Despite Tough Economy, Americans Remain Loyal To Their Pets (NAPSA)—Americans love their pets and will do what they can to keep their faithful companions happy and healthy—whatever state the economyis in. That’s what a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association found. The study revealed that: The current economic situation has hadlittle negative impact on their decision to own a pet, according to 70 percent of Amer- ica’s pet owners. In fact, more than 80 percent of pet owners report that they have not changed their spending patterns and continue to spend the sameontheir pet during these times. Even 62 percent of horse owners, one of the most costly pets to maintain, report that the economy has not influenced their pet ownership. In fact, 5 percent of horse owners reported spending more on their pet during this sametime. Interestingly, even those households with income levels under $25K and between $25 and $50K report that to a large degree—57 percent and 67 percent, respectively—their ownership levels have remained unchanged despite the economy. Bob Vetere. “This goes to show the strength of the human-animal bond and the joys that can be realized through responsible pet ownership. This is the primary reason that the pet industry continues to remain Evenin the toughestof times, pet ownership continues to rise. Americans turn to their pets for love, support, stress relief and moodtherapy. While the pet sector enjoyed a steady stream of spending, American pet owners compensated by reducing spending on other household andleisure items. Across the board, there was a reported decline in spending on activities including movies, plays, muse- ums, sporting events, travel, dining and even shopping. These findings suggest that Americanswill readily perform an actof self-sacrifice and reallocate their dollars to maintain the quality of life of their pet. “This information further demonstrates that pet owners will continue to cut back in their personal lives before scaling back on their fourlegged friends,” said APPA President strong.” It’s a fact: Even in the toughest of times, pet ownership is on the rise as Americans continuetheir love affair with their pets. In good times and in bad, Americansturn to their pets for support, consolation, love, stress relief and mood therapy. After all, who needsa prescription antidepressant whenyourpetis standing at the ready to warm yourheart and generate a smile? The American Pet Products Association (APPA) is the leading not-for-profit trade association, serving the interests of the pet products industry since 1958. APPA membership includes nearly 1,000 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers representing both large corporations and growing businessenterprises. APPA’s mission is to promote, develop and advance pet ownership and the pet products industry and to provide the services necessary to help its members prosper. Visit www.americanpetproducts. org for more information.
