Pet Care Goes Green

Consumers spent $527 million last year on making their pets smell sweet, without using chemicals

You knew it was just a matter of time. There are doggy dietary supplements and organic kitty kibble, so why not a natural pet shampoo, conditioner or flea spray? A host of companies have developed chemical-free grooming products for all types of pets, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, ferrets and even horses. “People spend enough time and money researching and buying natural personal care for themselves; it makes sense they would do the same for their pets,” says Nate Camuti, national sales manager for Nevada City, Calif.-based V’tae Parfum & Body Care. “Have you seen how much money people are spending on pets today?” The answer: plenty. San Francisco-based market research firm SPINS reports that between February 2003 and February 2004, sales of pet food and pet care products in natural foods stores increased 19.5 percent to $25.2 million. And in a report released earlier this year, Packaged Facts noted that the number of new pet products labeled natural or organic almost doubled in 2003, and another 500 products hit the market in 2004. The report, “Market Trends: Natural, Organic and Eco-Friendly Pet Products,” chronicles $527 million in sales of natural and organic food and nonfood supplies for pets in 2004.

Comments

[Marlene Affeld]

It is encouraging to see that more and more people are being aware of the environment and making eco-friendly choices in their pet products. Together we can make a difference.