PSA: As Pandemic Pets Enter New Life Stages, Petco Shares Tips for Supporting Pet Health and Wellness
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Insights
The pet care industry has seen significant growth, particularly following the pandemic where pet adoption rates surged. The increased focus on pet health and preventative care reflects a robust consumer trend. Companies like Petco are capitalizing on this by expanding their range of services and products tailored to pets at various life stages. This strategic move is likely to enhance customer loyalty and increase the lifetime value of each customer. The introduction of age-specific vaccine packages and nutritional products, alongside grooming and training services, positions Petco to capture a larger share of the market. This could result in increased revenue streams and potentially impact stock performance positively as investors see a company adapting to consumer demands and expanding its service offerings. Additionally, promotional deals tied to events like National Puppy Day can create short-term sales boosts and attract new customers.
With the shift towards humanizing pets and treating them as family members, there is a growing demand for comprehensive pet care services. Petco's focus on life stage transitions underscores the importance of specialized care for pets as they age. This is a reflection of the broader industry trend towards personalized pet care, which includes preventative health measures. By offering free veterinary exams and emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups, Petco is not only driving traffic to their Vetco Total Care hospitals but also promoting the importance of long-term pet health. This approach could lead to increased utilization of their healthcare services, fostering a preventative care culture that could reduce long-term healthcare costs for pet owners and potentially decrease the incidence of more severe health issues that require expensive treatments.
The data suggesting that 60% of pet parents prefer spending time with their pets over others and that 70% prioritize their pets' health similarly to their own indicates a strong emotional bond and a sense of responsibility among pet owners. This anthropomorphic view of pets drives consumer behavior towards products and services that support the well-being of their animals. Petco's strategy to offer a holistic range of products and services, from nutrition to grooming and training, is aligned with the consumer's desire to provide the best care for their pets. The company's ability to integrate these services into a seamless customer experience could significantly influence consumer choices, leading to increased market share and customer retention. This consumer-centric approach is likely to resonate with pet owners and could result in positive word-of-mouth, further strengthening the brand's position in the market.
Nearly one in five American households adopted a pet during the pandemic, according to the ASPCA.
Today,
"Just like humans, pets' needs evolve throughout their lives and Petco offers the expertise, products and services essential to caring for their total wellness as they age," said Petco's Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM. "Across nutrition, activity level, veterinary care and more, puppies and kittens have very different needs from adult pets, and their needs change again as they become seniors. It's critically important that pet parents understand the varying life stages and how they can help their pets live their healthiest, happiest lives at each milestone."
Dr. Miller's top tips include:
- Vaccinations: Vaccines are an essential part of every pet's whole health. Puppies and kittens will need extra attention in this area, but adult and senior dogs and cats still require regular vaccines to protect them from contagious diseases. Petco has unveiled vaccine packages now available at Vetco Vaccination Clinics that are conveniently grouped by age and lifestyle, making it easier than ever to keep pets up to date.
- Regular Checkups: Schedule regular veterinary visits, at minimum once per year, to help prevent and identify conditions early. As pets enter their senior years, a trusted veterinarian can diagnose and treat issues to help pets live longer, healthier lives. Through June 30, 2024, new pets to Vetco Total Care hospitals can receive a free first veterinary exam.* Petco Vital Care Premier members receive unlimited routine vet exams at all Vetco Total Care locations or
$20 - Nutrition: Pets' nutritional needs change as they age. Puppies and kittens can benefit from unique calcium and phosphorous and specific formulations that help support their rapid growth and development. Adult pets may have new dietary sensitivities or needs and require a switch to a weight management or limited-ingredient food. As pets settle into their senior years, joint and fatty acid supplements can help ensure they are supporting mobility and skin and coat health. Petco offers a range of nutritional products to support every diet, budget and life stage.
- Training: Training is a lifelong practice for pets, and pet parents should not stop at puppyhood. Behavioral issues can arise at any life stage, and it's never too late to learn new skills. With patience and dedication, pet parents can help their pets adjust to new routines, especially if the past four years have increased their pet's separation and social anxiety. Petco offers a team of expert dog trainers, who can help pets learn desirable behaviors through positive reinforcement-based training methods. Now through April 6, 2024, pet parents can receive
$30 - Grooming: A regular grooming routine is essential to maintaining a pet's health & wellness. Not only will regular appointments keep pets looking their best throughout their lifetime but also targeted grooming packages can help address issues such as fleas, shedding and itching. In addition, Petco's team of certified stylists begin each appointment with a seven-point Pet Care Check to ensure the pet is safe to be groomed and there are no obvious concerns that should be evaluated by a veterinarian. As pets enter new life stages, a regular grooming appointment can be another line of defense when it comes to identifying and treating issues. Petco also offers grooming add-ons to a full-service bath or groom, including the spring grooming package, featuring strawberry-scented shampoo and spritz, a strawberry-themed bandana and more, available for
$28 - Home Integration: From puppy gates to a ramp for senior pets, it's important to consider implementing simple adaptations at home to best support pets at each life stage. As dogs and cats age, they may get stiff laying on their old bed and feel more comfortable on an orthopedic bed. Both puppies and older dogs may need to have potty pads on hand, while adult dogs can benefit from engaging toys that help release their energy and strengthen cognition.
- Safety Measures: One in three pets goes missing in their lifetime. Be sure to microchip pets, in addition to using an identification tag, for their safety. Also, register pets with Petco Love Lost, a free national lost and found database that uses patented image-recognition technology to help reunite lost pets with their families. As more pet parents register their pets, this can help curb the increase in stray and lost pets coming into shelters across the country.
In honor of National Puppy Day and Easter, Petco is also sharing two additional timely deals for pet parents:
25% off select EveryYay dog supplies, including dwellings, beds and bowls, available in-store and online on National Puppy Day, March 23, 2024.30% off select KONG, Youly and Multipet Easter supplies, in-store and online, from March 8 through March 31, 2024.
For more information on supporting pet health and wellness through life stage transitions, visit a Petco pet care center or petco.com.
*Proof of offer required to redeem. Restrictions apply.
About Petco, The Health + Wellness Co.: Founded in 1965, Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and our own Petco partners. We've consistently set new standards in pet care while delivering comprehensive pet wellness products, services and solutions, and creating communities that deepen the pet-pet parent bond. We operate more than 1,500 pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, which offer merchandise, companion animals, grooming, training and a growing network of on-site veterinary hospitals and mobile veterinary clinics. Our complete pet health and wellness ecosystem is accessible through our pet care centers and digitally at petco.com and on the Petco app. In tandem with Petco Love, a life-changing independent nonprofit organization, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, we've helped find homes for more than 7 million animals.
Media Contact:
Yvonne Tarrab
yvonne.tarrab@petco.com
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SOURCE Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc.
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