Pet parties, Facebook, trips and other trends in pet ownership

​LATEST trends in pet ownership in the Philippines find Fido and Kitty in a good place for the most part. Humanization of pets is one of the biggest trends out here and those who can afford it are definitely pulling out all the stops in the hope of raising their pets' quality of life.

MetroPets recently conducted a mini-survey of 130 pet owners to find out if they have embraced new concepts in pet rearing. A pets' lifestyle check, the survey aimed to gain a snapshot of current developments that are shaping the Philippine pet industry.

Responsible Filipino pet owners know that good pet parenting requires more than just providing food, shelter and necessary medical care. They also now appreciate their pets' need for extra comfort and recreation to be more happy. 

As a result, it's now common for many people to travel near or far with their pets, to throw pet parties to mark birthdays or adoption/rescue dates, and to visit unique places that cater to four-legged clients. 

A pets' lifestyle check, MetroPets' survey aimed to gain a snapshot of current developments that are shaping the Philippine pet industry.

REST & RECREATION
Based on the survey, 65% of pet owners have organized or attended birthday parties for cats or dogs. Majority (87%) have also taken their pets to out-of-town trips and vacations.

Pet cafes and pet hotels have also laid out their welcome mats. 
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Dog and cat cafes that mushroomed around Metro Manila can expect to be visited at least once or twice a year by almost half (43%) of the respondents. A good 10% expressed their desire to visit pet cafes at least six times or more in one year. But it's obvious that pet cafe operators still got their work cut out for them judging by the number of respondents (28%) who are yet to step into their establishments. 

Pet hotels also seem to be enjoying the patronage of a steady clientele, even though a big number of respondents (84%) said they have not tried booking their pets for an overnight or longer period of stay yet. Because a lot of pets probably come from big households, their owners can afford to leave them with other family members at home instead of a pet hotel. However, highly mobile singles and couples living in condominiums are likely to send their pets at a boarding facility when they have to be away. ​

Hello, room service? (Photo from Pinterest)

PERSONAL TOUCH
Dedicated pet owners are always looking for new time-saving services that result in better pet care. Shopping for pet food and pet items online is a growing trend with 44% of respondents already doing it. This number is expected to increase as more online pet stores open and try to win pet lovers with better shopping experience.

Pet salons and grooming stations are by now well-entrenched businesses. Although there are occasional disturbing reports of pet neglect and abuse in the hands of groomers, many continue to bring their pets to these specialized spas for some “pampering” which usually involves a good washing and a hair trim. Majority (61%) of the respondents said they feel safe to leave their pets alone for grooming at these places.

Pet owners appreciate places where their pets are welcome.

Lately, a lot of pet owners are also researching about health insurance for pets. Based on the survey, 68% said they are interested to buy an insurance plan for their pets. However, there remains no solid local insurance firm ready to deliver this most sought-after investment in pet care.

SOCIAL ANIMAL
Cats have long dominated the Internet so it's not surprising to see them and the whole caboodle of pets having their own accounts in Facebook, Instagram and other social media platform. Thanks to their No. 1 followers, their owners, pets are now active in the social media circles, too. 

Although the survey showed there are a lot of pets still without social media presence (62%), this could change rapidly as social media penetration worldwide increases by the day. 
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Meanwhile, what is important is that dogs and cats are being given something they need more: a bed. The survey showed that 82% of respondents have provided beds for their beloved pets. Let's hope the rest of the animals get their own personal beds, too.

More pet owners are getting their dogs and cats their own beds.