Dog may be man’s best friend. But a pet’s best friend might just be your credit card.
Americans spent $36.3 billion on their pets last year, and experts expect that to grow to $38.4 billion by the end of 2006, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.
The average dog owners last year spent more than $200 each on treats, toys and grooming for their canine pals, the association reported, based on findings in a different survey. In contrast, cat owners spent an average of less than $100.
As brand-name corporations like Ralph Lauren, cosmetics mogul Paul Mitchell and even Harley-Davidson move into the battle, multitudes of items have been created to make sure your critter is the hippest on the block. Here are just a few of the products available:
Aquariass
Pet set: Fish
Description: The gimmicky 22-by-14-by-9-inch tank reverses the typical owner-watches-pet scenario. It fits most standard toilet bowls, while keeping the fish safe from the related whirlpool.
Price: $1,100
Where to buy: urbanpeel.com
PetsCELL
Pet set: Anything the band fits
Description: Let the gab-fest begin. This bone-shaped, voice-enabled, waterproof GPS cell phone, collar attachment helps keep your pet on an electronic leash. Owners, using a cell phone, can dial the pet’s number, and the device automatically answers. A “call owner” button on the device lets a good Samaritan contact you if the pet is ever lost. You also can purchase add-on programs that allow the device to alarm your pet if he strays outside a programmable area.
Price: $400 plus $10 to $20 monthly monitoring fee
Where to buy: petsmobility.com
Helmet and Doggles
Pet set: Dogs
Description: Zoomer, the helmet and goggle set, is perfect for protecting dogs riding in the wind. The helmet is available in various sizes and comes in white and black. Doggles–swim goggles for the road–are a bit more whimsical in their princess pink to skull-and-crossbones designs.
Prices: Helmet $16.95; Doggles $19.95
Where to buy: zoomergear.com
AntWorks Habitat
Pet set: Ants
Description: A clear, non-toxic blue gel allows owners to see their ants inside the AntWorks Habitat. The gel also is laden with nutrients so that additional water and light are not necessary. Ants also are available for $9.75.
Price: $29.99
Where to buy: antworkstoys.com
Zing: For an extra $12.95, an add-on accessory illuminates the blue gel from behind, making the busy workers visible all night long.
Flight Suits
Pet set: Birds
Description: The reusable bird diapers come in a variety of designs, including a tropical print, a silver hologram design and a sparkly red number. The full-body jumpsuit fits snuggly with elastic straps, and the comfy, breathable fabric protects your bird.
Price: $19.99 plus additional sizing fees
Where to buy: flightquarters.com
