Spending on pet food continues to be the highest source of dollars spent, with spending on dog food specifically making up the majority of sales. Veterinary care spending remains the second highest source of spending in the pet industry at $17.07 billion, up 7 per cent from 2016. A 6.9 per cent growth is anticipated in 2018, exceeding growth estimates for any other category and putting veterinary care spending at over $18 billion by the end of the year. The third highest source of spending is on supplies and over the counter (OTC) medications. According to the survey, $15.11 billion was spent on items such as beds, collars, leashes, toys, travel items, clothing, food and water bowls, and other accessories in 2017. Live animal purchases, for the first time in four years, have not declined, but rather remained steady at $2.1 billion.
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