The pet massage trend

The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) has announced its top six pet-industry trends for 2006—and massage is one of them.

Americans’ spending on pets was expected to exceed a record $35.9 billion by the end of 2005, according to an APPMA press release.

Among the trends noted are: medical advancements in pet care; pet behaviorists who treat unruly pet behavior; training programs for pet-hotel operators; and pet butlers, sitters and massage therapists.

“This report demonstrates how consumer demand for pet products and services is expanding into almost every corner of what has typically been reserved for human consumption,” said APPMA Managing Director Bob Vetere.