THE U.S. MARKET for pet reptile products is increasing at a pace equal to or greater than the markets for other small pets, such as fish, rabbits, hamsters and birds. It had sales of $383 million in 2016, up 2 percent from the previous year, according to Packaged Facts. The market research firm forecasts the reptile products market will continue to grow at a steady rate through 2021. Pets+, 12/12/17
28 More PetSmart Locations Open
PetSmart opened 28 stores in the U.S. and Canada through Nov. 1, bringing the year-to-date total to 63 and the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico grand total to more than 1,600. Pets+, 12/15/17
Cultured Meat for Pet Food on the Way
A Colorado company is trying to develop cell-cultured meat for use in pet food. Bond Pets wants to grow the meat from animal cells, with no need to kill an animal. Other companies are working on the same concept for consumption by humans. The company’s founder says the cultured meat could be in pet food in the next couple of years. Quartz, 11/30/17
Stomach Issues Top List of Ailments
Stomach issues topped the 10 most common illnesses for cats and dogs and their to-treat prices in a report by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. The company’s second annual Cost of Pet Health Care report is based on data from about 200,000 claims from June 2016 to June 2017. Vet costs reach as high as $6,500 for stomach issues. Skin conditions (up to $4,000), ear infections ($800), eye conditions ($6,000) and pain ($3,000) rounded out the top five. Pets+, 12/8/17
Subscription-based Pet Healthcare Poised to Expand
Subscription-based pet healthcare company Fuzzy Pet Health has raised $4.5 million in financing, at the same time launching its mobile app and expanded in-home vet care options. Fuzzy is available in the San Francisco Bay area, with plans to expand to additional cities in the U.S. in 2018. The app is available free in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Pets+, 12/15/17
Pomeranian Leads Pets on Instagram
Topping the “Most-Followed Pets on Instagram in 2017” was @jiffpom, a Pomeranian with 7.1 million followers. On his website, Jiffpom is described as “the most famous animal in the world with over 23 million followers across all social media channels.” Pets+, 12/1/17
‘Bone Treats’ Prompt FDA Warning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning on “bone treats” for dogs. The agency says it’s received reports ranging from gastrointestinal obstruction to death affecting about 90 dogs. “A variety of commercially available bone treats for dogs — including treats described as ‘Ham Bones,’ ‘Pork Femur Bones,’ ‘Rib Bones’ and ‘Smokey Knuckle Bones’ — were listed in the reports,” FDA said in a statement. Pets+, 11/30/17