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Data & Research February 20, 2008
Pet Peeves
Times may be tough, but it looks like Fido and Fluffy have nothing to worry about.
Reported by Nevin E. Adams
A national pet owner survey claims that if financial issues caused pet owners to curtail their monthly expenses they are far more likely to cut back on luxury items, electronics, perhaps even groceries and household goods, rather than pull back on care or supplies for their pets.
The online survey of 665 pet owners (including 602 who have a dog or cat) was conducted in late December by Fleishman-Hillard International Communications. The Fleishman-Hillard survey found that most pet owners consider their pets to be members of their family, like a child, sister, or brother.
However, if things get too bad, survey respondents said they might scale back on pet fashions, toys – and trips to pet care professionals like pet walkers, sitters, and groomers. And, as with health care issues generally, the study respondents said they may cut their spending on veterinary visits and preventative medications.
This survey was conducted using a consumer panel provided by Greenfield Online, from December 20-23, 2007. Interviews were completed by 1,048 panel members 18 years of age or older living in private households in the continental United States. Of those interviewed, 665 were pet owners; 383 people were not eligible to participate in the survey because they did not own a pet.