100-bn-dollar sales mark exceeded

"We have reached a critical milestone, generating 103.6 bn dollars in sales," said Steve King, president and CEO of APPA. "We are bullish for this year, projecting growth of 5.8 per cent - well above the historical average of 3 to 4 per cent."

22.1 bn dollars were spent on supplies, live animals and OTC meds, a 15.1 per cent increase from 2019. Sales of pet food and treats increased by 9.7 per cent to 42 bn dollars while sales of veterinary care and products went up by 7.2 per cent to 31.4 bn dollars. While 8.1 bn dollars were spent on other services such as grooming, dog walking and boarding, this was a 21.4 per cent decline from the previous year. As quarantine is lifted and consumers venture out again, the use of these services is expected to rise.

From a retail perspective, every channel showed an increase, especially e-commerce, which is consistent with consumer shopping trends overall. According to APPA, total retail sales increased by 6.7 per cent from 2019 to 2020. 47 per cent of pet owners reported they increased the number of times they purchased online. Pet speciality and independent retailers experienced solid growth. 30 per cent of pet owners spent more on their pet/pet supplies in the past year with only 10 per cent saying they spent less.