-From Pet Business, Feb 2009

Many pet owners are willing to sacrifice luxuries during the tough economic climate in order to provide for the needs of their canine companions, according to a survey released by the American Kennel Club.

The AKC polled more than 1,000 people on its website, (www.akc.org) for a one week period from November to December asking participants questions about what they would give up or cut back on for their dogs.

The survey found that more than 96 percent of those polled would forgo gourmet coffee to save money for thier dogs’ expenses. Ninety-seven percent said they would give up massages or spa treatments in order to afford a veterinarian bill, and nearly 79 percent said they would cancel a teeth-whitening appointment so Fido could have his annual teeth cleaning.

The survey also found that 69 percent of the respondents said they would cut back on gifts for their friends or extended family before skimping on gifts for their dogs. Nearly 9 percent said they would scale back on gifts for their spouse before cutting back on gifts for their dogs.

81 percent of respondents said they purchase gifts for their dogs during the holidays. 69 percent spend up to $50.00; 24 percent spend $50.00 to $100.00; 3% percent spend more than $150.00. 59% percent expected to spend the same amount on gifts for their dogs as they did last year.

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