Pet Business

February 2012

Survival of the Fittest

As today’s turbulent economy sends scores of businesses into code-blue status, retailers of every ilk should consider themselves high-risk patients.…

SAN FRANCISCO–P.L.A.Y. (Pet Lifestyle And You) has partnered with a second fulfillment facility in Edison, N.J. "Due to the increasing demand and popularity of our products, we are pleased to now have the capability to ship faster and more affordably to our North American customer base," said Will Chen, founder…

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio–Petland made Entrepreneur Magazine's 33rd Annual Franchise 500 list. Petland ranked 480 overall on the list. "We are poised for growth as more and more qualified candidates look to the development of their own business to meet financial and lifestyle goals," said Petland development director Jim Whitman. For…

MURDOCK, Neb.–Oxbow Animal Health announced the recipients of its 2011 Oxbow Animal Health Rescue Grants. The eight winning organizations will receive funding for a variety of projects and programs that benefit the welfare of small animals throughout North America and Canada. Grant winners are chosen for excellence in the areas…

CHILTON, Wis.–Kaytee launched a Wild Bird Photo Calendar Contest geared toward getting consumers more involved in the hobbies of bird watching and feeding wild birds. Kaytee is asking birders to submit their best wild bird photos for a chance to win a one year supply of a premium Kaytee wild…

WENTZVILLE, Mo.–Tropiclean’s grooming and pet care products were honored by the Petco management team at the 2011 Petco Partner Summit event in early November. Tropliclean received the Most Innovative Product award in recognition of the Tropiclean fresh breath made easy! line. The company was also honored with the Most Improved…

WASHINGTON, D.C.–The Pet Industry Joint Advisory council has announced additional speakers for the Pet Industry’s Top to Top Conference, which will be held May 3–4 in La Jolla, Calif. The conference will kick of with the State of the Industry & Town Hall Meeting: an open forum discussion hosted by…

COLUMBIA, Md.–American Wood Fibers has launched a new website. The website is designed to make it easier for consumers and businesses to obtain information about AWF, its fiber products and line of services including pet products, equine products and more. The website features product comparison charts, downloadable brochures and product…

LOS ANGELES–Dogswell announced the winners of the Nascar Experience retail display contest. The company challenged retailers to make a creative display featuring Dogswell products and POP materials. The two grand prize winners are Muttz in Broomfield, Colo., and Rumford Pet in Smithfield, R.I. Both stores won a Nascar Experience complete…

LINCOLN, Neb.–Nature’s Logic has added two new marketing tools to help its retailers boost sales. A small shelf-talker and a larger, more detailed shelf-hanger are available to inform customers about the company’s full line of dry kibble, canned and raw-frozen pet food. Nature’s Logic pet food does not contain chemically…

BEL AIR, Md.–The Pet Care Trust has expanded the Pets in the Classroom Grant Program to seventh and eighth grade classes. Pets in the Classroom provides grants to teachers to purchase or adopt a new pet, and the required equipment or support to existing classroom pets. “Middle school students…

ROCKFORD, Ill.–Jones Natural Chews Co., has redesigned the packaging of its dog treats. The new look appears on small and large size re-sealable bags of 10 different varieties of dog treats. Jones Natural Chews Co., products are 100-percent grown and all products are made in the U.S.A. For more…

CHICAGO–Pet Check Technology has introduced its software and mobile application solution for the dog walking industry. Pet Check Technology enables dog walkers to scan a barcode when they arrive and depart their client’s home using their mobile device. Customers receive an email alert each time the barcode is scanned and…

NEW YORK–LG Electronics has introduced the LuV350P Kompressor Drive PetCare Vacuum. The vacuum features a Pet Hair Turbine tool that uses an air-turbine powered brush to remove pet hair embedded in furniture and carpets. Its True HEPA filtration system works to capture dust mites, pollens and other common allergens. The…

COMMERCE, Calif.–Aquatic Life, LLC, an aquarium products manufacturer, won two Best of 2011 Awards from MarineDepot.com, an online aquarium supply store. Aquatic Life won Best New Product for its RO/DI 4-Stage Power 200 GPD Professional Water Purification System, as well as the Best Warranty award. The awards recognize manufacturers…

LOUISVILLE, Ky.–Tasman’s Natural Pet has introduced 100% Natural Bison Rawhide Chews. The line features buffalo bones, rolls, twisters, bagels, rings and chips in a variety of sizes. The chews are hypoallergenic, for dogs with food allergies. The line is available in a shelf display box, a metal display rack or…

DURANGO, Colo.–The Dog and Cat Cancer Fund, a non-profit created by Zuke’s Performance Pet Nutrition founder Patrick Meiering and his brother Chris, is expanding its “Round Up at the Register” program for retailers. The program provides pet owners with information about the fund while collecting donations to support the organization’s…

MITCHELL, S.D.–Springs Naturals has a new website, Springnaturals.com. It was created to detail discerning pet parents about all the nutritional advantages of Spring Naturals dinners and treats for dogs. The site features the line’s dinner and treats made with wholesome grains, the full grain-free line and organic recipes. Additionally, visitors…

ELKHORN, Neb.–Gentle Touch Pet Products has introduced new packaging for its cat litter and small animal bedding products. The new packaging will be available for 15-lb. and 40-lb. bags. Gentle Touch offers 100-percent all-natural aspen wood pellets that are safe for pets. The cat litter has superior odor control and…

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.–BISSELL Homecare Inc. contributed $50,000 to the Petfinder.com Foundation in 2011 and ran an online campaign to spread the word that pet clean-up should not be a deterrent to adoption. “We support adoption groups like the Petfinder.com Foundation because we ultimately want to see more homeless pets…

DETROIT LAKES, Minn.–Pet Care Systems, the makers of Swheat Scoop Natural Wheat Litter, will expand the size and scale of its Minnesota-based production facility. The multi-million-dollar initiative, which is currently underway, will double the facility’s litter production capacity to 100,000 bushels of wheat per month. Increased marketing and merchandising programs…

MADISON, Wis.–Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a global consumer products company has announced its United Pet Group division has signed an agreement to acquire FURminator, the leading provider of deshedding products.“FURminator immediately expands and further strengthens UPG’s broad companion animal product portfolio through entry into the large and growing dog and…

SHANGHAI–WATT Publishing, publishers of Petfood Industry magazine, has announced its collaboration with Pet Fair Asia to host the first Pet Food Fourm China. The conference will bring pet food safety, pet nutrition and the latest technology to the China pet industry. The event will be co-located with the 15th annual…

PORTLAND, Maine–Planet Dog received the 2011 Small Business of the Year Award from the Portland Development Corporation. The Portland Development Corporation recognized Planet Dog for playing a major role in developing Portland’s economic vitality. Planet Dog has played an instrumental role in the redevelopment of Portland’s Bayside neighborhood, a former…

TETERBORO, N.J.–JW Pet Company launched a new Facebook fan page, Twitter feed and company blog to reach and interact with more customers and pet lovers. Each social media platform will consistently feature current company and industry news. In addition, it will feature JW Pet toy giveaways, promotions and new product…

SAN DIEGO–The Sprong collection from R2P Pet Ltd., received the New Product Showcase Award at the 2011 SuperZoo trade show held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center is Las Vegas in early September. Pet industry retailers voted Sprong! toys as one of their favorite items from the New Product Showcase. …

WEST WAREHAM, Mass.–Preppy Puppy Bakery has released its fundraising line of dog bones in its 2012 product brochures. The line will kick off with a gift pack that includes a 3-in. iced red heart and a 6-in. bone with red, white and pink sprinkles to benefit the Cardiovascular Research…

WIXOM, Mich.–DaySmart Software, the maker of 123Pet, has moved its corporate headquarters from Brighton, Mich., to Wixom as a result of rapid expansion and a year of growth. Record employee expansion caused the company to outgrow its corporate headquarters in Brighton. The new office provides options for expansion in new…

FREMONT, Neb.–Natura Pet Products has expanded its California Natural Grain Free line. The line includes two new adult dog grain free formulas: Kangaroo & Red Lentils and Salmon Meal & Peas. The limited-ingredient, grain-free line also includes specialized adult dog food formulas in Venison Meal, Lamb Meal and Chicken Meal…

NEW YORK–SoHo Modern, LLC, has introduced BARK, a new pet products brand. The line features leashes, collars, harnesses, beds, blankets, clothing, organic cookie treats, toys, grooming products and biodegradable pickup bags. The brand also sells accessories for humans. “We designed our products to be smart, playful and very stylish…

LOS ANGELES–Better Buddies, Inc., a new pet bed company, plans to donate 10 percent of profits from its pet beds to the Guardian Angel program. The program serves the Best Friends Animal Society’s highest-need pets. Better Buddies believes it is important to generate awareness about pet abuse, adoption and rescue.…

ALLIANCE, Ohio–Coastal Pet Products has announced Soldan’s Feed & Pet #2, of Okemos, Mich., as the winner of its 2011 Coastal Authorized Dealer R.I.D.E. Promotion. Soldan’s Feed & Pet #2 will receive a 2011 Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom motorcycle. The R.I.D.E promotion was initiated to encourage authorized Coastal dealers to…

MUSKEGO, Wis.–Stella & Chewy’s has donated $275,000 in food, treats and monetary donations in 2011 to animals and shelters in need. “It’s important to us to help rescue animals, after all it was my adoptive dogs that inspired me to start Stella & Chewy’s,” said Marie Moody, founder and…

LEES SUMMIT, Mo.–Signature DNA Unleashed has launched its pet DNA art product. Signature DNA extracts and amplifies an animal’s DNA from a mouth swab sample, and then the company’s artists combine the DNA image with the customer’s favorite pet photo. DNA collection kits are available for retailers, along with…

COMMERCE, Calif.– Aquatic Life, LCC., has redesigned its website in an effort to provide a better resource for retailers and customers. The site features a fixture selection guide, online calculators, product guarantees and special offers. The company also enhanced its reseller support section with information for retailers interested in…

MURRAY, Utah–Steve’s Real Food, which manufactures all-natural raw pet food, has introduced packaging created using compostable, renewable materials and water-based ink. The bag is made from materials made of plant and corn starches, and was produced by Eagle Flexible Packaging. It can compost in a municipal composting environment in 10-14…

MONTREAL–Rolf C. Hagen, founder and chairman of Rolf C. Hagen Inc., a pet care product manufacturer and distributor, died on Oct. 22. Hagen was born in 1932 in northern Germany. In 1955, he moved to Canada where began Rolf C. Hagen Inc. He started by acquiring bird seeds from the…

ST. JOSEPH, Mo.–AgriLabs has announced the launch of ProLabs, a division dedicated to the introduction, marketing and over-the-counter sales of health care products for companion animals. “With several recent exclusive companion animal development agreements in place and the very positive outcomes of a number of on-going research projects, we will…

CULVER CITY, Calif.–Bark n Bag has introduced a new line of pet carriers and totes. The Old World Traveler collection is comprised of carriers and urban totes in a variety of sizes. The bag features a high-quality polyester fiber made from 100 percent recycled plastic Polyethylene terephthalate bottles. The carrier…

OAKLAND, Calif.–Emerald Pet Products has added three varieties to the Smart n’ Tasty line: Canine Dental Treats, Canine Duck Treats and Feline Dental Treats. Canine Dental Treats are available in two varieties: Fresh Breath combats bad breath, and Skin and Coat helps reduce shedding. Both come in three sizes…

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—Harvey Solway, executive chairman of Pet Supplies Plus (PSP), is retiring effective December 31, 2011. PSP, a portfolio company of Irving Place Capital, is the third-largest pet specialty retailer in the United States. Solway began his 20-year career with PSP as executive vice president and general counsel and…

BRIGHTON, Mich.– DaySmart Software Inc., makers of 123Pet software, has partnered with Dell to offer customized hardware and computer packages. The company has worked with Dell to test and offer hardware packages that are designed for various sizes of groomers and pet stores. For more information, visit www.123petsoftware.com.

LISBON, Ohio–Blackwood Pet Foods, LLC, has launched new packaging and a new identity for its Blackwood dog food line. Blackwood worked with marketing and design consultancy agency Kick on the new packaging system, and marketing consultancy agency Catapult Thinking to develop the new Blackwood identity. “Our packaging was designed…

PORTLAND, Maine–Planet Dog has announced the 10 Years of Giving Retailer Challenge, a contest that will enable retailers to help the socially responsible pet industry leader raise more funds in support of canine service. The retailer that sells the most Planet Dog products from Oct. 18–Dec. 12, will receive $250…

DENVER–American Digs has debuted its collection of dog products and apparel. The collection features dog polo shirts, sweaters, classic button-down shirts, puffer coats, bandanas, scarves, collars and leashes. All products are made in the U.S.A. Founded in 2011, American Digs aims to meet the needs of the dog product…

BEL AIR, Md.–Pet Store Pro, an online training program for pet retailers, is sponsoring a contest for retailers to win a free trip to the 2012 Global Pet Expo. Created by the Pet Industry Distributors Association, the contest will recognize the best practices in using Pet Store Pro as part…

NEPTUNE CITY, N.J.–Nylabone, a subsidiary of Central Garden & Pet, has announced it will update the product packaging to make it more attractive, consistent and easily recognizable. Nylabone performed market research to determine what packaging changes would best meet the needs of the consumer and retailer. “By making all…

MEQUON, Wis.–Fromm Family Pet Foods has opened a new factory in Columbus, Wis. Fourth-generation owner, Tom Nieman, cut the ceremonial ribbon and welcomed a new generation of growth to the company. “The challenge was finding a way that would allow us to expand without giving up that ‘small business,…

WASHINGTON, D.C.–The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council has opened registration for the first annual Pet Industry’s Top to Top Conference, which will be held in La Jolla, Calif. May 3-4, 2012. The meeting is open to all industry leaders, pet product manufacturers, distributors, companion animal suppliers and retailers. Petco, PetSmart,…

MINNEAPOLIS–Bionic Pet Products has created a line of dog toys that are meant to be indestructible. The toys are made from Bionic Rubber using a proprietary non-toxic, FDA food-grade material. Intended for aggressive medium- and large-breed chewers, the toys are available in four designs. The bone, bouncing ball, coin-purse sized…

NEW YORK–The FamilyPet network has launched Coupaw.com, a website that offers daily deals on pet services and products. Modeled after Groupon and Living Social, Coupaw.com will enable pet businesses to connect with their customers in new ways. The site hopes to connect with the pet market by offering great…

GREENWICH, Conn.—Officials from Global Pet Expo and Pet Business magazine have announced the first-ever Global Pet Expo Retailer Excellence Awards to be presented at Global Pet Expo 2012. The awards were designed to honor outstanding independent pet stores in a variety of categories. Awards will be given to one retailer…

When interviewed for the Focus on Flea and Tick that will appear in the February issue of Pet Business, Bayer HealthCare Animal Health’s Dan Peizer and Vet’s Best’s Mike Mockler both recommended pet store staff ask customers about their pets, their home and their lifestyle to help them decide which…

Growing up, I spent summers at my grandmother’s house in North Carolina, where she owned a boarding kennel. Those summers served as my introduction to both the working world and the pet industry. I worked at the kennel, doing administrative work like booking appointments and filing, but also bathing dogs…

While doing research for an article on pet boutiques, which will appear in the September issue of Pet Business, I spoke with industry members who have been working with or in boutiques for a number of years now and have had an opportunity to watch the category as it’s both…

While a retailer needs to keep existing customers in order to stay in the black, the best way to grow your business is to gain new ones. This means engaging in marketing activities that will help potential customers learn about your store. One way to create buzz around your store…

The other day, somebody submitted a post to our Facebook fan page about the bad experience they had in providing a foster home for a NYC rescue organization. Apparently, this foster pet parent put up with two years of false starts in having their canine charge placed in a permanent…

When I began working on our July cover story on exotic pets, I quickly discovered that I could fill an entire issue about the challenges facing retailers in this segment of the market right now—at least, if I was to write about the regulatory challenges facing the pet industry at…

In the course of writing this month's cover story on pet store redesigns, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lynn Rosenbaum, director of environments, and Jay Highland, director of brand communications, of Chute Gerdeman Retail, a Columbus, Ohio-based strategic retail design and branding firm. Both proved to be great sources…

We just got back from Global Pet Expo (held in Orlando, Fla., March 25-27), and if this year’s show held any clues about how the pet industry will fare for the rest of 2010, we’re in for a very good year indeed. The show floor was buzzing from the beginning…

JP Stoops, the director of licensing at Discovery Communications, LLC, talked to Pet Business about Animal Planets R.O.A.R. initiative and it’s impact for retailers. Animal Planet media is a multi-media business unit of Discovery CommunicationsPet Business: How does Discovery Communications' donation to these numerous animal organizations benefit retailers? JP Stoops:…

I first heard about the Pet Care Trust in 2003, not long after I began working on Pet Business magazine. An organization devoted to promoting pet ownership and proper pet care, the Pet Care Trust, under the direction of John Pitts, DVM, ran a great program called Animals in the…

Several major manufacturers have recently undergone brand redesigns. Some of these have been major – they’ve overhauled their logo, their packaging, and/or their formula, while releasing new lines and products – while others have been on a smaller scale, doing one or two of the above but not all, or…

I’m not in sales. Obviously. But, I seem to remember some maxim about not letting a customer leave the sales floor before the sale is closed, because once the customer says, “I’ll think about it and get back to you,” it’s over. That customer is not likely to come back.…

So, it’s the new year, and many people have made resolutions for 2010. I know this because the gym is now packed and it’s much harder to secure a treadmill. Most people make personal resolutions, to eat healthy foods, exercise, save money, etc. I made a few of those this…

My search for a new neighborhood pet store continues… As I wrote in my last blog (“Welcome to the Neighborhood”), my family recently moved to a new town, so we’re currently on the hunt for a new place to shop for our two dogs. My latest efforts found me surfing…

When my family and I recently moved into a new home, I was astounded by the number of promotional mailings I received from a variety of businesses in my new home town. It wasn’t a week after the deal closed when flyers began arriving from local drycleaners, take-out restaurants,…

In my new apartment, I’ve had a difficult time replacing the community-oriented businesses I enjoyed in my old apartment. Especially disappointing, considering that I work for Pet Business, has been the lack of a great pet store. Soon after moving, I canvassed my neighborhood, walking for 20 minutes in any…

This year the holiday season crept on me way before I had a chance to summon up any holiday cheer. I was dangerously on the verge of being the only one who shows up to a meticulously planned holiday gathering shamefully and completely empty handed because I just “wasn’t…

Time goes by too quickly. The little orange furball that I adopted when I graduated from college is now entering his senior years, and I’ve needed to make adjustments to accommodate him. This past year, Chewy has had some major urinary problems, resulting in bladder surgery and costing me over…

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