Do you track the age of your customers’ pets? Either through a loyalty or other program?

Rank these age groups within your customer base, from most to least.

Do you target different age groups with promotions of products and/or services?

Which lifestage do you sell more targeted products and/or services for?

RETAILER WISHLIST

question:

What products and/or support do you wish existed in the overall lifestages category?

• More “start your puppy/kitten off right” toys with training tips or why this is good for baby teeth versus adult teeth. Puppy/kitty training games that get the whole family involved. — Amy Wolf, The Dog Spot, Joseph, OR
• More puppy-safe chews. — Julie Johannes, Happy Hounds Pet Supply, Bigfork, MT
• More protein variety in puppy formulas. — Becci Scott, The Fetching Dog, Scottsdale, AZ
• Products for the teradactyl stage — puppies over 4 months of age but not quite an adult! — April Meier, Pawsitively Scrumptious Bark Bakery & Boutique, Crestview, FL
• More shirts and sweaters for very tiny toy-breed puppies. — Amber Hudson, The Aquarium Pet Store, Weatherford, OK
• More focus on adult and middle age: Everyone starts glucosamine and chondroitin once their pet is old and limping, but it would be more effective if started younger. — Taylor England, Earthwise Pet Lake Nona, Orlando, FL
• Products that would help a senior dog feel more comfortable in a kennel setting. — Keela Huotari, Yellowstone Kennels, Sidney, MT
• An educational piece (brochure, video, class) on when to reevaluate a pet’s needs and consider a change in diet and vet appointments such as dental, shots, blood tests, titers and general checkups. Starting different supplements early for prevention, that type of thing. Something that could follow the pet parent for the life of the pet. Maybe a flyer that breaks down suggested timelines, etc. I think the products are there; it’s educating people to start them before it’s too late. Being proactive vs. reactive. — Jennifer Larsen, Firehouse Pet Shop, Wenatchee, WA
• A more specific “senior” category. Senior food is basically lower fat and calorie, and not all seniors need that. — Jennifer Moore Baker, Grateful Dog Bakery, North Ridgeville, OH
• Softer toys, softer dental chews and cognitive toys aimed at the senior animal. — Keith Henline, Asheville Pet Supply, Ashville, NC
• More vitamins as treats. A lot of older pets don’t do well with powders or liquid. — Lori Colburn, Nature’s Pet Market Orenco, Hillsboro, OR
• Treats geared toward senior dogs with health issues. — Michele Saharic, Barkley’s Gourmet Marketplace, Flemington, NJ
• More cognitive-support supplementation for seniors. — Molly Lewis, Dog River Pet Supplies, Hood River, OR
• More products for older cats. Joint maintenance and cognitive function would be great! — Loree Shirazi, Paw Pleasers, San Diego, CA
• A magical “pet life extender” product! — Bill Trufant, B & B Pet Stop, Mobile, AL
• More senior pet foods that are not poultry based or have eggs in them. Same with puppy. Most puppy kibbles have poultry or eggs, and I’d say a good 60% of my grooming client pets suffer from poultry and egg allergies. — Carly Buswell, Cosmos Cuts Pet Grooming Boutique, Isle La Motte, VT
• Customized Lifestage Nutrition: more pet food options tailored not just by age (puppy, adult, senior) but by breed, size, activity level and specific health needs. Holistic Preventative Care Kits: bundled products for each stage of a pet’s life, including supplements, dental care, enrichment toys and grooming essentials. Personalized Transition Plans: guidance and product recommendations for major life transitions, like switching from kibble to raw, senior mobility support, or adopting a new pet into a multi-pet household. Subscription-Based Wellness Programs: Monthly boxes with stage-appropriate nutrition, enrichment and health monitoring tools. Small Animal & Reptile Lifestage Care: more tailored solutions for birds, reptiles and small mammals, similar to what’s available for dogs and cats. Comprehensive End-of-Life Support: holistic hospice care resources, including nutrition, comfort aids and emotional support for pet parents. — Victor Santucci, Garden State Pet Center, Audubon, NJ
• I’m really excited to see the growth of products specifically for senior dogs. Many dogs are living well into their teens now, likely due to the increased popularity of species-appropriate diets and improved access to veterinary specialists. I hope brands continue to consider the senior and even elderly dog when expanding their product lines. — Katherine Ostiguy, Crossbones, Providence, RI