America’s pets are more pampered now than ever before.
Spending on pets reached an all-time high in 2011, with owners shelling out $50.96 billion on their pets, according to a report released March 1 by the American Pet Products Association.
APPA predicts the trend will continue through this year as pet owners will spend an estimated $52 billion on their pets, marking a 3.8 percent increase.
The report showed the largest increase in spending was a 7.9 percent jump in pet services, which includes grooming, boarding, pet hotels, pet sitting and day care.
Local pet store owners say they have observed similar trends.
Mary Cangelosi, owner of Puppies for You on Coursey Boulevard, said she’s seen a definite increase in business in the past year.
Cangelosi said she’s mainly seen customers buying better, more expensive dog food. She attributes the growth in business to an improving economy and the desire for companionship and entertainment that pets provide.
Perry Greco, manager of Greco Pet Supplies on Greenwell Springs Road, said 2011 was a “touch-and-go” year for business, but said 2012 looks promising.
He said his business has seen about a 10-percent increase within the past two or three months, with dog food being the best-selling item.
Greco said he attributes the increase in spending to pet owners being more informed about their animals.
“People are more educated now about what their dog needs and what’s in dog food, so they’re stepping up to more premium foods with more costly and natural ingredients,” Greco said. “Now people know what’s good and what’s bad for their pets.”
Al Husser, owner of Pet Planet USA in Gonzales, said he didn’t see an increase in sales in the past year. His business has been steady for about six years.
Husser said he believes the spike in spending is because of innovations like food and toy testing that help owners take better care of their pets to help them live longer.
History freshman Cora McGehee admittedly spoils her cat, Jasmine. She said she spends about $30 to $40 a month on food, litter and toys for her feline.
But besides the bare necessities, she buys special cat treats, toys and outfits for Jasmine.
“I got her from the pound when she was about a year old, and I just think she deserves it,” McGehee said.
Jessica Card, director of Yelp!BR, said she recommends adopting animals instead of buying them. She said adoption will help lead to Yelp!BR’s mission of making Baton Rouge a no-kill community.
“People should support adoption instead of shopping,” Card said.
Card said Yelp!BR charges $100 for dogs, which includes spaying or neutering, micro-chips and shots.
“We put about $300 to $400 into our dogs,” she said.
 
—- Contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]