<p>1. The pet business is a growth industry, with Americans spending a lot on their favorite animals. Business Week Magazine reports that 63 percent of US households own at least one pet.</p> <p>2. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), cats are the most numerous, though there are more households with dogs. Small animals, such as gerbils or hamsters, are third, followed by fish, birds, and reptiles.</p> <p>3. The consumer market for pets, including different services, care and products, exceeds 71 million US households. The pet industry has doubled from a decade ago, and is expected to keep growing.</p> <p>4. The APPMA reports that in 2007, US consumers spent $41.2 billion on pets, and projects 2008 spending at $43.3 billion.</p> <p>5. Pet food is expected to reach $16.9 billion in sales, followed by veterinary care at 10.9 billion. Pet supplies and over-the-counter medication, such as flea treatments, will amount to $10.3 billion.</p> <p>6. People will spend about $2.1 billion to actually buy pets, and then $3.2 billion on grooming and boarding them.</p> <p>7. According to the US Census bureau, the average establishment in the pet industry is a small business, with nine or less employees, providing pet services. Veterinary services had the biggest share of this market. Pet and pet supply stores employed one fifth of the industry&rsquo;s workers.</p> <p>8. A wide variety of different pet franchises and businesses that have come into existence to cater to pet owners. These range from traditional pet and pet supply retail stores, to specialized boarding facilities, to professional grooming, and even poop disposal.</p> <p>9. For those who want to own a pet-related business, there are many options to choose from and a high success rate, especially for franchise businesses, because Americans love their pets and will continue to spend money for all types of services and products to make their animals happy and healthy.</p> http://www.franchisedirect.com/rss/2/18/feed.xml en-us Delight pet owners with your mobile pet photography business! Work from home, flexible hours, protected territory. http://www.franchisedirect.com/petfranchises/lil-pals-pet-photography-franchise-07321/ The Zoom Room Dog Agility Training Center &amp; Canine Social Club is loved by dogs and their owners alike. Great pet franchise... http://www.franchisedirect.com/petfranchises/zoom-room-franchise-07214/ Sit, stay and learn what makes Three Dog Bakery such a doggone good idea. A retail franchise selling food treats loved by dogs... http://www.franchisedirect.com/petfranchises/three-dog-bakery-franchise-07048/ A pet care franchise with a low cost of entry and high profitability potential. High name recognition, total process support. http://www.franchisedirect.com/petfranchises/pawspa-resort-franchise-06613/ Partner with the #1 franchise in the Mobile Pet Grooming industry. Work from home, cash-based recession-resistant business. http://www.franchisedirect.com/petfranchises/aussie-pet-mobile-franchise-06557/ Partner with the largest franchised specialty pet supply retailer in the U.S. in a $40 billion industry. http://www.franchisedirect.com/petfranchises/pet-supplies-plus-franchise-06512/ Make a difference in someone’s life with a home-based business selling the one thing that every pet owner needs. http://www.franchisedirect.com/petfranchises/return-a-pet-06330/ Get connected with the second fastest growing industry in America. Put everyone in touch with the pet industry with Pet Pages. http://www.franchisedirect.com/directory/petpages/6295/ Create your own successful pet care franchise with our unique pet service business model. We will show you how... http://www.franchisedirect.com/directory/waggintailz/6001/ Invest in a remarkable retail opportunity for Pet lovers! Unique pet foods franchise, fantastic benefits... http://www.franchisedirect.com/directory/globalpetfoods/5552/ If you love animals and enjoy working with people, this retail pet franchise could be the perfect franchise opportunity for you! http://www.franchisedirect.com/directory/petdepot/5111/ Preppy Pet Suites is the only Pet Boarding and Doggie Daycare franchise ranked in the 2009 Franchise Top 500... http://www.franchisedirect.com/directory/preppypetsuites/2607/ Top dogs wanted! If you are passionate about business and dogs, this is one of the most exciting pet franchises you will find. http://www.franchisedirect.com/directory/barkbusters/43/