(ARA) - You've probably seen the pampered pooches many celebutantes of the moment are sporting like the latest accessories. You may even know there are about 90 million pet cats and 73 million pet dogs in the United States. But unless you're up on the hottest pet product trends -- like including high-end doggie dishes on your bridal registry -- you just can't call yourself a true pet aficionado.
There's no question Americans have gone to the dogs and cats, with 63 percent of U.S. households owning a pet. In 2006, pet owners spent $38.5 billion on their pets, according to the American Pet Manufacturers Association. The organization estimates that figure will approach $41 billion in 2007. High-end, luxury items and products account for a growing percentage of the total spent on pet products.
Hot trends in the pet product world include:
* Brides adding high-end pet items to their registries, like Tuscan themed pet bowls and treat jars from Arthur Court, a San-Francisco-based company known world-wide for its sand-cast aluminum serveware. "In some cases, these are people who collect Arthur Court serveware and want the pet products to make their collections complete," says Arthur Court. "Others, however, simply want to start out married life with new, elegant and beautiful possessions around them, and ensuring their pets have the same is part of the excitement of starting their new life together."
The products exemplify the trend towards pet items that share all the high-end features humans favor in products for themselves -- form, function and beauty. The popular dog treat jar is a cream ceramic jar with a dog bone for a handle, and the words "good dog" engraved on the base. The cat jar lid features a kitten on a pillow and a playful hearts and kittens motif on the base. Arthur Court's pet items are sold through top retailers. To learn more, visit www.arthurcourt.com.
* Arthur Court isn't the only renowned, upscale manufacturer to enter the pet products market. Hair care giants Paul Mitchell and Origins have both launched lines of pet grooming products. Omaha Steaks offers gourmet pet treats.
* Exclusive hotel chains like Four Seasons and Westin welcome most small pets. Many of these pet-friendly upscale hotels have special programs in place to pamper pets with gourmet meals, plush beds and doggie spa-style treatments.
* Doggie daycare has gone beyond a bowl of kibble served in a kennel. Boarding facilities now take pets on a daily basis, offering daycare-style educational, exercise and training programs for pets while owners are at work.
* Pampered pets no longer go to the groomers for a simple clip and dip. Now they go to the pet spa for full salon treatments, including hair conditioning, highlights, nail color and care, massage and body treatments. Some human spas have even begun offering treatments for pets and their owners.
Courtesy of ARAcontent 