Pet market in colombia

Consumers
Due to the global downturn in 2008 and 2009, Colombia saw rising unemployment and lower consumption of mass consumer goods, which slowed volume sales of pets in 2009 and 2010. However aclear trend toward cherishing pets as a part of the family helped to boost the recovery of pet in 2011. Six out of ten homes have an animal of their own. They have become more than just an animal; theyare part of the family. Due to these positive future perspectives of the pet market, our country demand has grown in product franchises and specialized business on the pet activity. Therefore,consumers want more variety of product and services for their pets, such as, esthetic treatments, nutrition products and toys.
Cats and dogs are the most relevant pets in Colombian hospitals and stores,since consumers spend more money in their food and care complements than in any other pet. However, they are not the most sold pet, birds and fishes have the top sales in quantities. In the last yearsthe demand has risen even for iguanas for sale and care.
Pet consumer shifts from more single person households to delaying childhood and marriage, will drive this trend, as more Colombians turn topets for companionship and forge stronger emotional ties with their pets.
Single people: As single people and young couples are increasingly living in smaller spaces they look to pets to fulfillcompanionship needs, often ascribing human attitudes and traits to these pets.
As the Colombian population grows, space for expansion in major cities will be limited and it is expected that thepopulation will continue shifting from big houses to small apartments and smaller families. As long as pets continue being the most popular way to suit companionship needs, the humanization trend willcontinue being an important influence over pet care consumers.
It is also expected that many of these pets will be in lower-income households, precisely the areas in which independent small grocers are...