The pet industry has always been resilient, but in today’s changing retail environment, I’ve learned that resilience alone isn’t enough. Success requires innovation, adaptability and strong leadership. From my vantage point as SVP of the World Pet Association (WPA), I see our industry entering a new chapter — one defined not by rapid expansion, but by strategic growth and deeper collaboration.
We’re in a very healthy place as an industry. We’re no longer experiencing the extraordinary spikes of the pandemic era, and that’s not a bad thing. What we’re seeing now is steadier, more sustainable demand. Pet parents remain deeply committed to their animals; they’re simply shopping more thoughtfully.
That thoughtful spending is shaping the market in meaningful ways. Rather than broad-based surges, growth is concentrating in health-forward categories. Health and wellness continue to lead: functional treats, supplements, digestive support, dental products, enrichment. Pet parents are prioritizing proactive care and looking for products that deliver tangible benefits.
Premiumization is still a major force, but today’s consumers are weighing value more carefully. The opportunity lies in clarity and education. Retailers and brands that clearly communicate the “why” behind a product — its benefits and what makes it different — are the ones who will win. It’s all about building trust and helping pet parents make confident decisions.
Technology also plays a bigger role in this evolution. Autoship programs, loyalty platforms and digital marketing tools are no longer optional — they’re essential to staying competitive. But they don’t replace service. They enhance it. The retailers who will thrive are the ones who combine digital sophistication with knowledgeable, personalized customer engagement.
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The Power of Gathering
In a changing marketplace, one constant remains for me: the immense value of bringing our industry together. SUPERZOO continues to lead the way as the largest pet industry event in North America, offering the widest and most diverse gathering of professionals in our space.
We live so much of our lives online now, which makes face-to-face connection more important than ever. SUPERZOO, happening Aug. 12-14 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, isn’t just a marketplace. It’s where we have real conversations about challenges and solutions, where innovation launches and where meaningful relationships are built.
In 2026, we’re bringing together retailers, suppliers, groomers, service providers and emerging entrepreneurs, distributors and manufacturers from across the globe. My goal is impact. Our attendees are decision-makers — owners, buyers, operators. They come to discover what’s next and to build partnerships that fuel their growth.
This year, we’re expanding educational opportunities across multiple tracks. Retailers will find sessions focused on merchandising, marketing strategy and operational excellence. Grooming professionals can expect dynamic programming on the Groomer’s Innovation Stage and in the Skill Lab. And through our partnership with US Vet, we’re offering specialized veterinary-focused learning.
Beyond education, curated networking remains a core focus for me. We’re creating structured opportunities for the right conversations to happen — leadership meetups, targeted networking events, and programming tailored to specific industry segments. Our goal is simple: Connect the right people in the right environment.
Attendees can also expect immersive experiences across the show floor — from the New Product Showcase and Emerging Brands areas to the Live Animal section. We’re also bringing back retailer-focused meetups like Wednesday’s Mini Golf at Swingers Mandalay Bay — engaging, community-driven experiences that reflect how modern brands build loyal followings.
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When people leave SUPERZOO, I want them energized. I want them walking away with new vendor relationships, fresh ideas and real momentum.
A Year-Round Mission
While SUPERZOO is a cornerstone of what we do, the WPA’s work extends far beyond a single event. Our mission is to support, unify and advance the pet industry year-round.
In 2026, that means expanding our education initiatives, strengthening our advocacy efforts and deepening member engagement. Retailers continue to face rising operating costs, labor challenges, regulatory shifts and evolving consumer expectations. At the same time, they’re navigating digital competition and new shopper behaviors.
Our role is to provide tools, insights and advocacy to help them face these complexities and thrive.
That support takes many forms: professional development, legislative engagement, leadership initiatives, and peer-to-peer networking that encourages collaboration over competition.
At the heart of everything we do is one core principle: listening. We stay close to our members, adapt as the industry evolves and lead with purpose. The pet community is built on relationships, and that’s how we operate — by listening first.
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Looking Ahead
As 2026 unfolds, I see an industry poised for thoughtful, strategic advancement. The emotional bond between people and their pets isn’t going anywhere, it remains incredibly strong. The opportunity now is to build smarter, innovate responsibly and work together.
And at the center of that collaboration will once again be SUPERZOO.
When this industry gathers, we move forward together. That’s what makes this community so special — and that’s what makes the future so promising.
