Sourcing Quality Dog and Cat Supplies

Is Dog and Cat Supplies a Feasable Market Choice

Recession brought a gloomy outlook on most businesses as public spending tightened across many sectors. Pet products market is one industry that has thrived through the recession. Sourcing Quality Dog and Cat Supplies is one of the few markets that is still growing during this global slow down. American Pet owners are very sentimental and groom their pets as if they were their own children.

Recession has only altered the way they spend now, focusing more on value for money products. The overall pet ownership and the average number of pets owned by each individual family is slowly growing every year, so the total amount spent on Pet food and supplies also keeps increasing every year.

The Cat and Dog Supplies market

Various studies by American Pet Products Association, Inc. (APPA -  http://www.americanpetproducts.org – the leading trade association to promote pet products) suggest that Pet parents still spend a considerable amount on Pet supplies and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, though the kind of products that are sold keeps changing based on the economy.

People also spend a lot on Pet services like grooming, spa visits, pet day care, etc. The retail giant Wal-Mart ( http://www.walmart.com/cp/pet-supplies/5440 ) is gradually expanding its pet grooming facilities to many more stores and that proves that this industry is robust and growing. At the same time, Pet Health Care and Pet insurance sectors also noted gradual growth because they are directly related to the pet population and public spending pattern on their pets.

The latest APPA National Pet Owners Survey claims that around 62% of all US Households have at least one pet and the total amount spent in the Pet industry including Pet food, Pet supplies, Veterinary Care, OTC medicine, Pet purchases, Pet Grooming and boarding and other Pet services will cross $50 Billion in 2012. Such huge number justifies that sourcing Quality Dog and Cat supplies will be a long term business resource.

What kind of Pet Supplies can you import

Pet products keeps your Cats and Dogs healthy, happy and strong. A proper diet and keeping your pet engaged when they need support are the best way to groom your pets. Bright and glittering eyes, happy personality, playful mood and a shiny coat are clear signs that your pet is healthy. Pet supplies are generally imported from Europe, China, Japan, Pakistan and India.

Pet chains, Latex toys, natural and organic foods, grooming equipments and tools, Jeweled fancy collars for Dogs and Cats, Dog & Cat supplements, Bird Toys, Dog & Cat apparel for all seasons, Bathing Systems, Bowls, Bottles, Dispensers, Clippers, Cleaners, Dryers, Hair Dyes, Kennels, Cages, Restraints, Muzzles, Shampoo, Hair Conditioners, Sanitizers, Pet Beds, Treat Jars, Pet Crates, Litter Box, Pet Name Tags and Vet supplies are some of the most used items good for sourcing in the Pet industry.

Pet supplies import restrictions

Pet supplies include both food based supplies and non-food items. Pet foods carry most of the same restrictions as any other food, and is controlled by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/default.htm. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) -  http://www.aafco.org/ – serves State regulatory requirement summaries for each State on what is approved and what is not.

They also issue a series of Dog and Cat food regulations that serves as a model for different State regulations and laws. Regulations which apply specifically to food additives in animal foods are published by FDA and all Pet products should be manufactured from substances that are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

Although not explicitly addressed in FDA or AAFCO regulations, there are policies or procedures regarding aspects of labeling, health claims, use of the generic terms such as “natural”, “organic” in the label. USDA, APHIS, VS and NCIE departments together work to regulate the Pets and Pet Products import so that the domestic pets are protected from diseases and problems.

If you are importing Pet food, make sure they are manufactured entirely in the exporting country, in a manufacturing facility approved and monitored by the competent veterinary authority of the exporting country.

Quality Dog and Cat supplies resources

There are various exporters in Europe, China, Japan and India that supply approved Pet products. You can find a list of such manufacturers and distributors at Alibaba -  http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/import-dog-food-products.html.

Also, if you are trying to establish in this Pet industry, try to become a member of American Pet Products Association, Inc. (APPA). It is a not for profit association, providing support in certification and promote other services for the Pet industry.

If you are planning on sourcing quality Dog and Cat supplies, make sure you deal only with top quality natural or organic pet foods and approved pet products. Try to find products that will set you apart from other importers, so the cat and dog products that you offer to your clients and retailers are superior.

Here are some other Wholesale Sourcing sites that I have found for you to browse. Thanks for visiting Sourcing-3.com.


Sourcing Quality Dog and Cat Supplies
Sourcing Quality Dog and Cat Supplies

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