 classrooms and four schools. Each group of three students was filmed and observed during three 10-minute free-play sessions with toys and three 10-minute sessions with the guinea pigs.
Participants demonstrated more social behaviors, including talking, looking at faces and making tactile contact in the presence of animals compared to toys. Participants also displayed more positive prosocial behaviors, such as smiling and laughing and less self-focused behaviors and negative affects including frowning, crying and whining while in the presence of animals compared to toys.
Researchers examined the interactions of children with autism along with an adult and peers in the presence of two guinea pigs compared to toys. The study involved 99 children from 15 classrooms and four schools. Each group of three students was filmed and observed during three 10-minute free-play sessions with toys and three 10-minute sessions with the guinea pigs.
Participants demonstrated more social behaviors, including talking, looking at faces and making tactile contact in the presence of animals compared to toys. Participants also displayed more positive prosocial behaviors, such as smiling and laughing and less self-focused behaviors and negative affects including frowning, crying and whining while in the presence of animals compared to toys.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Human health positively impacted by pet ownership, research finds
Bob Vetere, president of the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation, announced that over the past year, its online hub, HABRI Central, has collected extensive research and evidence available online for peer review in seven key areas. The Foundation identified the following seven key areas in which human health is positively impacted by animals: allergy and asthma immunity among children, Alzheimer’s, autism, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Among key findings in these seven fields, new research has shown that contact with companion animals can have physical benefits to those with post-traumatic stress disorder such as the release of oxytocin and endorphins in the brain; pets can have a protective effect for young children from allergies later in life; and patients who own a pet have a better survival rate of recovering from heart surgery.
“Research exploring the human-animal bond is still a relatively new area of study and we are pleased with the compilation and strong amount of research that has been conducted on these health issues thus far,” said Vetere. “We look forward to continuing the momentum and our commitment to supporting research in multiple fields to help solidify that pets provide people with dozens of health benefits and much more than just love and companionship.”
Vetere will discuss HABRI and its latest findings as the closing keynote speaker for Petfood Forum on April 17.
Among key findings in these seven fields, new research has shown that contact with companion animals can have physical benefits to those with post-traumatic stress disorder such as the release of oxytocin and endorphins in the brain; pets can have a protective effect for young children from allergies later in life; and patients who own a pet have a better survival rate of recovering from heart surgery.
“Research exploring the human-animal bond is still a relatively new area of study and we are pleased with the compilation and strong amount of research that has been conducted on these health issues thus far,” said Vetere. “We look forward to continuing the momentum and our commitment to supporting research in multiple fields to help solidify that pets provide people with dozens of health benefits and much more than just love and companionship.”
Vetere will discuss HABRI and its latest findings as the closing keynote speaker for Petfood Forum on April 17.
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