PPB May 2021

Pe t Pr oduc t s Making A Purr- f ect Connection by Kristina Valdez During difficult times, financially unstable pet owners are often forced to relinquish their beloved pets to shelters. But during the pandemic, with frequent lockdowns and a work-from-home environment, many pet lovers have been appreciating their animals more than ever, adding to an exploding pet market. T here’s never been a better time to be man’s best friend. With dog-friendly resorts, hotels and restaurants, these pampered pups can go just about anywhere. Large companies like Google and Ticketmaster have joined other companies that allow employees to bring their dogs to work. Thirty-one percent of pet industry consumers are Millennials and managers see the benefit of allowing dogs in the office, according to The Conversation . Google’s code of conduct even states that “affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture.” The Guardian named pet dogs as the new “must-have accessory” in a smart office. With this welcoming attitude in public spaces, pet ownership has steadily risen. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 67 percent of U.S. households own a pet, a two-percent increase from 2017. Pets can thank social media for today’s puppy love. From the heartwarming to the hilarious, social GROW 38 | MAY 2021 |