The debate about the control of dangerous dogs, and the control of dog-related diseases, is likely to continue. The cat population is also likely to continue to grow, with cats and dogs remaining by far the most popular family pets. This implies that as living standards increase, consumers will spend increasing proportions of their incomes on pets and pet-related services. So far as pet food is concerned, it seems clear that there is scope for increased penetration levels, as some pet owners trade up to premium products, and as others, at the other end of the market, start to use proprietary pet foods for the first time. The complete dry dog food sector seems to be one that is set to grow fast over the next year or so.
Similar influences are at work in other sectors of the market.
If the recent Sunday Trading Bill becomes law, this would restrict trading to just 6 hours. This is substantially down on the period of 9 or more hours during which many garden centres have been accustomed to opening in the peak season. Changes in patterns of retailing are taking place in many product sectors in the UK, and pet retailing is no exception. Among possible changes that would have an impact on retailing patterns in the pet and pet product market is the introduction of legislation arising from EC Directives, which might have the effect of restricting sales of certain pet drugs to designated types of outlet such as veterinary surgeries. Other trends already referred to which are likely to impact the retail sector are the move by multiple retailers to selling products, such as dry dog foods, hitherto sold mainly through the specialised outlets, and the increasing competition offered by garden centres in the retailing of a range of pet products.