Recent research shows Australians are spending more than ever on their pets and do most of their purchases online, according to online services marketplace Oneflare.
Eighty-eight per cent of households consider their furry friends part of the family and spend more than $12 billion a year on caring for them.
There has also been an eighty-nine per cent increase in pet services bookings between 2014 and 2016 for pet grooming, pet training and dog walking/sitting, as owners want to make sure their pets get the best care they deserve.
Putting your pet into a kennel involves a high degree of trust, says Oneflare CEO Billy Tucker, which is becoming increasingly important for pet owners.
“Using an online marketplace, where you can see other people’s reviews and recommendations and find a reputable service, helps remove the uncertainty,” he explains. “People want to be sure that their pet is being well cared for when they are investing in a care provider.”
Richard McDonald, who runs dog behaviour training company DogTech, says pet care is expensive, which is why you need to ensure you’re using a reputable business.
“We’ve seen a growing trend in people heading online to book our services,” he says.
“Pets are very important to people, there’s extensive research showing how they benefit physical and mental health. There are several things you should look for before investing in a pet service provider, the first and most important being that they have other recent, satisfied customers,” McDonald says.
Pet owners in NSW are most likely to find services online, followed by VIC and QLD, while they also spend the most on the four legged friends with an average of $82 per booking compared to $60 in Tasmania.
By Marion Gerritsen
