Latest news with #petcare
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Innovative Playtime: How Dog Treat Launchers Are Captivating Pet Owners Worldwide
As pet ownership dynamics evolve, these interactive tools become essential, blending play with positive reinforcement. Driven by trends in smart pet accessories and health-focused pet care, dog treat launchers are increasingly popular among diverse pet owners, from tech-savvy millennials to elders. Key innovations include automatic launches, connectivity features, and ergonomic designs. Discover in-depth market analysis and forecasts across regions like the U.S., China, and Europe, while navigating the latest tariff developments shaping the industry landscape. Dog Treat Launchers Market Dublin, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Dog Treat Launchers - Global Strategic Business Report" has been added to global market for Dog Treat Launchers was valued at US$320.0 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$433.3 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Dog Treat Launchers market. Global Dog Treat Launchers Market - Key Trends & Drivers SummarizedThe global market for dog treat launchers is witnessing significant traction, underpinned by shifting pet parenting trends, rising expenditure on pet care, and an increasing focus on smart pet accessories. With a growing inclination toward devices that promote active lifestyles for pets, treat launchers are finding appeal among a wide demographic of dog owners - from tech-savvy millennials to aging pet owners seeking easier ways to reward their integration of automatic and semi-automatic mechanisms in these devices is also attracting attention. Some models feature spring-loaded or air-powered launches, while others are motor-driven with adjustable angles and distance settings. Technological improvements such as motion sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, and app-based controls are further augmenting the product value proposition. Brands are increasingly launching models with ergonomic designs and safety locks to prevent accidental releases. The growing interest in training-oriented features - such as timing mechanisms and reward delay settings - demonstrates how this product category is evolving from a novelty into a tool that supports structured behavioral Are Changing Pet Ownership Dynamics Fueling Innovation in Dog Treat Launchers?Dog ownership has surged globally, with countries like the U.S., U.K., China, and Brazil reporting double-digit growth in pet adoption since 2020. This uptick is accompanied by a notable shift in how pets are perceived - no longer just animals, but companions or even family members. As a result, there is greater demand for interactive and health-promoting pet products. Dog treat launchers respond well to these evolving needs by offering a hybrid of mental stimulation and physical exercise. Their ability to keep dogs engaged during indoor playtime is especially important for urban households, where outdoor activity may be limited due to space constraints or adverse proliferation of e-commerce platforms and the influence of social media are also playing a major role in the product's marketability. Influencers and pet content creators often showcase treat launchers in action, driving consumer interest and shaping purchasing behavior. Moreover, as pet owners seek tools that offer convenience, hygiene, and entertainment, dog treat launchers are increasingly positioned as a premium lifestyle accessory for pets. The ability to combine play, training, and treat dispensing in a single device resonates particularly well with younger pet owners, who are more open to multifunctional and tech-enabled pet Is the Dog Treat Launchers Market Gaining Momentum Globally?The growth in the dog treat launchers market is driven by several factors related to technology, consumer behavior, and evolving pet care norms. First, the rising adoption of smart pet devices is encouraging manufacturers to integrate advanced features such as programmable timers, app controls, and interactive launch modes. These advancements not only increase product appeal but also allow for customizable training routines, a critical element for modern pet owners who value tailored solutions. Second, the expansion of the pet accessory retail landscape - particularly online platforms - has made it easier for consumers to access a wide variety of treat launcher models with transparent pricing and peer significant driver is the increased focus on pet mental and physical health, which has been amplified post-pandemic as owners spend more time observing and engaging with their pets. Dog treat launchers are being adopted as a way to manage pet energy levels, reduce anxiety, and support solo play. Furthermore, the rise of pet product subscription services and curated boxes is increasing the frequency of product trials and impulse purchases, accelerating market penetration. The device's suitability for urban environments, where space for traditional fetch is limited, also makes it an attractive solution in densely populated regions. Finally, the commercialization of multifunctional pet gadgets - combining fun, training, and dietary control - is encouraging further product development and fostering brand differentiation, fueling a virtuous cycle of innovation and adoption. Key Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Below 1.7 mtr Range Launchers segment, which is expected to reach US$225.1 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 6.5%. The 1.8 - 2.5 mtr Range Launchers segment is also set to grow at 3.5% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $87.2 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 8.5% CAGR to reach $87.5 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Report Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as All for Paws, BarkBox, Chuckit!, Furhaven Pet Products, Hyper Pet and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 374 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $320 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $433.3 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.2% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: MARKET OVERVIEW World Market Trajectories Dog Treat Launchers - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E) FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS Some of the 44 companies featured in this Dog Treat Launchers market report include: All for Paws BarkBox Chuckit! Furhaven Pet Products Hyper Pet iFetch KONG Company Mammoth Pet Products Nerf Dog Outward Hound Paws & Pals PetSafe Pet Stages Petz Planet Protocol Design Ruffwear Taotanxi The Company of Animals Tomofun (Furbo) Trixie MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Rising Pet Humanization Trend Drives Demand for Interactive, Play-Based Feeding Devices That Mimic Human-to-Pet Bonding Increased Awareness Around Pet Obesity and Portion Control Strengthens Business Case for Measured-Dispensing Dog Treat Launchers Millennial and Gen Z Pet Ownership Patterns Expand the Addressable Market for Smart, Connected, and Entertaining Pet Accessories Rapid Technological Innovation in Spring-Loaded and Pneumatic Mechanisms Spurs Product Differentiation in Launcher Designs Adoption of Bluetooth-Enabled, App-Controlled Launchers Accelerates as Consumers Seek Real-Time Engagement with Pets via Mobile Devices Soaring Demand for Cognitive and Physical Enrichment Tools Propels Growth of Treat Launchers as Dual-Function Reward and Play Gadgets Aging Pet Owner Demographics Generate Opportunities for Hands-Free, Effortless Treat Dispensing Tools That Improve Accessibility Increased Demand for Sustainable and Recyclable Materials in Pet Products Throws the Spotlight on Eco-Friendly Treat Launcher Development Expansion of E-Commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Channels Broadens Global Reach and Accessibility of Dog Treat Launchers to New Markets The Rise of Pet Influencers and Social Media Content Creation Significantly Drives Market Visibility and Consumer Engagement for Novelty Devices Design Innovations Focusing on Ergonomics, Safety Locks, and Pet-Friendly Materials Sustain Growth in the Premium Product Segment Intensifying Regulatory Scrutiny Around Pet Product Safety Standards Creates Compliance Pressures and Entry Barriers for New Market Entrants DIY Pet Product Enthusiast Communities and Open-Source Hardware Trends Expand Innovation Pipelines for Customizable Launcher Kits For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dog Treat Launchers Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Telegraph
a day ago
- General
- Telegraph
My dog ate the hamster I was looking after… and other tales of pet-sitting woe
As the summer holidays draw near, pet owners face the perennial question: who will look after the dogs, cats – and lizards – while they're away? Some splash out on luxury pet hotels, others check their sulky felines into the local cattery. But many of us turn to friends, neighbours or relatives for help. Whether that's wise is another matter. Professional pet sitters come with experience (and a price tag to match), but your teenage neighbour may be less well-versed in animal care – as these cautionary tales reveal… Our Staffordshire bull terrier ate the hamster in the night – Shelina, 37, digital creator My dog Louis was a Staffordshire bull terrier and a total softie. I had guinea pigs at the time and he was scared of them and the cat. So I wasn't worried when family friends asked me to look after their children's hamster while they were away. But the hamster's cage was fastened shut with a thin strip of Sellotape, which my younger sister idly fiddled with as we chatted. They also hadn't told us the Sellotape was there because the hamster regularly escaped. That night we went to bed, hamster safely in its cage – or so we thought. During the night, Louis let out one big 'woof!' He never barked, and it woke the whole house up. We went back to sleep but the hamster cage was wide open, and there was no hamster. We searched the entire house, beds, cupboards – but there was only one conclusion. Louis' big woof was followed by eating him. I was horrified – but when we told them, the parents' reply was, 'Oh thank God! That hamster's been a total pain.' My babysitter blew up – Caroline, 46, publicist We were looking after the rabbit from the children's nursery when we had to go out one evening and booked a babysitter. We had no idea she was allergic to fur – but she had a massive reaction, and her face swelled up to an unrecognisable size. The poor girl ended up in A&E. It turned out it wasn't the first time: she was an animal lover and couldn't resist picking the rabbit up, despite her medical history. I had to forage in a heatwave – Sophie, 30, pet sitter I'm a pet sitter, and I had one very tricky client with a tortoise, a chameleon and two fish-tanks. I had to go foraging greens for the tortoise in a heatwave because it would only eat fresh dandelions, so I was told. When I had to miss one evening, and my cover – a vet specialising in reptiles – had to stand in, the client was furious with me about disrupting her animals' routines, because apparently the chameleon's bedtime was strictly 7pm. The dog took my contraceptive pills – Emily, 33, behaviourist As a student, I used to house-sit. Once, I looked after a dog that broke through two stair gates, got upstairs, into a suitcase and ate a packet of contraceptive pills. Thankfully, I was on the kind that aren't toxic to dogs. Even so, it required an emergency vet visit and a long phone call to the poison centre to find this out. I stopped pet-sitting after that. The sitter wouldn't wake up – Natalie, 40, business owner We had a bit of a disaster on our first holiday after getting a dog. We'd booked a lovely pet sitter who already knew him, but the day before we were due to fly, she texted to say she couldn't do it – her own dog was in season. Instead, she promised her younger employee would stay at the house and look after him. By that point, we didn't really have a choice. On day two, the next-door neighbour texted to ask what was going on, as the dog had been barking for over an hour. It turned out the sitter had slept in and hadn't heard him barking to go out for a wee. Unbelievably, the same thing happened for the next two days. We were sitting by the pool in Lanzarote, trying to get hold of the business owner to go and wake her employee. Throughout the week, we were also getting regular WhatsApp photos of the dog's poo, as the sitter was worried he had a tummy issue. It looked fine to us, but eventually we agreed to a vet visit just to appease her – £80 later, we were told there was nothing wrong. The cat disappeared on day one – Jacqueline, 67, women's club founder We were living in Germany in military housing – and we volunteered to look after one of my then-husband's employees' cats. There was no information at the handover, it was just, 'here's the cat, see you in two weeks.' She was a beautiful, white, fluffy cat… and she disappeared on the first night. I was frantic. I got everyone in the flats involved in looking for her – every flat was checked, we walked miles searching, and drove down all the local roads. I was convinced she'd been cat-napped because she was so pretty, or even worse, run over and concealed. There was no sign of her, and for two weeks, I desperately ran through all the ways I might apologise. Then on the day her owners were due back, she wandered in through our patio doors. I was so relieved – until it transpired that she was pregnant. It must have happened when she was with us because the owners never let her out. Thankfully, she only had two kittens, and we took both of them. It was the least we could do. The cats staged a dirty protest – Jess, journalist I used to pet sit for various neighbours when I was a teenager, with a very fluffy and friendly rough collie and his two cat cohabitants amongst my clients. I dutifully went every day to water plants and feed the animals, and after a week or so took the opportunity to snoop around the house – just a little. To my horror, the cats had taken it upon themselves to defecate all over the bed of the master bedroom – and had seemingly spread it around. Unfortunately, this act of protest had clearly happened early on in my care of them, and was fully set in. The response of a 15-year-old with very little laundry experience? Call my mother, obviously – who came straight to the rescue. The owners were never the wiser (I think). Never let the dog roll – Bharati, 45, sustainable accessories brand owner I used to look after a friend's two dogs regularly; a Jack Russell and a Pekinese. On one occasion, the weather was good and I decided to take them to a new park to have a good run around. The Jack Russell absolutely loved it, rolling around and running everywhere. When we returned though, I noticed he was scratching more than usual and I knew something wasn't right. I tried to call my friend to get the details for her vet but it kept going to voicemail. So I booked an appointment with the closest vet I could find – £130 later, it turned out the dog had caught fox mange. Incompetence nearly killed the cat – Colm, 28, radio producer My ex-girlfriend was obsessed with her Persian cat, and when she went away for a few days, she asked me to look after her as she didn't trust strangers. She had bought a very expensive food system which meant the cat could trigger her own dinners, and showed me how it worked – I just had to refill it. I filled it up the first morning, then I had to go away unexpectedly overnight. Luckily, I calculated there would be enough food until I got back. It wasn't until I turned up again that I discovered I hadn't flicked the switch, and the poor cat had been unable to access her dinners. When I opened the kitchen door, the cat was lying by her impenetrable food bowl, and I was overcome with horror. I didn't confess, but I still feel terrible about it.
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
From giving goldfish their own tanks to barking dogs – your pet queries answered
HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. 4 Q) I HAVE three goldfish. Swimster and Bubbles bully Gillbert. They share a big tank. Should I consider giving Gillbert his own tank? Sarah Cooke, Plymstock, Devon A) Are they really bullying Gilbert? Is this a sudden thing that's started recently? If your goldfish are of age then perhaps spring has sprung and Gilbert is in fact Gilbertina, and her tailshake is bringing all the boys to the yard? If they have a big tank and plenty of places to swim away from one another or hide when needed then I would say keep them together. Fish feel more secure in shoals. Look up breeding behaviour and signs in goldfish and come back to me with an update. I think this is more likely than bullying. Q) PLEASE can you help us with our 18-month-old Cockapoo, Jed. He was given back to his breeder by his original owners at four months old because their work commitments changed. I'm a property expert, here are the five key things when moving with a pet We got him a month later, so he's had a bit of an unsettled start. He's a really good dog in every way other than barking in the garden at the neighbours, passing cats or when he hears other dogs bark. I'm worried they are getting annoyed. I've resorted to keeping him on his lead in the garden first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If I don't, he runs along the fences, barking. But on his lead, he doesn't bark at all. He's obsessed with me, thinks I'm the best thing ever. Perhaps when he's on the lead, he feels safe? He's booked in to be neutered at the end of May. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Gemma Stone, Leeds A) Without observing him in action it's difficult to say what the motivation for this behaviour is, and hard to give advice on tackling it. There are many reasons for barking, including anxiety, territoriality, excitement, boredom and so on. And it may be different on different days and with different triggers. I would highly recommend a qualified animal behaviourist observing you and Jed in action together and working through what's going on. It always surprises me how much money dog owners are willing to spend on food, grooming, toys, leads and accessories but flinch at the cost of a behaviourist consultation. They are worth their weight in gold. Trust me on this — hire one and thank me later. Q) I'M due to emigrate to Cyprus in the next few weeks . . . But I'm really worried that my cat Mika will be very scared on the plane trip. She is three years old but doesn't like other people and hides when they visit our house. I am using a reputable company but I'm still concerned over the four- hour trip. Am I worrying too much? David Potter, Brierley Hill, West Midlands A) It's natural to worry about this, and to worry too much. The company you have chosen will have done this many times and will know how to keep Mika as calm as possible throughout. You could speak with your vet about calming supplements, sprays and so on to take the edge off the journey too. We tend not to recommend sedative drugs for pets in transit any more as they cannot be monitored. Indeed, most airlines won't allow them. If this is the one plane journey she has to make for four hours in her entire life, then it's worth taking and allowing her time to recover in a safe environment when you land. She'll have forgotten about it in a few days, all being well. Star of the week ARTIE the miniature Cavapoo has been hailed a hero after she helped detect her owner's breast cancer. The three-year-old has been given an award for being an amazing pup by Pets At Home. 4 Owner Suzanne Nuttall, 62, of Sheffield, South Yorks, said: 'She was frantically licking and nuzzling into me. 'It was only after a routine mammogram revealed I had Stage 2 breast cancer that I realised she must have sensed something was wrong. 'I truly believe she was trying to tell me. She's been my little lifesaver.' Amy Angus of Pets Foundation, the charity established by Pets At Home, said: 'Our pets are capable of amazing things, and Artie is a testament to this.' WIN: AI pet companion WANT to communicate with your pet and even give it treats when you aren't at home? Now you can with the ROLA Petpal AI Robot Pet Companion. You can programme it to dispense treats at set times, see and speak to your four-legged friend in real time on camera, play with them remotely, and your pet can even say 'hello' to you too! For a chance to win one worth £269, send an email headed PETPAL to sundaypets@ by June 15. See enabot. com. T&Cs apply. RECORD BREAKERS JOIN GUINNESS' PET-SET GUINNESS World Records celebrates its 70th birthday this year with a special edition featuring record-breaking pets. The world's tallest living dog Reginald, a seven-year-old Great Dane from Idaho Falls, USA, has just met the world's shortest mutt – a four-year-old Chihuahua from Florida called Pearl. 4 Reggie stands at 1,007cm, while Pearl is just 9.14cm. Further records include Bonnie, a five-year-old Spaniel, and Simba, a three-year-old Border Collie, both from Reading. They have four: the fastest time for ten side leapfrog jumps by two dogs (16.78 seconds), and three one-minute records. These are bottles put in a recycling bin (16); coins into a bottle (13) and clothes hung on a washing line (17). Mr Pugsley Adams, a two-year-old Maine Coon from Minnesota, USA, has the longest tail on a domestic cat at 46.99cm. The fastest 10 metres skateboarded by a cat is held by Bao Zi, a two-year-old American Shorthair from China (12.85 seconds). Coco, a five-year-old guinea pig from Carolina performed the most tricks in a minute (16). While the most items identified by a parrot in three minutes goes to four-year-old Apollo from Florida, who named 12.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pet health care prices are so high that most owners are skipping treatments
Whether their bestie is Fido or Fifi, owners are getting more finicky about the costs of their pets' healthcare. More than half of owners – including those in high earning households – have skipped necessary veterinary care in the previous year or declined recommended treatment at some point in the past, mostly because of the associated costs, a national study has found. Seven in 10 people who skipped or declined care cited cost as the main reason, saying they couldn't afford it or didn't think it worth the expenditure, according to the study conducted by PetSmart Charities and Gallup. The results were surprisingly similar across all income levels, PetSmart Charities president Aimee Gilbreath said, demonstrating the need for vets to better accommodate their clients' financial concerns. 'There's a narrative that says this only affects folks in the bottom part of the income spectrum,' Gilbreath said. 'But it's all across the spectrum. That surprised me – and it worries me. If folks in the top half are struggling to afford primary vet care, who can afford vet care now?' According to 'The State of Pet Care' report, vet care costs in the U.S. have soared more than 60% since 2014, forcing many owners to forgo recommended treatment for their pets, sometimes with life-threatening consequences. 'At least 60% of households have a pet, and people love them as family members,' Gilbreath said. 'We don't think they should be a luxury item. They're good for people's mental, physical and emotional health, and if it becomes unaffordable that's a really sad situation.' Pet owners were expected to spend an estimated $39 billion in 2024, according to the American Pet Products Association, and a survey of dog owners conducted that year by found more than 44% of respondents felt their costs of care had risen significantly; 84% blamed veterinary care. The survey of 2,498 U.S adults owning at least one dog or cat, conducted between November 2024 and January 2025, found that 52% of pet owners had skipped or declined care. Diagnostic procedures (22%), vaccinations (18%) and elective surgeries (16%) were the most commonly declined pet health care services, but 11% said they had turned down recommended medications and 7% said they had refused lifesaving surgeries. Of those who skipped or declined care, 71% of respondents said cost was the key factor. While that response was highest (80%) among those with a household income of between $36,000 and $60,000, nearly two-thirds (66%) of those earning $90,000 or more said the same. For those with higher incomes, it wasn't necessarily a matter of affordability: Only a third of those earning $90,000 or more said they couldn't afford the expense, compared to 72% of those with incomes between $36,000 and $60,000. However, 44% of those in the higher bracket said the cost wasn't worth it, compared to just 21% of those in the lower one. Gilbreath said pre-pandemic surveys had hinted at the growing issue as veterinary costs ballooned. 'If you look at vet pricing over the last five years, it has shot up faster than other indexes,' she said; inflation has compounded rising medical costs prompted in part by more expensive diagnostic testing and higher vet staff wages. 'For a lot of pet families, that dramatic cost increasing over a short period of time is making things very painful,' Gilbreath said. 'We're in a time when families are really stretched, and unexpected expenses like a big vet bill are hard to manage.' Animal shelters around the country said they're seeing the effects. 'We have seen an increase in owners surrendering their pets due to their inability to afford care or to find pet-friendly housing,' said Guinnevere Shuster of the Humane Society of Utah in Murray. Last year, the number of owners who turned in pets because they could not afford to care for them increased by more than 22%, she said. In Tennessee, the Nashville Humane Association partners with the Banfield Foundation to fund monthly low-cost clinics to help owners access more affordable veterinary care for their pets. 'With the cost of living increasing year after year across the United States and many private veterinary practices opening up, the cost of care has skyrocketed and appointments are filling up months out,' Whittemore said. 'We hope these clinics will alleviate some of the financial strain pet owners in our community are currently experiencing.' Additionally, Gilbreath said as owners have increasingly treated pets as part of the family, they've begun exploring medical options for animals not considered 20 years ago. 'There's options now that they didn't used to have, and that may be pulling costs up,' she said. 'There are treatments for dogs with cancer. You can get a CT scan and an MRI for your pet, or advanced orthopedic procedures. There's certain injuries where if a dog had them 20 years ago you would go with crate rest and pain management, and now you can have a surgery that costs $7,000.' PetSmart Charities estimates about 15% of pet households can afford gold-standard care. 'They want the best and most technologically advanced care,' Gilbreath said. 'But there's a lot of other households where that's not an option, and those folks should be able to get more affordable care.' Despite the financial constraints preventing access to vet care, 73% of owners who declined treatment weren't presented with more affordable alternatives, the study found, and fewer than one in four (23%) said they'd ever been offered a payment plan option. Providing payment-plan options would make a huge difference, the survey found. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said $1,000 or less would be the most they could afford if their pet had a life-threatening condition; however, if given a one-year, no-interest option, most said that would double what they could pay. 'We would love to see options like 18-month, interest-free financing,' Gilbreath said. 'More vets are starting to offer options, but it's relatively new.' While some cases – for example, a blocked intestine requiring surgery – mandate a single course of action, 'we would have thought far more people would be offered a payment plan or more affordable treatment option,' Gilbreath said. PetSmart Charities plans to survey veterinarians later this year in hopes of learning more about why, she added. Forgoing necessary or recommended pet care is linked with poor outcomes, the study found. Among those declining care, one in seven (14%) reported that their pets either worsened or died. Three in 10 pet owners (30%) said they had a friend or family member whose pet died in the past five years because of unaffordable treatment, and one in 10 (11%) knew someone who'd had to relinquish a pet because of care costs. Gilbreath recommends pet owners discuss possible treatment alternatives or payment options with their vets to find a solution that meets their needs. In addition, veterinary care or other resources can sometimes be found through community non-profit organizations or animal shelters with public-facing medical clinics. She noted the experience of a 'relatively well-off' woman who adopted a cat as she settled into her just-purchased home. The cat developed a dental condition that would have required expensive treatment. 'This woman was heartbroken,' she said. 'She didn't want the cat to suffer, so she gave it up to a shelter in hopes it would get the care it needed.' Wracked with guilt, the woman returned to the shelter the following day to retrieve the cat and learned that a community organization could provide the necessary care at a more affordable cost. 'She was able to get the cat back and get care she could afford,' Gilbreath said. Providing payment-plan options would make a huge difference, the survey found. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents said $1,000 or less would be the most they could afford if their pet had a life-threatening condition; however, if given a one-year, no-interest option, most said that would double what they could pay. 'We would love to see options like 18-month, interest-free financing,' Gilbreath said. 'More vets are starting to offer options, but it's relatively new.' Additionally, Gilbreath said, veterinary schools could help by making students aware of low-tech treatment alternatives to high-tech ones so that they're comfortable offering a range of options. 'The data shows that many pet parents are not being presented with alternative care options that could make veterinary services more accessible, despite interest in such options," said Zach Hrynowski, a senior researcher at Gallup, in a press release accompanying the report. "Our analysis of the data points to a clear opportunity for the veterinary industry to expand affordable, flexible solutions that meet pet parents' needs.' Gilbreath said she hoped the report helps pet owners not feel alone or ashamed of their decisions, given how common such situations are. 'Pets are family,' Gilbreath said. 'For a lot of folks, they're the only family. That's why we do this work. We want pets and their people to be able to stay together.' This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why more than half of pet owners are declining veterinary care
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Cathy's Critter Care Named One of San Antonio's Top Three Dog Walkers by ThreeBestRated.com
05/30/2025, New York, NY // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Cathy's Critter Care, a trusted name in professional pet services in the Greater San Antonio area, has been named one of the top three dog walking businesses in the city by seen athttps:// an independent and highly respected business directory. This recognition follows a rigorous 50-point inspection process that evaluates everything from reputation and customer satisfaction to service quality and trustworthiness. Founded in 1998 by former zookeeper and sea lion trainer Cathy Vaughan, Cathy's Critter Care has built its reputation on compassionate, reliable, and personalized pet care. The company's comprehensive offerings—from daily dog walks and pet sitting to specialized care for senior pets and unique services like pet taxi and wedding pet attendant coordination—reflect its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of San Antonio pet owners. With a strong emphasis on professionalism, all team members are background-checked, bonded, insured, and certified in pet first aid and CPR. 'We are honored to be recognized especially because their process focuses on quality and integrity,' said Cathy Vaughan, founder of Cathy's Critter Care. 'This award is a reflection of the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our amazing team. We love what we do, and we're proud to provide a level of care that makes both pets and their people feel secure and supported.' Unlike many business directories, maintains a strict 'No Pay to Play' policy, ensuring that only the most deserving local businesses are featured. Each listing is employee-verified and updated regularly, making the platform a reliable resource for the more than 4.5 million users it serves monthly. Earning a spot among the top three dog walkers in San Antonio is a noteworthy endorsement of Cathy's Critter Care's continued excellence and client satisfaction. With over 25 years of experience and accolades including the Pet Sitters International 2018 Pet Sitter of the Year award, Cathy's Critter Care continues to raise the bar for in-home pet services in South Texas. The company remains deeply rooted in its mission: to provide loving, stress-free care that enhances the well-being of pets and peace of mind for their owners. About Cathy's Critter Care Cathy's Critter Care is a bonded, insured, and award-winning pet care service based in San Antonio, TX. Since 1998, the company has offered a wide range of personalized services including dog walking, pet sitting, live-in care, and pet transportation. Led by Cathy Vaughan, a former zookeeper and industry mentor, the company is known for its professionalism, compassion, and commitment to animal welfare. Learn more at ### Media Contact Cathy Vaughan Cathys Critter Care [email protected] newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> Cathy's Critter Care Named One of San Antonio's Top Three Dog Walkers by
