Carlton, VIC -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/17/2014 -- After proving itself recession proof, the pet industry will continue its upward growth trend at 4% per year through 2018, expecting an overall expenditure of US$67.56 billion (AUD 78.51 billion). This figure is calculated based on last year’s total of US$55.53 billion (AUD 64.53 billion). All estimates are according to the IBIS World Industry Report. World pet markets continue to post dramatic, ever-continuing increases in pet ownership and spending for 2014. Product-based pet businesses have seen the highest growth in sales in the last few years. These businesses include pet food, pet supplies and veterinarian supplies, among others. However, franchises of various pet services are on the rise, predicts leading Australian pet enclosures retailer Coops And Cages™. Franchised services for grooming, pet day care and training have opportunities to peak in the next few years.

Given the favourable industry climate, franchises that offer specialised or a mix of pet services will only reap in the benefits. Specialty pet services are currently the fastest growing segment of the pet industry, which will only continue to rise as more people become pet owners who value their pets as family members. The most prominent pet services that present the highest franchise opportunities include pet day care, dog training, pet boarding services, grooming and waste removal. Specialty pet supplies are expected to rise as pet owners increasingly favour pet gourmet menus and pet foods labelled ‘organic’, ‘all-natural’ and ‘grain-free’. Grooming services such as pet spas and beauty salons are ready for franchises, as well.

Pet pampering is becoming the norm especially among savvy and high-purchasing pet product consumers, which continues to account for spending despite difficult economic times. The sales of non-traditional pet products, similar to those humans use, are particularly on the rise. Pet owners are purchasing holiday presents, designer outfits, and specialty shampoo and food. The market is increasingly seeing mouthwash and high-tech gadgets like electronic toothbrushes and automated dispensers. More and more pet beauty salons are sprouting up as well. Dogs and birds can now get manicures complete with nail polish, in addition to an already elaborate range of grooming services available. As the economic recovery takes hold, the resulting increase in the disposable income of households is expected to drive the spending on pets further up.

Business in the pet sector has thrived and grown slowly but steadily throughout the years, defying typical recession trends of faltering and suffering sales slumps as seen in other industries. This sector trend has upheld since 2008 largely due to discretionary spending on products and services. While households have cut expenses in other areas, they continue to open wallets to pamper pets, clearly indicating that spending in the industry has gone beyond pet necessities. An increasing number of households have also triggered sales to shoot up. More and more people are owning pets, with a rise in upcoming pet markets like China, India, Japan and Latin America. The increased humanization of pets, where people view and treat their pets as part of the family, has largely shaped these favourable conditions in the industry.

Jordan Walker, industry analyst and content manager at Coops And Cages™, shares information on pet trends beyond 2014. ‘Going forward, in the next five years, strong growth is projected for pet operations. The combined effects of increased discretionary income of households and increased pet ownership will only bolster the demand for specialty pet services and supplies.’ Walker further believes that the steady upward industry trend can only mean good news for pets the world over. ‘With more and more pet owners viewing their pets as family, the chance that pets will be loved and cared for throughout their natural lives increases significantly’, he said.

To learn more about specialty pet services and supplies from Coops And Cages™, visit http://www.coopsandcages.com.au

About Coops And Cages™
Coops And Cages™ is a leading Melbourne retailer in pet enclosures. The company deals with only top-quality products that they want to get to your door at the shortest time possible. For more information, feel free to contact Jordan Walker at info@coopsandcages.com.au or through the Coops And Cages™ Facebook, Twitter and Google+ accounts.