Mucho Moola

The American Pet Product Manufacturers' Association recently announced that of the $43 billion Americans will spend on pets, vets will get $10.9 billion and $10.3 billion will be paid for supplies and medicine.

Another $3 billion will be spent on services, presumably including such as dog massage at $40 an hour as practiced in the San Fran Bay area by Patti Moran. Food, grooming, vet bills, etc. It all adds up quickly although there are some things that can be done for free to create a more enjoyable environment for pets. Texas A&M Vet Bonnie Beaver says that (just like for people) it's all about the toys, which don't have to be expensive, just engaging and interactive and in some way a mirror for a life led outside the house.

For example, a well placed box for cats or plastic bottle with treats inside for dogs encourages the former to explore and the latter to play ... and keeps both of them from tearing up the furniture. Replacement of which — a regular event for many pet owners — is not even included in the $ figure above.