Americans go all out for their pets

BELLEVUE - Despite the economy's sluggish return, Americans weren't afraid to continue to splurge on their pets.

A new report showed pet lovers spent tens of billions.

And those in the pet industry here in Northeast Wisconsin, say locally, people spare no expense.

It's definitely not your average dog kennel at Canterbury Tails Pet Resort & Spa in Bellevue.

The little rooms have a bed, a view and a TV. You can rent one at $25 a day.

"We do provide standard kennels, but the clients demand for the room setting, has just sky rocketed," explained grooming manager Caitlyn Reed. "I mean, every other call we get is asking if the suite is available."

Employees say they can't seem to keep up with demand for the higher-end puppy stays. And they say most don't slack when it comes to food either.

"People were spending maybe a $1 per pound and now they're spending upwards of $3 or more per pound of higher quality food," Reed explained.

A recent report by the American Pet Products Association shows Americans spent $53 billion on their pets last year.

That's up five percent over the year before.

A little more than $4 billion was spent on services such as grooming and boarding.

The majority of the expenses, around $34 billion, came from food and vet care.

"Thousands I would say, upwards of probably $2,000 to $4,000 for some orthopedic issues on something in one knee, and then the other knee might go out at another day," explained Dr. Corinne Rosen.

Dr. Rosen at Packerland Veterinary Center says prices for services have gone up the past couple years.

However, she says pet owners seem to be more willing to go the extra mile than before. Primarily she says, because of the changing economy.

"They pretty much run our lives," said pet owner Jan Harrig of New Franken.

But when your pet is part of the family, sometimes there is no limit.

"They're spoiled and so they're used to it," Harrig said.

Source: http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/green_bay/americans-go-all-out-for-their-pets

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