Question:
According to Forbes magazine, spending on pets has increased 68% over the last 10 years, to $35 billion annually.
I read this in the intro to a story about Lara Alameddine, a Vancouverite who designs doggie clothing & jewellery for the pets of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, Paula Abdul & Tori Spelling. Her line is called Little Lily.
This is apparently a booming market.


Answer:
wow... I believe it.. and it may not be just that people spend more on the same stuff we did years ago.. but that there are so many new things to spend that money on...


Answer:
I agree, Pam! You can spend money on so many accessories like pet carriers, clothes, leashes, collars, booties, backpacks, hats, etc all made specially for pets! I've spent over $300 getting Lavander accessories, toys and her favourite treats already and I'm looking to get her a Sherpa pet carrier and then I think I am done spending money for now.
What I've noticed is that most pet accessories could probably be home-made for a lot cheaper.


Answer:
I spend about $85/bi-weekly just on pet foods, treats, and cat litter- essentials, in other words. Don't tell my husband! LOL!


Answer:
According to that same article in forbes, rich people are spending a lot more on things like desginer pet beds, clothing, pet spa treatments, hollistic care, psychics, etc etc. That's what accounts for most of the rise in spending. Although regular pet owners d buy more tings for their pets these days too


Answer:
You should see all the little dog websites they have out there for clothes and such. I've seen collars priced higher than $85! I definately can see how easy it is to spoil one's pets. A little too easy, LOL.


Answer:
LOL, I can attest to contributing to this growing spending habit. Though I must say, of all the things you could spend money, this has got to be one of the best!!


Answer:
Though I must say, of all the things you could spend money, this has got to be one of the best!!
Couldn't have said it better myself!


Answer:
Oh- $85 is JUST essentials- This past week, I spent $10 on a digging box for Dexter, $21 on a new rabbit litter pan, $30 on cedar shavings for the puppy pen, and $45 on puppy flea collars. That's not counting the vet bill and the money I spent making flyers to advertise the puppies. There's always SOMETHING some pet can't live wihtout. I may not spend $85 a shot on Gucci collars, but I know a good percentage of my income goes to the pets.


Answer:
I generally spend about $150-$200 on my pets per month. Most of that is for essentials like food, litter, shavings, etc. but I do try to spoil them as much as I can. I also put money away for vet bills each month so I guess that could count as spending as well.