Healthy Pet Online Archives - Page 19 of 29

December 7, 2022

State of the US pet food and treat industry, 2022

This article was published in the 2022 Buyers Guide issue of Pet Food Processing. Read it and other articles from this issue in our Buyers Guide digital edition.

Growth in the pet care industry shows no signs of stopping. In 2020, sales for the US pet care industry reached over $100 billion for the first time ever, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). After reaching that milestone, the industry expected continued growth, but the $123.6 billion in sales in 2021 exceeded expectations. APPA estimated growth would be around 6{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} for 2021, but it ended up at 13.5{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} by year’s end.

“The numbers don’t lie: The pet industry has shown itself to be incredibly strong and resilient with a record-breaking two years,” said Anne Ferrante, APPA’s senior vice president of member relations and business development, following the release of the association’s 2021 State of the Industry data. “We expect continued growth as we look toward the remainder of 2022, although we anticipate it may be at a more moderate pace given the impact of volatile factors like inflation, supply chain issues and global relations.”

Globally, pet food sales grew to $123.6 billion, according to year-end estimates by market research provider Euromonitor International. In the United States, pet food and treat sales are expected to reach $45.4 billion by the end of 2022. Dog and cat food exports for 2021 set a record at $2.05 billion, which increased by 19.8{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} from 2020, according to the Department of Commerce.

If industry analysts are correct in their predictions, the industry’s growth won’t be slowing, but rather picking up speed through the rest of the decade. Analysts with Morgan Stanley Research and AlphaWise, the company’s survey and data group, believe the US pet industry may reach $275 billion by 2030.

“We think the US pet industry has reached an inflection point, taking topline compound annual growth rates to 8{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}, versus 3{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} for the last decade,” said Simeon Gutman, equity analyst covering hardline retail for Morgan Stanley Research.

Fueling these expectations is the anticipated growth in number of pet owners over the next five to 10 years. According to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 70{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of US households own a pet, which equates to 90.5 million homes. The AlphaWise survey reported that 65{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of 18- to 34-year-olds plan to get a pet in the next five years, which will help drive the expected 14{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase in pet ownership by 2030.

With the growing demand for pets comes a growing need for pet food and treats in a variety of formats to satisfy the cravings of the expanding population of pets. But, possibly more importantly, varying pet food and treat formats are needed to satisfy the changing demands of pet food purchasers — the pet parents.

While food and treats still top the list of where pet parents’ money is going, other pet-related products and services continue to make the list of necessary expenses. The APPA’s 2021 State of the Industry report showed:

$50 billion was spent on pet food and treats (a 13.6{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase from 2020).
$34.3 billion was spent on veterinarian care and product sales (an 8.9{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase over 2020).
$29.8 billion was spent on pet supplies, live animals and OTC medication (a 17.8{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase from 2020).
$9.5 billion was spent on other services, including grooming, dog walking and boarding (a 17.3{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase over 2020).

On the food side, all pet food formats saw growth between August 2021 and August 2022, according to Chicago-based market research firm IRI.

Dry dog food had a better year after declining sales of 3.5{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} between August 2020 and August 2021. In the 52 weeks ended Aug. 7, 2022, dry dog food sales increased 12.3{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}. Dry cat food stayed more or less even between 2020 and 2021, but saw a 13.2{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase between 2021 and 2022. Wet dog and cat food saw 14.2{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} and 14.4{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increases, respectively, compared to the year prior.

The refrigerated/frozen category in both dog and cat food led the way in category sales growth with a 35.8{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase in dog food and a 22.5{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase on the cat side. The category had also seen solid sales growth between 2020 and 2021, though not quite as substantial.

On the treat side, dog treat sales continue to rise with a 9.6{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} increase from $3.21 billion in 2021 to $3.54 billion in 2022. Cat treats saw slightly higher growth from $969 million in 2021 to $1.1 billion in 2022, an increase of 14.9{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}.

Food and treat innovation

As pet parents shop for pet food and treats at their favorite pet retailer or online direct-to-consumer distributor, they’re looking for more than just the basics to feed their four-legged family members. While complete-and-balanced food options are always on the menu, pet parents are looking for more from the pet food formats they choose.

During a presentation at SuperZoo 2022 in Las Vegas, market research firm NielsenIQ shared its latest pet industry data shedding some light on the pet food innovations available on the market today.

Pet food sales with specific functional attributes are growing rapidly. According to NielsenIQ, sales of products offering mental health, mood and stress relief are up 34{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} from August 2021 to July 2022; those offering performance support are up 32{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}; urinary health are up 27{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}; kidney health are up 22{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}; and heart health are up 19{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}. Those offering skin and coat health and cellular function support are both up 18{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}; and products boasting immune system, digestive and joint health are all up 15{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} from 2021 to 2022.

Not only are there more products on the market touting these functional benefits, but online search volume growth across pet retail channels shows continued interest in specific product attributes. According to NielsenIQ, pet parents frequently search for products that specialize in dental health, hairball control and anxiety health. Between August 2021 and July 2022, the most-searched pet product attributes included calming, urinary health, sensitive stomach and weight control.

The pet supplement segment of the market continues to expand with probiotic ingredients, gut health, behavior assistance, joint health and stress relief being some of the trending attributes. In fact, pet supplement purchases are growing at a faster rate than the same category for humans — up 11{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} for pet supplements and only up 6{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} for human supplements, vitamins and minerals. Dollar sales for gut health pet supplements grew 213{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} from the second quarter of 2021 to the second quarter of 2022, and behavior assistance supplements were up 132{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}.

Products and supplements containing CBD have been growing rapidly year after year. On a three-year basis, CBD pet supplement sales were up 236{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}, while CBD pet food sales grew 377{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}, according to NielsenIQ.

“CBD is being included in pet treats and supplements for the same reason they are being produced for human consumers, for their purported health benefits,” said Hilary Brown, director of research and development, SōRSE Technology, Seattle. “Consumers are typically interested in using CBD for their animals’ general wellness.”

Pet parents are looking to CBD to help their pets with cancer, epilepsy and seizures, stress and anxiety, digestion and nausea, pain and inflammation due to joint problems, aging and degenerative diseases, and skin inflammation and allergies. Between August 2021 and July 2022, CBD-inclusive pet supplement sales were up 22{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} and CBD-inclusive pet food products grew 35{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc}.

As long as pet parents continue to want the best for their pets, the pet nutrition space will continue to evolve. Pet product consumers will keep searching for the latest and greatest solution-based products to keep their furry companions happy and healthy, which will provide brands with plenty of opportunity to expand their product offerings to meet these changing needs.

Growth and challenges

Despite labor shortages, supply chain challenges and rising costs throughout the manufacturing industry, pet food processors show their optimism through continued plant expansions, capital improvements and even new plant construction. CRB, a provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction and consulting to the food and beverages and life sciences industries, took a close look at this ever-changing industry in its Horizons: Pet Food report. The Horizons study, conducted in November and December 2021, consists of responses to around 100 questions by 300 pet food manufacturing leaders.

“At stake is nothing less than a projected $275 billion, the expected annual value placed on the pet food industry by 2030,” wrote Tim Barba, CRB’s chief operating officer, Global Technical Operations, in the report’s opening passages. “To get their share, manufacturers are feverishly expanding and modernizing their production capacity, exploring new segments, and aligning their products with the qualities prized by ingredient-conscious consumers.”

Respondents listed their top production challenges, which included supply chain, labor availability and skilled workforce, and aging equipment and technology. Questions surrounding capital expense projects revealed that 22{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of respondents plan to spend less than $5 million over the next five years; 45{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} anticipate spending $5 million to $10 million; and 24{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} plan on spending $10 million to $50 million.

“One-third of producers are either planning a significant expansion to an existing facility or a new facility in the next five years and two-thirds are planning either routine maintenance or equipment or small additions to their lines in the next five years,” said Tony Moses, Ph.D., director of product innovation for CRB.

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword in the pet food industry — it’s a mission-oriented goal for many. During SuperZoo 2022, a group of processors made commitments to develop measurable progress toward the use of refillable, compostable and recyclable packaging by the end of 2025. Canidae, Earth Animal, Instinct, Petcurean and Primal Pet Foods publicly signed the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s (PSC) Packaging Pledge during the show, solidifying their commitment toward sustainability.

“The pet industry produces 300 million lbs of food and treats packaging that ends up in landfills each year, just in the United States,” said Stephie Volo, chief marketing officer at Earth Animal. “The PSC Packaging Pledge represents a powerful opportunity for us all to collaborate in significantly reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.”

According to PSC, with a collaborative effort from pet food manufacturers and packaging companies through programs such as the Packaging Pledge, “the pet industry can achieve rapid adoption by 2025 and near 80{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} transition of all pet food multi-laminate packaging by 2030.”

CRB’s report also revealed producers are taking sustainability quite seriously. A question about future plans for becoming carbon neutral showed that the majority of the respondents’ companies either have plans in the works for becoming carbon neutral, or they soon will. Fifty percent will have a plan in place within five years; 30{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} within 10 years; and 7{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} in 10 years or longer. Only 6{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of respondents reported that they have yet to start working toward this goal.

As the pet food industry continues its growth trajectory, processors undoubtedly have a lot on their plates. They face the ongoing task of meeting the demands of current and future pet parents as they search for more variety from the food and treats they feed their pets. Alongside this, the industry continues to battle the manufacturing challenges of labor shortages, supply chain logistics and rising ingredient costs, all the while working to keep sustainability and other environmental issues a priority. If the pet food industry can stay the course, innovating and expanding along the way, prognosticators might just be correct with their lofty growth predictions.

Keep up with the latest pet food trends on our Trends page.

December 6, 2022

Are Dogs’ Mouths Cleaner Than Humans? Vets Explain

The microbes in dogs’ mouths ordinarily are unable to infect individuals mainly because it is incompatible.
But there are a couple of germs — like salmonella and rabies — that you can get from canine saliva.
To retain your dog’s mouth thoroughly clean, you should really brush their tooth at the time a 7 days and give them dental comfortable chews.

Dogs get their mouths on all kinds of objects from an old pair of sneakers in the back of your closet to the kitchen trash below the sink. But even with their fascination in items that human beings could look at dirty, you’ve got likely heard that a dog’s mouth is really cleaner than a human’s.

It turns out this common expressing is essentially a myth, claims Dr. Andrew Karmin, Chief of Personnel at URvet Care. Your dog’s mouth is not cleaner than your individual, but there are techniques to treatment for your dog’s mouth and cut down their hazard of disease irrespective of how much they are poking close to in the rubbish.

Are dogs’ mouths cleaner than people?

The brief answer is no, dogs’ mouths are not cleaner than people. But, this also just isn’t particularly a truthful comparison.

Both equally human and pet mouths have hundreds of microorganisms and germs, Karmin says. Most — but not all — of the micro organism in your canine mouth are zoonotic, that means that they can only infect other dogs.

For case in point, you would not get a cold from letting your doggy lick your cheek, but you could possibly from coming into close call with a sick human. In this way, sharing a kiss with your pooch is ordinarily considerably less risky than kissing another individual.

But just due to the fact your canine is much significantly less probable to unfold harmful germs, won’t signify that their mouth is really thoroughly clean.

The greatest distinction in cleanliness concerning puppy and human mouths is that humans exercise regular oral hygiene with every day teeth brushing and flossing, says Dr. Celia Friedman Cowan, Director of Veterinary Medication for Koala Overall health, an on the internet pet wellness enterprise.

Some varieties of microbes that cause periodontal illness, or gum an infection, can be discovered in both of those doggy and human mouths, but since dogs’ tooth are not brushed or flossed as generally, they have better rates of dental illness.

In fact, dental illness is the most commonly diagnosed sickness in dogs, affecting much more than 80 p.c of puppies over the age of three.

Can dog’s saliva recover wounds?

A different frequent indicating about dogs’ mouths is that their saliva can aid heal wounds. This is partly accurate, but with some caveats, states Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, a veterinarian at SeniorTailWagger.com and director of Kingsgate Animal Healthcare facility.

Both of those human and canine saliva have some antibacterial qualities, such as proteins referred to as histatins that can enable prevent an infection.

Having said that, this effect only extends to a few select micro organism typestypically uncovered in the oral cavitiy, like streptococcus. And with hundreds of sorts of bacteria current in the saliva, it can be a lot more likely for puppy saliva to cause an infection than clear a person, Whittenburg says.

“A dog’s mouth is like their fingers and fingers, utilised to poke, prod, scratch, and decide factors up, ” Friedman Cowan suggests. “Every little thing goes in their mouth, which include gross things.”

What illnesses can you get from canine saliva?

1 motive why the myth that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than people has probably stuck around is because canines and people you should not commonly unfold condition to every other by swapping saliva.

You can get unwell nevertheless if your dog’s saliva comes into get in touch with with an open wound or broken skin, Karmin claims.

Ailments you can get from doggy saliva include:

How to minimize your dog’s hazard of disease

It truly is not possible to keep any mouth fully germ-absolutely free, like your dog’s. But there are ways you can defend your dog’s oral wellbeing and decrease their hazard of sickness. In this article are some recommendations for trying to keep your dog’s mouth healthy:

Brush your dog’s enamel at minimum when a 7 days with a finger brush or dental wipe.
Have your dog’s mouth on a regular basis examined by a veterinarian, about after a calendar year.
Take your dog for expert veterinarian enamel cleanings. These may be after a year for most canine, however some breeds, like Bulldogs and Yorkshire Terriers, may perhaps need a lot more recurrent cleanings.
Present comfortable chew toys that you can indent with your thumbnail. Toys that are way too tricky can raise the hazard of distressing tooth fractures that may perhaps turn into infected, Friedman Cowan states.
Give your pet dental chews to nibble on. These can be identified in pet outlets and are designed precisely to assist cleanse your dog’s tooth and lower constructed-up plaque and tartar.

Insider’s takeaway

The saying that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s is a myth. Both human and puppy mouths contain hundreds of microorganisms and bacteria. Some of these microbes overlap in between the two species, but several of them are various, earning comparing canine mouths to human mouths difficult.

It is achievable to get sick from a dog’s saliva, but only if it will come into speak to with an open wound or damaged skin. You can enable keep your dog’s mouth balanced by brushing their tooth as soon as a week and using them for standard specialist enamel cleanings at the vet.

December 5, 2022

Stella & Chewy’s to offer select products at Petco

SAN DIEGO — Petco Health and fitness and Wellness Corporation, Inc. announced Nov. 30 it has partnered with Stella & Chewy’s to convey a assortment of the premium pet food items company’s uncooked and pure products to Petco’s in-store cabinets and on the net marketplace, starting off January 2023.

Stella & Chewy’s delivers total-and-well balanced freeze-dried uncooked formulation for canine and cats, which are fortified with probiotics and anti-oxidants and formulated with responsibly sourced components, in accordance to the business. It also offers dry kibble coated with freeze-dried uncooked proteins in grain-free and grain-inclusive varieties, as nicely as a variety of food toppers “for picky eaters.”

“As a chief in the pet nourishment room and the first and only retailer to give Stella & Chewy’s both of those on the internet and in brick-and-mortar areas in all 50 states, Petco is unequivocally fully commited to producing superior-high quality diet accessible to even far more pets across the region,” stated Amy College, chief merchandising officer at Petco. “Petco’s Total Wellbeing philosophy and target on 360-degree wellness and wellness methods for pets closely aligns with Stella & Chewy’s mission and emphasis on healthy, secure and palatable nutrition, all in assist of pets’ total pleasure and wellbeing.”

Stella & Chewy’s entrance into the big box pet retail place does not necessarily mean it is abandoning the community pet channel, in accordance to Marc Hill, main government officer at the firm. Some goods — such as its Uncooked Coated Baked Kibble, Uncooked Blend Baked Kibble and Frozen Raw strains — will stay obtainable completely by neighborhood pet shops.

“Today’s announcement is an additional stage in a mission begun just about 20 decades back — to make uncooked and organic eating plans extra accessible to pet moms and dads across the state,” Hill said. “But that mission isn’t probable without the need of the ongoing partnership of our valued neighborhood pet outlets — partnerships we will go on to invest in and assist lengthy expression.”

Stella & Chewy’s is the most recent pet foodstuff firm to strike a partnership with Petco subsequent its ban on dog and cat foods products that contains artificial shades, flavors and preservatives in May perhaps 2019. The initiative is element of Petco’s Entire Wellbeing philosophy, which aims to guidance holistic wellness and wellness for animals. The Whole Health initiative was formally declared in March 2021.

Remain up to date on the hottest pet food items processing market headlines on our News web page.

December 2, 2022

Holiday shoppers warned that puppy scams can spoil your Christmas

The brown and white boxer puppy named “Gemma” couldn’t have been any cuter. Super lovable, 12 weeks old and he looked very intelligent in his picture. But before the day was done, he would end up ripping one big hole into a Michigan woman’s checkbook.

And break her heart.

Those big eyes can con you into doing anything — and don’t the scammers know it. It’s a warning worth sharing once again during the holiday season, as many people shop online for puppies and other pets.

As it so happens, the online seller amazingly has a litter of puppies available in time for Christmas. The trouble is you’re likely never going to see that dog — and you’ll be out a crateful of cash.

How one online puppy scam unfolded

“I’ve been looking for a boxer puppy. And I’ve been going online,” said Joan Reddout, of Vassar, Michigan, which is about 15 miles away from Frankenmuth.

She started looking in Michigan but the breeders she found here were selling show-quality purebred boxers and they were asking anywhere from $1,800 to $3,000 for their puppies.

“I can’t afford that,” said Reddout, 72, a former home health aide who hasn’t worked in the past year after a car accident and issues with her immune system.

“I just wanted a boxer puppy.”

Then in early October, she spotted someone selling boxers, known for their short, shiny coats and playful personalities, out of Billings, Montana. The puppies were American Kennel Club registered but they weren’t show line dogs with four-digit price tags. The puppies were socialized and raised with children.

The distance didn’t bother her.

“I had talked to people who had gotten puppies from out of state and they did fine,” she said.

When Reddout called the number listed, the seller just happened to have some puppies being shipped out later that day. If she could get him the money right away, “Gemma” soon could be flown to Saginaw, the nearest airport, and then be delivered to her home. She could have the puppy at her home that very night.

One of the email exchanges described the boxer, saying: “He’s attentive, lovable & gives kisses.”

The puppy was $600 and the shipping fee would be $155 — total $755.

The send-money-now pitch didn’t bother her.

The seller seemed sincere. He had shown interest in how she’d be able to take care of the dog. Did she have experience with dogs? Would she be able to walk the dog? How was the neighborhood?

Reddout admitted that she usually likes to go see a puppy in person. When dogs are sold online and being sent from another state, it’s often not possible. She would wait until she met the puppy and saw a bit of his personality to pick a new name for “Gemma.”

Everything seemed OK to the retiree who once raised boxers herself many years ago.

She has two older dogs, a Pekingese named Precious and a papillion named Tater. But she wanted a puppy with a larger presence to join the family. She divorced six years ago and has two adult children in New York.

Susan Tompor:Inflation ‘unacceptably high,’ must be Fed’s primary focus, says Federal Reserve governor

Buy now, pay later:How to overspend in the holiday moment

Seller asks for money via Zelle, gift cards

Even so, the online seller was pushing to close that deal quickly.

“He didn’t want me to send a check. He had to have the money right away so he could pay for the puppy’s flight and everything,” Reddout said. Some emailed itineraries indicated flights on United Airlines and Delta.

The so-called seller initially asked her to send money via the Zelle app but she didn’t know how that worked. He suggested she buy Visa gift cards. She ended up going to the Dollar General to buy two Visa cards — one with $500 on it and the other with $255 on it.

She was asked to take a picture of the Visa cards, the front and the back, and then a picture of the receipt. And she emailed those photos to the seller.

“He didn’t want me to put his name on the back,” she said. “His name was Frank Thomas, at least that’s what he told me his name was.”

The man had a heavy accent, though, and she wondered if he was originally from India and then changed his name.

She spotted real trouble when someone else involved in the scam alerted her that a special, thermal electronic crate would be needed due to weather conditions. And she’d have to pay $799 upfront — and later get $700 refunded once the crate was returned.

“I said ‘I’m sorry. I don’t have that kind of money,’ ” she told me. “I said ‘I can come up with the $99 but the other $700 I can’t come up with.’ It took me a year to save up for the puppy to begin with.”

Later, they asked her to just pay an extra $500. But Reddout couldn’t do that either.

“He said ‘Can’t you put it on your credit card?’ ” she recalled. “I said ‘No, I’m on a limited income.’ “

She never did get the dog. She’s out the $755. She was promised by the man who called himself Frank Thomas that she could get $600 back. He needed that $155 to cover upfront shipping costs. Whatever. She cannot get a hold of him and hasn’t seen a dime of anything.

And she hasn’t been able to tell her friends or relatives the story of the scam, the first time anyone ripped her off. She’s too afraid that they’ll think it was her fault for sending money and not spotting the fraud.

Puppy scams tap into need for affection

Puppy scams are huge. And frankly, it’s one scam where I easily could imagine myself as a victim. We lost our dear corgi Phoenix Tiger, who would have turned 14 in January, back in October. As my son Matt wrote so eloquently, Phoenix “loved people. He touched the hearts of everyone he met. . . .He was my best friend on my worst days.”

Phoenix saw Matt through grade school, middle school, high school, college, grad school and his first job working, which happened for a few months to be out of our house during the pandemic.

Phoenix was an amazingly smart dog who helped me cook, including heading out to find me in another room when the oven buzzer went off. “Think we should get that?” he’d ask. He had a flair for wearing bow ties, showing kindness to small children and knowing how to work the room. (Longtime readers might recall the column I wrote in 2014 about when Phoenix chewed up some cash left on my son’s bed when he rushed off to a high school football game.)

Our family loved him dearly. The three of us shared his final moments at an emergency hospital in Novi. And I felt compelled to turn to my son before we had to put the corgi down and to say: “Matt, you know I love you more than the dog.” And Matt, wisely said: “Mom, there’s no need to lie right now.”

So I can only imagine how the scammers hit us where it hurts.

Not surprisingly, the crooks advertise breeds that are popular and promise a great price. Consumer watchdogs saw a major uptick in pet scam complaints during the pandemic, as people sought companionship and rationalized that they had more time alone at home to train a puppy.

The Michigan Department of Attorney General has received a total of 129 pet scam complaints since 2020.

A consumer in Commerce Township reported losing $700 via Cash App trying to buy a Siberian kitten online. But then a shipping company wanted an extra $1,500 for a special crate and the consumer knew that didn’t sound right at all. The consumer reported to the Michigan Attorney General that the family had gotten their hopes up but then everything fell apart and they felt heartbroken. They never received a refund or the kitten.

A Rochester Hills resident lost $650 in American Express gift cards trying to buy Astro the pit bull. The consumer was told not to tell the clerk at the store that the gift cards were being bought to pay for a dog because “they would charge me more for the gift cards.” The next morning, another $970 refundable payment was requested but the consumer did not pay it, suspecting fraud, according to information from the Attorney General’s office.

Pet scams made up 35{35112b74ca1a6bc4decb6697edde3f9edcc1b44915f2ccb9995df8df6b4364bc} of reports about online shopping scams made to the Better Business Bureau in 2021. The largest group of victims by age are those 25-35, followed by those 35-44. The average financial loss reported to BBB Scam Tracker was $1,088, according to a December 2021 BBB report.

Google took legal action in April against an operation using Gmail accounts and Google Voice accounts to impersonate sellers of bassett hounds and Maltipoo puppies. One victim, according to the court filing in the San Jose Northern District Court of California, lost $700 in electronic gift cards and never got the puppy. (As part of that scam, the delivery company suddenly needed an extra $1,500.) AARP had tipped Google off to the scam, reportedly run out of the Cameroon.

How one woman lost $925 on a flying squirrel

And it’s not just puppies.

“We’ve had every animal under the sun that someone has tried to procure as a pet be victimized,” said AARP fraud expert Amy Nofziger.

“Not a day goes by that we don’t get a report on some sort of pet scam.”

Consumers have complained of being scammed buying puppies, kittens, monkeys, parrots, raccoons, iguanas, and horses.

“We had a flying squirrel two weeks ago,” Nofziger said.

A flying squirrel?

The woman had two flying squirrels as pets but the female had died and she worried that the surviving male squirrel would get lonely. The problem is that she found the female on an exotic pets website, which was an imposter site managed by scammers.

She needed to put down a $200 deposit. She asked to use PayPal but she was told that she needed to use the Zelle app, Nofziger said, noting that peer-to-peer apps are increasingly popular with scammers who want instant cash.

Ultimately, more expenses needed to be covered — the scammers in these pet scams don’t ask for all that money upfront — and the woman ended up spending a total of $925. Then, the scammers wanted another $1,000 in shipping charges. She said no at that point.

Many times, Nofziger said extra charges can sound reasonable to a potential pet owner — fees to test for COVID, fees for a special certificate for the airlines, fees for a special crate. But it’s a way for scammers to get more money.

Nofziger speculated that some shoppers are going online now looking for more unusual pets, such as raccoons, with the hope of finding the next TikTok star. And the scammers know it. (The social media angle for racoons seems more likely than trying to recreate the roaring 1920s when Rebecca the raccoon was a presidential pet. “She was given to the Coolidge family in 1926 by a supporter from Mississippi, who suggested that the raccoon be served up for Thanksgiving dinner,” according to a White House history.)

The scammers try to make you feel that you’ve got a connection already with the pet in the photo.

As part of her research, Nofziger exchanged texts with a cat scammer in February to see their ploy. The scammers immediately sent her pictures. “Of course, he’s the cutest cat you’ve ever seen.” And the scammers used what Nofziger calls “emotionally affirming language.” The cat is described as being “so sweet.” The scammer texts her that the cat already loves you. And the scammer says “nannys” — yes, misspelled — would be there to take care of the cat until he reaches your home. The scammer wanted $700 in cryptocurrency for the “baby.”

“They use that language to get you hooked in,” Nofziger said.

Nofziger told me she’s amazed at how well versed the scammers are about the traits of a very specific breed or animal. The scammers do their homework to know everything about that type of cat or dog to manipulate you into believing that you’re talking with a professional breeder — and build up your dream of finding a loving pet.

Those puppy dog eyes will trick you

The deal might look real because the con artists will send pictures — and even videos — and then ask for a down payment, said Lauren Schalk, a spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan.

The BBB’s “12 Scams of Christmas” includes pet scams, noting that many families will consider “adding a furry friend to their household this year.” But it’s best to request seeing a puppy or other pet in person before handing over any gift cards, payments via a banking app or bitcoin.

The thing is that the dogs in the photos aren’t really sitting around the house hounding the scammers to take them on a walk or toss them another peanut butter pretzel. Con artists just steal cute pictures of dogs and other pets from the internet. Crooks only need a domain name — not the actual dog — to engage in fraud.

It’s kind of like those romance scams. That hunk of a doctor in the photo isn’t the real guy texting you.

And like the love connection who is overseas and cannot go to dinner, the adorable puppy is out of state and cannot jump on your lap.

It’s terribly cruel to target someone who wants a companion. Maybe, they even lost a loved one or a beloved pet. For those who are honest, it can be hard to imagine that someone would steal an attractive photo to toy with someone’s emotions. But it happens, way too often.

Earlier this year, consumers were warned about scams that even involved adopting puppies from war-torn Ukraine.

How to spot a scam

How do you protect your wallet — and your heart?

Unfortunately, it’s best to be skeptical of any photo that you see online. Fake listings can appear on Craigslist or Facebook. Some scammers even try to pretend to be reputable breeders by stealing personal information from the breeders, according to an alert from the American Kennel Club.

A reputable breeder is going to make time to talk with you on the phone, not just insist on texting or emailing, said Brandi Hunter Munden, the AKC’s vice president for public relations and communications.

Talk with a few breeders to get an idea of the cost of a puppy for particular breed. “If the price is too good to be true, it usually is,” Munden said. The AKC Marketplace is one spot to find breeders. The AKC does not certify breeders.

When it comes to getting a healthy puppy, Munden said, any reputable breeder will have had the puppy examined and already have begun their vaccination cycle. Ask for paperwork. “If the breeder does not have vet records on the dog, you should reconsider purchasing the dog,” Munden said.

Follow up with your own vet and finish the vaccination cycle to ensure your puppy is fully protected. She adds that the puppy should not be around any unvaccinated dogs until they’re fully vaccinated at approximately 16 weeks to 18 weeks old.

Seeing the puppy in person is key. It’s usually, Munden said, in the best interest of the puppy for the new owner to go and pick up the puppy.

The Michigan Department of Attorney General says if you are unable to see a dog in person, see if the breeder is willing to do video chat. Or even “send you a photo or video with your name and the date written on a piece of paper next to the puppy. Be sure to do this before making any sort of deposit.”

Don’t pay all the money upfront until you meet the pet.

Know that customer testimonials can be fake, just like the pictures. If you spot the same text — or photo — on other websites, you might conclude that the breeder is likely a scammer.

PetScams.com tracks some scams.

Consumers can file complaints about scams to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Help Line at 877-908-3360 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.

Michigan consumers who believe they have been a victim of a scam can file a complaint with the AG’s Consumer Protection Division online at mi.gov/agcomplaints.

Consumers can also file complaints with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org/scamtracker.

Or contact the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 or www.ftc.gov.

Some red flags of puppy scams are similar to other scams: Sellers create a sense of urgency to buy now; they want payments in odd forms, like gift cards, bitcoin or Zelle; and they’re not really answering your questions. Never use Zelle or a money transfer service from your bank to buy a puppy. Try to use a credit card whenever possible.

Once you buy gift cards or send money via Zelle, the crooks will soon come up with other reasons for you to send more cash. Many of the puppy scams of late include last-minute, unexpected added medical or transportation costs, which only put more money in the pockets of the scammers.

Fortunately, Reddout, the Michigan retiree, didn’t lose another $799 in gift cards for that thermal crate. It didn’t make sense why the person delivering Gemma couldn’t just take that crate back without her making a big, unexpected payment upfront.

“I realized it was a scam when he wanted the $799 to ship the dog,” Reddout said.

Contact Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @tompor. To subscribe, please go to freep.com/specialoffer. Read more on business and sign up for our business newsletter.

December 1, 2022

Petco and Stella & Chewy’s Partner to Bring Nutritious Dog and Cat Food to More Pets

Wide choice of Stella & Chewy’s will be readily available at Petco pet care facilities, petco.com and on the Petco app in January 2023

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Petco Health and Wellness Corporation, Inc. (Nasdaq: WOOF) these days announced a partnership with Stella & Chewy’s that will provide the brand’s raw and normal meals items to Petco pet care facilities, petco.com and the Petco application in January 2023. An advocate of healthy pet food stuff given that its founding in 2003, Stella & Chewy’s is the group chief in the uncooked pet foodstuff place, and this expansion assists be certain that more pet dad and mom will have obtain to the gains of uncooked foods as portion of Petco’s curated assortment of substantial-top quality nutrition without artificial substances.*

(PRNewsfoto/Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc.) — (PRNewsfoto/Petco Wellness and Wellness Firm, Inc.)

“As a chief in the pet nutrition space and the first and only retailer to supply Stella & Chewy’s both on the net and in brick-and-mortar destinations in all 50 states, Petco is unequivocally dedicated to earning substantial-high quality nourishment readily available to even additional pets across the place,” reported Amy College or university, Chief Merchandising Officer at Petco. “Petco’s Total Wellness philosophy and concentrate on 360-degree health and fitness and wellness answers for pets intently aligns with Stella & Chewy’s mission and emphasis on healthy, secure and palatable diet, all in assist of pets’ all round happiness and wellbeing.”

Stella & Chewy’s offers superior-high quality, raw and pure pet food stuff created from premium, responsibly sourced components. Its freeze-dried raw food offers total and balanced raw foods improved with probiotics and anti-oxidants. The brand’s dry kibble, coated in freeze-dried raw, is readily available in grain-free and with-grain recipes. For picky eaters, pet parents can also raise their pet’s bowl with nutrient-packed meal toppers.

“Present day announcement is another stage in a mission commenced almost 20 several years in the past – to make raw and purely natural diets far more available to pet mothers and fathers throughout the place,” stated Marc Hill, CEO at Stella & Chewy’s. “But that mission isn’t attainable with out the ongoing partnership of our valued community pet outlets – partnerships we will proceed to invest in and aid extended expression.”

Stella & Chewy’s will continue on to give an distinctive line to its reliable community pet shop partners, which includes Stella & Chewy’s Uncooked Coated Baked Kibble, Uncooked Blend Baked Kibble and Frozen Uncooked merchandise.

Given that Might of 2019, Petco has taken a stand versus offering foodstuff and treats made up of artificial colours, flavors and preservatives* for pet dogs and cats. Wholesome diet is critical to pets’ physical wellbeing, a pillar of Petco’s Entire Health philosophy, as nicely as a important element to their in general overall health and wellness. Petco continues to be a chief in the diet class with new, innovative offerings that support pets’ wellbeing.

Petco presents a variety of easy methods to store, including in-retail store on-line invest in on-line, decide on up in-keep exact same-day shipping and delivery and repeat shipping. For more information about Petco’s entire suite of high-high-quality foodstuff and treats, take a look at petco.com.

*See how Petco defines synthetic substances at petco.com/nutritionstandards.

About Petco, The Well being + Wellness Co.

Launched in 1965, Petco is a classification-defining health and fitness and wellness enterprise focused on improving upon the lives of pets, pet moms and dads and our possess Petco associates. We have persistently established new specifications in pet treatment even though delivering comprehensive pet wellness products and solutions, solutions and options, and producing communities that deepen the pet-pet parent bond. We operate additional than 1,500 pet care facilities across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, which offer goods, companion animals, grooming, training and a growing network of on-site veterinary hospitals and cellular veterinary clinics. Our comprehensive pet health and fitness and wellness ecosystem is accessible via our pet care centers and digitally at petco.com and on the Petco app. In tandem with Petco Appreciate (formerly the Petco Foundation), an impartial nonprofit business, we perform with and assistance 1000’s of nearby animal welfare groups throughout the nation and, by way of in-retail outlet adoption activities, we’ve aided come across residences for far more than 6.5 million animals.

About Stella & Chewy’s

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Stella & Chewy’s strives to present the greatest high-quality uncooked and normal pet meals with an emphasis on nourishment, palatability, basic safety and comfort. The firm’s doggy and cat goods incorporate frozen patties and morsels, freeze-dried supper patties and meal mixers, baked kibble, stews, broths and treats. Stella & Chewy’s proudly developed Journey Dwelling Fund a charity that promotes grownup and senior pet adoptions. For much more info about the company, products and solutions and the nearest retailer, visit stellaandchewys.com or connect with 877-477-8977.

Cautionary Take note Relating to Forward-Wanting Statements

This press launch has ahead-on the lookout statements within the indicating of Area 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Segment 21E of the Securities Trade Act of 1934, as amended, about expectations, beliefs, designs, goals, ambitions, tactics, long term situations or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historic actuality. Although Petco believes that the anticipations and assumptions mirrored in these statements are realistic, there can be no assurance that these anticipations will prove to be proper. Ahead-looking statements are subject to many dangers and uncertainties, together with the risk elements that Petco identifies in its Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and real final results might vary materially from the outcomes reviewed in these kinds of ahead-looking statements. Petco undertakes no duty to update publicly any forward-looking statement that it may possibly make, whether or not as a end result of new data, upcoming situations or or else, except as may possibly be necessary by applicable law, regulation or other qualified authorized authority.

Media Speak to:
For Petco:
Yvonne Tarrab
yvonne.tarrab@petco.com

For Stella & Chewy’s:
Betsy Radue
262.893.7276
bradue@stellaandchewys.com

Cision

View authentic written content to obtain multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/information-releases/petco-and-stella–chewys-lover-to-bring-wholesome-doggy-and-cat-food stuff-to-extra-animals-301689955.html

Supply Petco Well being and Wellness Business, Inc.

November 29, 2022

Buying pet insurance? Avoid these 3 mistakes

While the rewards of a pet insurance coverage policy are several and significant, like any other money products, there are some pitfalls to keep away from.

Getty Photos/iStockphoto

Pet insurance plan is a exclusive and expense-efficient way to defend both animals and their proprietors.

In exchange for a monthly cost to an insurance policy provider (typically discounted if paid annually), entrepreneurs can rest straightforward knowing that their dog or cat has confirmed professional medical care and they have the financial help to get by any emergencies or health problems without having breaking the lender.

While the added benefits of a pet insurance policy plan are many and sizeable, like any other financial products, there are some pitfalls to stay clear of. By comprehending this support and staying away from some common issues house owners can protected a trusted and cheap plan.

You can get a cost-free pet insurance plan value estimate online now so you know precisely what to be expecting.

Pet insurance coverage mistakes to stay away from

Pet insurance policy is not like lifetime or health insurance coverage for people. Accordingly, owners must keep away from generating the next mistakes:

Buying it much too late

Waiting around too long to get pet coverage can be harmful in two techniques.

Insurance policy only will become far more highly-priced as the pets age and health and fitness concerns arise. That threat will be reflected in larger rates. So it can be better to safe a policy when the pet is young and healthy.
Pet coverage suppliers discriminate in opposition to pets with pre-existing disorders. They will not address nagging well being challenges that existed prior to the pet was insured. This could lead to a total disqualification from coverage – or minimum defense, at best.

In brief, if you want much more coverage for considerably less funds it can make perception to get pet insurance plan now right before it can be also late. Start with a absolutely free on the net rate estimate.

Not obtaining a second impression

Most grownups wouldn’t think to consult with their main care physician ahead of signing up with a overall health insurance policy service provider. But when it arrives to pet insurance policies it is really value talking to your veterinarian in progress.

Your vet can assistance you tailor your insurance plan plan to the pet you have. They’re previously carefully associated with the care and cure of your animal and see a wide range of related issues on a every day basis.

By tapping your veterinarian for guidance, you can a lot more correctly alter your pet coverage protection to only what you need to have now – or might want in the long run. This way you is not going to close up shelling out for protections you are not likely to use.

Obtaining the wrong sort

Diligently figure out what form of protection you want and know what kind of protection you can afford. From that position, you can go about getting a policy that performs for you and your pet’s requires. Just have an understanding of that not all guidelines are the similar.

An accident-only policy is just that: for mishaps only. So if your pet swallows some thing they shouldn’t have or if they split a leg, then an incident-only coverage will go over you. But it will never include far more mundane visits or treatment. That will drop less than far more in depth procedures.

Luckily, pet coverage can be personalized to what you will need now and may well need in the future. And the pricing is frequently commensurate (incident-only policies are cheaper than most other kinds). Just make absolutely sure you know the policy and funds for that plan before signing up.

The base line

Pet coverage has many rewards. To get the most price out of a possible strategy, nonetheless, it allows to obtain it early. Question your veterinarian for their input and do your homework in purchase to select the ideal coverage.

If you can do those three issues properly, a pet insurance plan strategy will very likely work for you. Get began now!