Businesses catering to pets are thriving

A blueberry facial for a dog? One resort offers just that.

THE OKLAHOMAN

Looking to start a new business or become a franchisee? You may want to consult your furry friend for advice.

From coast to coast, the pet economy continues to expand with an increasing number of hotels, spas and doggy day care operations that cater to the pampered pooch and feline, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

This year, Americans will spend an estimated $40.8 billion on pets — almost double of what they spent a decade earlier, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

With about 7.1 million U.S. pet-owning households, national brands such as Origins, Harley-Davidson and Old Navy have created pet-friendly lines of clothing, accessories and wellness products. Entrepreneurs are following suit with an interest in the rising status of the posh pet.

Other pet-related businesses include spas and resorts, home-based pet portrait studios, bakeries, professional poop scoopers and specialty dog boutiques.

Had been uncertain

Susan Suggs, owner of Paws Around Town, said when she opened her business in Oklahoma City about four years ago, she was one of the first in the area and had no idea where it was headed.

“I didn’t ever imagine that the dog business would take off like this,” she said. “I think Oklahoma probably is just beginning to expand. I know in Florida, they’re on every other corner, and, of course, the economy may be a little different, but I anticipate that there will be more and more people getting into the business, just because it gets a lot of publicity and there are dollar signs connected.”

Tori and Season Mann, co-owners of Mann’s Best Friend, opened their pet boutique in March in south Oklahoma City. Selling $200 pet carriers, upscale pet food and handmade dog beds, Mann’s Best Friend also caters to the pampered pooch.

“We get people in that say, ‘I’m not eating this month because my baby needs a new dress,”’ Season Mann said.

Selling everything from dried sweet potatoes from Oregon that help dogs with liver problems to shoe-shaped “Jimmy Chew” dog treats, Mann’s focuses on selling unique items and customer service to compete with the national chain stores.

Changing industry

The industry continues to change. Although fanciful clothing and glitzy accessories remain popular, many pet owners are taking a growing interest in the health of their cuddly companions. Just as people are choosing more organic, home-grown food products for themselves, they want nothing less for their best friends.

That’s why Sherri Lanier opened the Barking Dog Bakery in 2003. After leaving the dental industry, Lanier decided to open a business where she could bake treats that were both tasty and helpful to owners who wanted to maintain a special diet for their dogs.

“I couldn’t just make a treat for a dog; it had to have a purpose,” she said.

Lanier works with veterinarians and the state Agriculture Department to provide enhanced health treats that can conquer a dog’s food allergy or special needs. Since she opened, Lanier said she’s seen consistent growth every quarter.

“When [pet owners] begin focusing on their health, they’re automatically going to want to focus on their animals’ health, too,” she said.

Facials for Fido?

It may not be too surprising then to learn that the owners of Max and Elsie’s Pet Resort in Edmond, Okla. started offering $5 blueberry dog facials earlier this month.

“They are great; you would not believe these dogs after they get a facial,” said co-owner Crystal Yascavage. “It’s kind of like aromatherapy, and their face smells so good.”

It may sound excessive, but the business has already developed loyal clients — both two- and four-legged — who enjoy the spa services and specialty doggy day care, which includes exercise routines, movies, games, reading time and an hour for naps. In the evenings, “dog nannies” play classical music to soothe the overnight dog lodgers.

Sound ridiculous? Suggs said it’s only the beginning.

“We’re a year or two behind what’s going on on the coasts,” she said. “If that’s the case, I don’t think it’s a fad. People more and more are making their pets family members, so I look for the business to continue to grow, and if we look at the market that’s going on in New York and the coasts, then I think we’re probably going to see a lot more growth.”