The pet industry has been a growing market for years, however, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated this growth as many more households added a pet to their household while spending more time at home.
According to Tegan McPherson, RSPCA Victoria head of operations, there has been a 45 per cent increase in dog adoptions alone since March 2020 and 59 per cent of people who don’t own a pet currently, say they would like to own one in the future.
Indeed, data shows there has been a spike in pet ownership in the past 12 months. In response to this increasing demand, outdoor activity brand Wahu is expanding into the pet market this coming spring with Wahu Pets.
“We’ve always been about good family fun at Wahu and our pets are most definitely an important part of the family,” Andrew Lee, managing director of Wahu says.
“Expanding into the pet market feels like the natural progression for the Wahu brand and means we can bring even more fun and joy to the entire family.
“Previous studies have shown that 62 per cent of all Australian households have a pet. That amounts to 4.8 million pet dogs in Australia alone.”
In fact, that figure is on the rise, with pet ownership showing incredibly strong growth thanks to Covid-19 lockdowns and more people working from home.
Wahu Pets is introducing a range of 30 toys this spring including toys featuring dual end handles with ultra-grip technology and bonus squeak function for extra fun; Fetch ‘N Squeak, a rigid flying disc that is ideal for use at the park, beach or in the backyard, and the Teeth Clean Bone or Clean Dumbbell which cleans your pet’s teeth while they are having fun at the same time. All toys are Aussie made from pet safe material and are made to last a (pet’s) lifetime.
“We’re excited to be able to offer our unique brand of family fun to the entire family now including our family pets. We know what important members they are. Plus, nothing can match the joy that a dog feels fetching a flying disc along the beach and that joy is infectious.
“Our new Wahu Pet range will help spread that joy throughout Australia and beyond,” Lee adds.
