The Power of Pets
In the U.S. alone, more than 2 out of every 3 households has a pet - that’s nearly 393 million pets nationwide. Businesses are embracing pets in their culture as they have been making people products, for pets! Casper noticed that customers’ dogs really loved their new mattress design, and so they adapted their designed into a dog bed. Chaco uses the same durable webbing to make their sandals for hiking and to also make matching hands free leashes and collars. Rok Straps also created stretchable leashes for dogs that like to pull and tug using the same materials as their cargo straps. Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, & Coach all make high-fashion designs for customers’ dogs.
Many stores have recently have accepting customers’ pets. Nordstrom has been welcoming dogs into their stores for over 2 decades as long as they’re behaved and leashed or contained. Tractor Supply Co. host adoption events for local animal rescues and offers discount vaccinations and wellness clinics. Ikea doesn’t allow dogs in their stores - but, some Ikea locations have “Dog Parking”, with astroturf, water, and a tie out to keep dogs comfy, safe, and secure while they wait for their owners to finish up shopping. Bass Pro Shops celebrates “Dog Days” each spring with free pet portraits, wellness checks, grooming demos, and more.
A growing number of restaurants are welcoming pets to their outdoor patios and drive thrus. Across the U.S. craft breweries are increasingly opening their doors to dogs. Many fast food places and cafés have secret menus for customers’ pets. Starbucks has the “Puppuccino” which is a small cup filled with whipped cream. Dairy Queen’s “Pup Cup” which is a dish of vanilla soft serve ice cream, topped with a dog treat. In-N-Out has the “Pup Patty” which is a plain burger with no seasoning or salt. Shake Shack has the “Pooch-ini” which is a vanilla custard cup with dog treats and peanut butter. Many craft breweries around the U.S. are increasingly opening their doors to dogs. “Beer and dogs go hand in hand; they’re both social things” said Bethany Vinton, director of DogsOnTap.
Americans value their pets above many things. In 2018, Americans spent $72 billion on their pets - that’s $1,300 per pet parent on average and Millennials spent more on average at around $1,700. Pet owners are willing to sacrifice and splurge on our pets. 3 out of every 4 Americans with a pet would make financial sacrifices for their pets. 92% of pet owners are willing to sacrifice eating out, 67% are willing to give up taking a vacation, and 37% of pet parents are willing to give up saving for retirement. So when purchasing a product, most Americans consider the company’s values. 86% of customers buy based on values and 76% of customers boycott companies based on values. But when companies support issues they care about, customers feel more positive, more trusting, and more loyal.
Find out how pets are changing businesses for the better here.
Source: Hinsdale Humane Society
