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America's Pet Owners - US - September 2011

America's Pet Owners - US - September 2011

Pets come in all shapes and sizes, but the one seeming constant is the bond between pets and their owners. In fact, 76% of dog/cat owners consider their canine/feline companions to be part of the family (see Feelings About Pets section). This closeness creates marketing and sales opportunities that go far beyond basics such as food to include apparel, toys, treats, vet care, grooming, boarding, and other pet-related items. Collectively, the pet industry is expected to generate $50.8 billion in total U.S. 2011 spending, according to American Pet Products Association (APPA) figures. In fact, this will represent a new high for the industry, as the market has consistently posted annual gains during 2002-11. The industry’s ability to grow despite a tough economy demonstrates its ability to weather one of the country’s worst recessions in history, as well as speaks to owners’ commitment to their pets and manufacturers’ ability to develop products that resonate with pet owners. Mintel expects the industry to maintain a steady pace of growth, increasing by 33% over the next five years to reach $67.7 billion in 2016.

Some questions answered in the report include:

  • What are the most popular pet types, and how do owners’ attitudes toward their pets influence their buying behavior?
  • What types of services are pet owners currently taking advantage of, and which show the most potential for growth in the future?
  • What are some of the key marketing challenges facing the pet food industry?
  • How are pet industry manufacturers tapping into the close bond between pets and their owners in terms of marketing strategies, both in the traditional and social media space?
  • How much of an impact has the recession and slow economic recovery had on the pet industry?


£2,534.48

This report builds on the analysis presented in Mintel’s America’s Pet Owners—U.S., November 2009. While exploring the market from a different perspective, this report is a companion to the analysis presented in Pet Food—U.S., August 2011 and August 2010, as well as Pet Supplies—U.S., September 2011 and August 2010. Readers may also be interested in Mintel’s Pet Food and Supplies—U.S., July 2009, August 2008, August 2007, February 2006, and previous reports from 2005, 2004, 2002, and 2001.

This report primarily covers owners of household pets including cats and dogs, as these represent the vast majority of pets owned. Where relevant, other pets are discussed.

This report includes limited information on the sales of pet foods and supplies in order to provide context, but focuses on the pet owners themselves, exploring their characteristics, demographics, traits, attitudes, and behaviors.


Scope and Themes


What you need to know


Definition

Data sources


Sales data

Consumer survey data

Advertising creative

Abbreviations and terms


Abbreviations

Terms

Executive Summary


Pets making themselves at home


Children and pets often go together


Pets as surrogate children


Pet food prices expected to rise in second half of 2011


Pet innovations mirroring human market


Purina is top dog in terms of marketing support


Pet owner profile


Pet owners’ attitudes and behaviors


Insights and Opportunities


Pet insurance coverage limited, but offers growth potential


Dog parks as a marketing platform


Incorporating pet-friendly features into home designs


Marketing sponsorships of pet events


Pet monitors may be worth keeping an eye on


Inspire Insights


Trend: Snack Society


Trend: Totophobia


Pet Industry Total Expenditures and Forecast


Key points


Pet industry’s annual gains a pretty good trick considering economy


Figure 1: Total U.S. pet industry expenditures, at current prices, 2006-16

Figure 2: Total U.S. pet industry expenditures, at inflation-adjusted prices, 2006-16

Fan chart forecast


Figure 3: Total U.S. pet industry expenditures and fan chart forecast with best/worst case scenarios, at current prices, 2006-16

Breakdown of total U.S. pet industry expenditures


Figure 4: Total U.S. pet industry expenditures, by segment, 2010-11

Pet food market growth is modest but steady


Figure 5: Total U.S. sales and forecast of pet food, at current prices, 2006-11

Pet supplies market posting small annual gains


Figure 6: Total U.S. sales and forecast of pet supplies, at current prices, 2006-16

Market Drivers


Key points


Pets living longer lives


Households with children present large target audience


Figure 7: Families, by presence of own children younger than 18 in household, 1950-2010

Some young adults opting for pets instead of children


Figure 8: U.S. birthrate, 2003-11

Marketing Challenges


Key points


Huge pet food recall requires rebuilding of brands and trust


Pet products are actually marketed to humans


Expected rise in pet food prices may be hard to swallow


Figure 9: Real disposable income, 2007-11*

Switches in pet’s diet can lead to stomach upset


Pet Ownership in America


Key points


Pet ownership at all-time high


Figure 10: Average annual dog/cat expenses, 2011

Pet ownership going to the dogs


Fish are a good catch in terms of pet numbers

Figure 11: Number of U.S. households that own a pet and number of pets, 2011

Southern hospitality extends to pet ownership


Figure 12: adults with pets, by region, 2007 and 2011

Higher education levels showing increase in pet ownership


Figure 13: adults with pets, education level, 2007 and 2011

Innovations and Innovators


Overview


Functional pet foods


Premium/indulgent pet food and treats


Lifestyle pet products


Pet-friendly vehicle features appeal to dog owners


Company Profiles and Marketing Strategies


Key points


Nestlé Purina PetCare Company


Purina online

Brand analysis: Purina

Figure 14: Brand analysis of Purina

Pedigree


Pedigree online

Brand analysis: Pedigree

Figure 15: Brand analysis of Pedigree

Bayer HealthCare Animal Division


Bayer HealthCare Animal Division online

Brand analysis: Bayer HealthCare Animal Division

Figure 16: Brand analysis of Bayer HealthCare animal division

TV presence


Overview

Fancy Feast

Figure 17: Fancy Feast “the best ingredient is love,” April 2011

Travelers Insurance

Figure 18: Travelers Insurance, “It’s better under the Umbrella,” 2011

Claritin D allergy medication

Figure 19: Claritin D, “Live Claritin Clear,” September 2010

Hoover Max Extract

Figure 20: Hoover Max Extract, “Superior Cleaning,” January 2011

3M Scotch Lint Roller

Figure 21: 3M Scotch Lint Remover, “The Sticky Experts,” April 2010

Pet Types and Number in Household


Key points


Pet owners make room for multiple animals in their homes


Figure 22: Type and number of pets in household, May 2011

Figure 23: Type and number of pets in household, by age, May 2011

Dogs are the most common type of pet


Figure 24: Type and number of pets in household, by dog/cat ownership, May 2011

Compared to renters, homeowners more likely to have cats or dogs


Figure 25: Dog and cat ownership by residence type, February 2010-march 2011

Source and Selection of Most Recently Acquired Pet


Key points


Shelters/rescue groups are primary source for dogs and cats


Figure 26: Source of most recently acquired dog or cat, by dog/cat owners, May 2011

Specific breed much more important to dog owners than cat owners


Figure 27: Selection of most recently acquired pet, by dog/cat owners, May 2011

Men more likely than women to focus on specific dog breed


Figure 28: Selection of most recently acquired dog, by gender, May 2011

Figure 29: Selection of most recently acquired dog, by age, May 2011

Figure 30: Selection of most recently acquired dog, by household income, May 2011

Size of Dog Owned by Household


Key points


Size does matter—when it comes to dogs


Figure 31: Sizes of dogs owned by household, by gender, May 2011

As owners grow older, dogs grow smaller


Figure 32: Sizes of dogs owned by household, by age, May 2011

Figure 33: Sizes of dogs owned by household, by household income, May 2011

Dogs—Household Freedoms and Services


Key points


Dogs often considered part of the family


Figure 34: Household treatment/care, by gender, May 2011

Older owners afford dogs their freedom


Figure 35: Household treatment/care, by age, May 2011

Lower-income household dogs are roughing it outdoors


Figure 36: Household treatment/care, by household income, May 2011

Dog-related products and services have room for growth


Figure 37: Dog products and services used, by gender, May 2011

Younger dog owners’ interest in pet insurance spells growth for future


Figure 38: Dog products and services used, by age, May 2011

Wealthier dog owners splurging on services


Figure 39: Dog products and services used, by household income, May 2011

Dogs—Veterinarian Visits


Key points


Dog owner’s age and income impacts frequency of vet visits


Figure 40: Frequency of taking dog to the vet, by key demographics, May 2011

Yellow Pages veterinarian searches comparable to other medical and professional services


Figure 41: Referred to Yellow pages in the last 12 months, by dog/cat owners, February 2010-March 2011

Figure 42: Yellow pages services referred to in the last 12 months, by dog/cat owners, February 2010-March 2011

Dogs—Current Use and Interest in Pet Services


Key points


Kitchens going to the dogs


Figure 43: Dog services use and interest, May 2011

Younger dog owners most interested in pet-friendly amenities


Figure 44: Dog services use and interest, by age, May 2011

Figure 45: Dog services use and interest, by household income, May 2011

Looking for dog perks in the city


Figure 46: Dog services use and interest, by urban area, May 2011

Attitudes and Behaviors Toward Pets


Key points


Pet’s health condition is critical to owners


Figure 47: Attitudes and behaviors toward pets, by dog/cat owners, May 2011

Dog owners’ attitudes and behaviors


Figure 48: Attitudes and behaviors toward dogs, by gender, May 2011

Increased awareness of own health among older owners transfers to dogs


Figure 49: Attitudes and behaviors toward dogs, by age, May 2011

Figure 50: Attitudes and behaviors toward dogs, by household income, May 2011

Cat owners’ attitudes and behaviors


Figure 51: Attitudes and behaviors toward cats, by gender, May 2011

Figure 52: Attitudes and behaviors toward cats, by household income, May 2011

Feelings About Pets


Key points


Dogs and cats are considered part of the family


Figure 53: Feelings about pets, by dog/cat owners, May 2011

Pet owners tend to be satisfied with their lives


Figure 54: Effect of pet ownership on happiness, by dog/cat owners, February 2010-March 2011

Pet owners’ feelings about their dogs


Figure 55: Feelings about dogs, by gender, May 2011

Figure 56: Feelings about dogs, by age, May 2011

Figure 57: Feelings about dogs, by household income, May 2011

Pet owners’ feelings about their cats


Figure 58: Feelings about cats, by gender, May 2011

Figure 59: Feelings about cats, by household income, May 2011

Impact of Race and Hispanic Origin


Key points


Black pet ownership tends to be lower than other races/ethnicities


Figure 60: Type and number of pets in household, by race/Hispanic origin, May 2011

Whites favor larger dogs


Figure 61: Sizes of dogs owned by household, by race/Hispanic origin, May 2011

Whites tend to give dogs more freedom around the house


Figure 62: Household treatment/care, by race/Hispanic origin, May 2011

Blacks more interested in dog products/services


Figure 63: Dog products and services used, by race/Hispanic origin, May 2011

Hispanics most interested in pet-friendly accommodations


Figure 64: Dog services use and interest, by race/Hispanic origin, May 2011

Hispanics enjoy the fun side of dog ownership


Figure 65: Attitudes and behaviors toward dogs, by Hispanic origin, May 2011

Cluster Analysis


Dog=animal


Characteristics

Opportunity

Dog=child


Characteristics

Opportunity

Dog=companion


Characteristics

Opportunity

Cluster characteristic tables


Figure 66: Dog owner clusters, May 2011

Figure 67: Source of most recently acquired dog, by dog owner clusters, May 2011

Figure 68: Sizes of dogs owned by household, by dog owner clusters, May 2011

Figure 69: Household treatment/care, by dog owner clusters, May 2011

Figure 70: Dog products and services used, by dog owner clusters, May 2011

Figure 71: Frequency of taking dog to the vet, by dog owner clusters, May 2011

Figure 72: Feelings about pets, by dog owner clusters, May 2011

Cluster demographic tables


Figure 73: Dog owner clusters, by gender, May 2011

Figure 74: Dog owner clusters, by age, May 2011

Figure 75: Dog owner clusters, by household income, May 2011

Figure 76: Dog owner clusters, by race, May 2011

Cluster methodology


Custom Consumer Groups


Key points


Presence of children a big influence on pet ownership


Figure 77: Type and number of pets in household, by marital status and presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 78: Sizes of dogs owned by household, by marital status and presence of children in household, May 2011

Parents less likely to choose their dog, more likely to acquire it as a “gift”


Figure 79: Selection of most recently acquired dog, by marital status and presence of children in household, May 2011

Cats received as gifts/chosen by someone else one third of the time


Figure 80: Selection of most recently acquired cat, by marital status and presence of children in household, May 2011

Dogs in childless households have more freedom to roam


Figure 81: Household treatment/care, by marital status and presence of children in household, May 2011

Married and childless owners more likely to pamper their dogs


Figure 82: Dog products and services used, by marital status and presence of children in household, May 2011

Unmarried owners want perks for their pets


Figure 83: Dog services use and interest, by marital status and presence of children in household, May 2011

Childless owners “parent” their pets


Figure 84: Attitudes and behaviors toward dogs, by marital status and presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 85: Feelings about dogs, by marital status and presence of children in household, May 2011

Appendix—Other Useful Consumer Tables


Type of pets in household


Figure 86: Type and number of pets in household, by marital status by presence of children in household, May 2011

Sizes of dog(s) household owns


Figure 87: Sizes of dogs owned by household, by marital status by presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 88: Sizes of dogs owned by household, by urban area, May 2011

Selection of most recently acquired pet


Figure 89: Selection of most recently acquired dog, by marital status by presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 90: Selection of most recently acquired dog, by urban area, May 2011

Figure 91: Selection of most recently acquired cat, by marital status by presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 92: Selection of most recently acquired cat, by urban area, May 2011

Dogs’ household freedom


Figure 93: Household treatment/care, by marital status by presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 94: Household treatment/care, by urban area, May 2011

Dog products and services


Figure 95: Dog products and services used, by marital status by presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 96: Dog products and services used, by urban area, May 2011

Dog frequency of vet visits


Figure 97: Frequency of taking dog to the vet, by marital status/presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 98: Frequency of taking dog to the vet, by urban area, May 2011

Dog services use and interest


Figure 99: Dog services use and interest, by marital status by presence of children in household, May 2011

Attitudes and behaviors toward dogs


Figure 100: Attitudes and behaviors toward dogs, by marital status by presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 101: Attitudes and behaviors toward dogs, by urban area, May 2011

Feelings about dogs


Figure 102: Feelings about dogs, by marital status by presence of children in household, May 2011

Figure 103: Feelings about dogs, by urban area, May 2011

Appendix—Trade Associations


  • AAA
  • American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
  • American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc.
  • Bayer Corporation
  • Bureau of Economic Analysis
  • Facebook, Inc.
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., The
  • Google, Inc.
  • Harley Davidson, Inc
  • Hartz Mountain Corporation
  • Hoover Ltd
  • Los Angeles Times
  • Mars Incorporated
  • Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.
  • National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR)
  • National Football League Inc.
  • Nestlé Purina Petcare Company
  • Nestlé S.A.
  • Panasonic Corporation of North America
  • Pet Food Institute (PFI)
  • Pet Industry Distributors Association
  • Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)
  • PETCO Animal Supplies Stores, Inc.
  • PetSmart, Inc
  • Royal Canin Usa, Inc
  • Taco Bell Corp.
  • Tesco Plc
  • Twitter, Inc.
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • U.S. Bureau of the Census
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • US Department of Commerce
  • USA Network
  • USA Today
  • Walmart Stores (USA)
  • Walt Disney Company, The
  • Whiskas
  • Yellow Pages Association
  • YouTube, Inc.
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