Top 10 Pet Trends for 2013

According to statistics from the American Pet Products Association, the pet product market as a whole grew from just over $15 billion in 1994 to just under $30 billion in 2002, then from slightly more than $40 billion in 2007 to just under $50 billion in 2010.

Overall sales in 2012 came in at $53.33 billion and sales through this year are expected to top $55.53 billion.

Meanwhile, from 2006 to 2011, the number of dogs in the country decreased from 72 million to 70 million, according to data from the American Veterinary Medical Association Sourcebook survey.

The study also found the number of households that owned cats in 2011 dropped 6 percent from 2006.

The seeming contradiction between the market's stellar growth --- even through the rough years of the Great Depression and subsequent economic downturn --- and declining pet numbers is easily explained with the concept of "pet humanization," as described on the Small Business Labs website.

"More and more pet owners are seeing their pets as full-fledged family members ---- and themselves as 'pet parents,'" a recent post reads. "Because of this, spending on pets is skyrocketing."

Put another way, pet owners are willing to spend ever more to provide their canines, kitties and other cherished critters better quality and diversity.

The PetsWeekly website compiled a list of the "Top 10 Pet Trends of 2013," as gleaned from the eye-crossing array of pet-oriented goods and services displayed at the Global Pet Expo held in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 20-22. Here's the list with abbreviated explanations:

Establishing crash-testing standards for pets on the road: "We learned that efforts are underway to coordinate and standardize testing requirements for all pet travel items...Now more than ever, we need an industry that understands how serious pet parents are about this idea."

Tents, shades and pet patio furniture: "This is the year we noticed a marked increase in the creation of pet tents and pet patio furniture."

Re-purposed, Environmentally Responsible Products: "Collars and leashes are now being made from recycled and re-purposed material...beds made from remnants of mattresses, toys made from water bottles and beds made from recycled, crushed plastic."

Chickens: "What started as a rise in [those focused on emergency preparedness] keeping poultry for survival purposes has now become a statement by the general populace that we demand high-quality, safe food supplies."

Innovative beds: "From orthopedic mattresses to recycled remnants of therapeutic memory mattresses, and cooling beds to heated beds, our pets are going to be more comfortable than ever.

Color Coordinating and Stylish Design: "Literally thousands of items can now be color and pattern-coordinated, which helps us make sure our pets are as stylish and individualized as their parents."

Automation, Smart Toys, and Smart Products: "We will soon be able to manage our pets' care through our cell phones. The tools are all in place for full automation."

All-Natural, Organic, Made in USA: "There is a huge movement to high-quality, all-natural, organic pet foods and treats...The 'Made in the USA' logo will increase in importance as more pet owners refuse to support companies who manufacture in China and other locales."

Supplements and Neutraceuticles Replace Modern Medicine: "Organic supplements and nutraceuticals are products that provide health and medical benefits to both people and pets...there will be an even greater rise in the way we treat our pets for medical conditions, a large increase in the number of animal nutrition specialists and a lot of holistic veterinarians entering the scene."

New proteins: "During the Expo we noticed dozens of new food protein sources in food, treats and toys that ranged from alligator and crawfish to kangaroo and llama. These alternatives prove that there is not only a market for the products, but that the new products will take center stage as people seek out ways to keep their pets healthy."