Canadian Living : Furry fashionistas

Ages & Stages • Parenting • Healthy Kids • Community Heartbeat • Work & Money • On the Go • Pets • Magazine Links

Pets

Furry fashionistas

Pet accessories are taking our dogs -- and our wallets -- by storm.

By Colleen Tully

Pamper your pooch at the spa
Speaking of luxury, the dog spa industry is another growing market trend. Christina Tsui, director of Pawfect Spa in Toronto says her business doubles every year. In fact, she says a huge jump has occurred from January to July of this year. "New customers are bringing puppies in -- not dogs," she said, adding this increase in puppies means increasing numbers of people have become new dog owners. "More people just want dogs," she said.

Tsui's clients range from newlyweds to housewives to retirees -- all looking to give their beloved doggies a taste of spa luxury. She says her clientele are very particular about what they want for their dogs. "Our customers are looking for more than just a cleaning," she said. "They want their dogs to look like the ones on TV commercials." Wouldn't we all love to look as well-groomed as celebrities?

Many of her clients bring in their dogs every month, and Tsui predicts the next big trend in her industry will be a luxurious spa centre for pets, including the holistic foods and services she already sells, plus interactive daycare and doggy-gyms. She already has clients asking when she'll open up a major pet-sitting service. "Our customers treat their dogs like their kids. They're willing to pay a little extra to have luxury service for them, just like they would for their kids."

The celebrity influence
Carruthers says pet accessories trends translate quickly from people to dogs, so whatever is currently in vogue will soon be available for your dog. "And if a celebrity thinks something is hot, it translates very quickly," she adds, noting Paris Hilton's effect on the small-dog accessory industry.

Well, so much for just buying Rover's flea collar and vaccination tag. Run! Fetch that glittery collar you know he's been drooling over, and then treat him to a spa afternoon for being so neglectful.

Online shopping sites
Posh Pup (Hip fashion, hot toys and gourmet treats for your dog)

The Urban Dog (Canine couture)

Pooch Canada Pet Supplies (Resource for pet supplies and accessories)

Signature Canine Fashion (Online pet boutique for cats and dogs with discriminating tastes)

Read 5 fabulous pet sites for more great online resources.

Page 2 of 2