Released on: December 11, 2007, 6:00 pm

Press Release Author: K9Kloud9.com

Industry: Retail

Press Release Summary: With the pet industry continuing to spiral upwards it is no
surprise that the Christmas season becomes a focal point for retail sales. Times
have changed and for the better when it comes to our pets.

Press Release Body: Holiday Spending on Family includes an Increasing Number of
Purchases for Pets

By Ann-Marie Fleming, Founder of www.K9Kloud9.com
December 2007

With the pet industry continuing to spiral upwards it is no surprise that the
Christmas season becomes a focal point for retail sales. Times have changed and for
the better when it comes to our pets. Pets are no longer placed on restriction while
the tree is covered with ornaments and presents are scattered underneath; instead
families may find that a considerable amount of space has been taken up by gifts for
their animal companions.

Pets, especially dogs and cats, have become a key member of today's family, a shift
that has been credited to the growing number of empty nesters, dual-income couples
that are without children and a larger percentage of singles, all creating an
increase in disposable income.

According to a recent survey taken by Harris Interactive®, 88% of pet owners state
that their pet is a member of their family, with dog owners coming in a bit higher
than cat owners on this admission. This is an important number especially when you
consider that almost two-thirds of all families own a pet. The survey also revealed
that over two-thirds (69%) of pet owners let their pets sleep in the bed with them,
further evidence of the humanization factor.

The growing rate of inclusion of pets in today's family has been undoubtedly fueling
the demand for pet care, services and products for their four legged friends. In
fact total spending for 2007 has been estimated at over $40 billion in the United
States by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), up more than
$2 billion from the previous year; in Canada, pet spending is over $4 billion.

Contributing to the rise in overall spending is that pet owners are buying a higher
quality of pet food, they are more concerned with the overall well-being of their
family member and are therefore spending more on healthcare, and with increased
disposable incomes combined with the sense of family, owners are also spending
billions on pet clothing.

The trend towards dressing one's dog is not necessarily a new phenomenon, but the
intensity of this shift is definitely growing. Owner's are now able to combine the
practical with the fashionable as they build a wardrobe filled with stylish coats,
hoodies, dresses, t-shirts, shoes and jewelry. Some are going as far as adding wigs
to this ensemble. Prices for such items can range from the reasonable to the
affluent and many degrees in-between.

The pet fashion industry has taken off evidenced by the growing number of pet
fashion shows such as Pet Fashion Week in New York and events such as Woofstock held
in Toronto, Ontario that generate considerable buzz and often reveal the new trends
for the upcoming year. Many of the popular styles are mirrors of 'hot' human
fashions and provide selections for all occasions such as casual park visits,
birthday parties, formal dining and even weddings.

Dogs no longer have to depend on mere shells to keep the rain off or the cold out,
they can opt to go with a camouflage hoodie, a faux leather bomber jacket, or a
winter parka among others. For those hot summer days perhaps a sundress is in order
or a lightweight t-shirt to show their personality. Whatever the occasion there is
an outfit that is a perfect match for owner and dog alike.

This Christmas retail sales are expected to get a serious boost from this trend with
spending estimated to reach over $3 billion in the U.S. alone. It is no longer just
about buying a Santa Coat or reindeer antlers for their animals, but about treating
and spoiling their pets as they would their own children. If you ask most owners how
their pets feel about all of this attention, most of them will tell you that they
love it and why wouldn't they? They get to be in the spotlight, they get to be
pampered and they are accepted as a full member of the family, giving a whole new
meaning to the term 'it's a dog's life'.

About K9 Kloud9:
Love Your Dog at www.K9Kloud9.com! K9 Kloud9 is a Canadian online dog fashion
retailer with a stylish selection of dog coats, shirts, dresses, jewelry, harnesses,
collars, leashes, carriers and various dog accessories from around the world. Shop
in English and en Español for teacup, toy, mid and large breed sizes and styles. You
will also find valuable information through our dog stories, articles, forum, blog
and extensive global directories listing dog breeders, rescues, pet-friendly
destinations and dog insurance providers and even dog names. Or browse our online
dog classifieds for puppies, products, services, events, adoptions, jobs and more.

For Comments or Questions: afleming@k9kloud9.com
©Copyright K9 Kloud9 Creations 2007


Web Site: http://www.k9kloud9.com

Contact Details: K9Kloud9.com
465 56th Street, Unit B
Delta, B.C.
V4L 1Z5
Canada