pets

Giving Your Pet a Gift? You're In Good Company

You may not find them on Santa’s list but plenty of pets will receive gifts this year. Whether they’re cats or dogs, naughty or nice, people are sharing the spirit of the season with their beloved animals.

According to a recent Associated Press-Petside.com poll, 52 percent of pet owners are planning on buying presents for their pets this holiday season, up nine percent from last year despite the economic downturn. Read more...

Despite recession, many pet-centered businesses in Lee report continued strength

Many pet owners in Lee County are still spending on their four-legged and feathered friends despite the hard economic times.

Some pet-related businesses have been hard-hit by the downturn, but others have seen revenues remain steady or even increase, and some are expanding.

The Dog Resort is about to move to a larger space that will provide more room for its cage-free boarding and day care services, and provide space for indoor training. Read more...

Clinton pet store fun for humans too

Clinton Town — Finally, a pet store that's as much fun for humans as it is for the dogs and cats.

Patty Ratner was an accountant before she opened Fur Majesty, but she said she was bored. As the proud "parent'' of a Jack Russell Terrier and a Border Terrier, she wanted to open the exciting kind of pet store she remembered from when she lived in California. Read more...

Pa. florist crafts pet-safe bouquets, gift baskets

Pittsburgh, PA—Everyone who walks through the door to Kerry S. Kennedy's shop is greeted by a dog named Lucy, because the florist is "pet friendly" in more ways than one.

The 30-pound black and tan dog never misses a day's work at K. S. Kennedy Distinctive Floral, Gift and Gourmet in Pittsburgh.

Lucy's breeding and background are a bit hazy because Kennedy rescued her from an abusive owner four years ago. The best guess is she's part miniature pinscher and part beagle and about 7 years old. Read more...

CatArt Cards Introduces Purrfect Occasions Notes

CatArt Cards has extended its line of artist-illustrated cards with Purrfect Occasions Notes. The smaller sized cards are designed for all those occasions when a special note says it all: Happy Birthday, Thinking of You, Congratulations and Thank You. Read more...

Mother, daughter blend experience, love for animals into business

For years, Teri Hoppe and her daughter, Kim Fickel have talked about opening their own business together.

Using their previous business experience and their love for animals, the duo made this a reality in launching Hearth and Hound in Grayslake. The gift shop, at 456 Barron Blvd., features seasonal home accessories, creative garden accents and a large assortment of pet gifts. Read more...

Fairhaven business owner shifts gears, starts pet gift store

Home décor is one of the toughest retail businesses to be in during this economic crunch, so Anne Kneesch has revamped her business to target a different client base - pet owners.

Kneesch, who owned Artesano's in Fairhaven for more than three years, phased out that business earlier this month and replaced it with Animal Crackers, a pet-themed gift store. It's at the same spot at 1010 Harris Ave., Suite 102. The new store offers a variety of gift options, including pet pillows, all-natural treats and some supplies, such as collars and leashes. Customers from Artesano's will recognize some of the animal-themed products Kneesch decided to stick with, including giraffe statues. Read more...

Store is one-stop shop for dog, cat lovers

All About Dogs & Cats is a supplier of pet food, equipment, toys and treats, as well as a large selection of gift items and services for dogs and cats.

"We try to specialize in quality dog and cat food ... the high-end brands that are hard to find and are more nutritional than just your average food that you can pick up in a grocery or feed store," said Addington. Read more...

Steady sales at stores keep tails wagging

The nation may be in an economic slump, but many of the pet product vendors attending the recent Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market said the pet market is holding its own.

“My December sales were the same as 2007, and my total 2008 sales were up over 2007,” said Abby Adams, who owns a pet store in Birmingham and also wholesales pet products such as collars, toys, clothing and treats.

Dion Longtin, who was selling Premier Pet Products, said his sales at the January wholesale show for retailers in Atlanta were up from his last AmericasMart show in July. Read more...

Planet Dog Announces Winners of Annual Adoption Champion Awards Program

Portland, Maine – Planet Dog is proud to announce the winners of their annual Adoption Champion Awards. As part of their ongoing campaign to encourage adoption and reduce the number of pets euthanized each year, Planet Dog created the awards program to support, encourage and reward Planet Dog retailers who "romp the extra mile" when it comes to social responsibility, philanthropy and advocacy for pet adoption. Read more...