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Pet peeve: deciding custody of a dog
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwired – Nov 6, 2014) – Canna-Pet™, the leading innovator of made in the USA, over-the-counter cannabinoid products for animals, is pleased to announce recent increases to its manufacturing capacity, improved order fulfillment and overall readiness for the upcoming holiday season.
Canna-Pet™ is delighted to advise that the launch of its newly redesigned website (www.canna-pet.com) has exceeded all early expectations. “Sales are showing strong growth and our operations team is moving into high gear,” Company spokesperson Dr. Soren Mogelsvang commented today and also noted, “With success comes a number of challenges, and we are committed to exceeding the expectations of our many loyal and future customers alike.”
“Our initial focus was on ensuring our new fulfillment system was operating properly and orders were being handled efficiently.” Dr. Mogelsvang continues, “Our aim has always been to make sure our customer’s pets get their product as quickly as possible. In that regard, we have been really attentive to customer comments and we especially appreciate all the positive reviews and feedback.”
“Satisfied customers are at the heart of our business and the positive response to our newly reformulated and repackaged Canna-Biscuit product has been outstanding,” stated Dr. Mogelsvang who further comments, “We are also pleased to have received numerous inquiries regarding shipments outside the USA and our regulatory partners are working diligently to clarify and determine a responsible means to accommodate this very clear need.”
Lastly, and on a festive note, Canna-Pet is excited to announce that this holiday season the company plans to offer gift certificates and some feature sales items very soon. We invite the public to visit our site often, or sign up to join our newsletter mailing list to receive the latest news direct to your inbox: https://canna-pet.com/blog.
About Canna-Pet™ Products for Pet Health
Canna-Pet™ is the culmination of years of research and development to provide the benefits of CBD without the “high” typically associated with marijuana. Today, Canna-Pet™ offers the leading veterinarian recommended, over-the-counter CBD products for cats, dogs and other domesticated animals. The company uses non-GMO hemp as starting material and all products are proudly made in the USA. In addition to CBD, Canna-Pet products contain proprietary ratios of other cannabinoids and terpenes, which make the products uniquely effective. Canna-Pet™ is the leading producer of safe, hemp-based, cannabinoid (CBD) containing products, which are available under an exclusive commercial license agreement with Cannabis Therapy Corp. (
For veterinary inquiries visit: www.canna-pet.com/contact/veterinary-inquiries.
For distributor inquiries visit: www.canna-pet.com/contact/wholesales-inquiries.
FDA Disclosure: The statements in this news release have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products and statements mentioned in this release are not intended for humans, or to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Canna-Pet(TM) Introduces Enhanced Products and Website in Time for the Holidays
He cites data from business forecaster IBISWorld, which says the online pet market is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce segments of Australia, and predicts it to grow at 15.6 per cent a year over the next three years to be worth $178 million. But it’s the figures on the overall pet market that are so impressive – it’s worth about $8 billion a year, with $2.5 billion spent on pet food. And importantly to Frizell, it continued to grow throughout the global financial crisis when consumers cut back on so many of their other purchases.
Pet Circle basically sells convenience. Frizell, who grew up in Perth, noticed that his parents had stopped buying the 15-kilogram bags of dog food because they were too bulky for his father to manage with his bad back. “That triggered me to think ‘maybe there’s something in this’,” he says.
He quit his job and started exploring the pet market, including a fact-finding mission to the US, where online and bricks and mortar tends to be a couple of years ahead of what’s going on in Australia. He saw a US company called PetFlow was going well with an online pet food subscription model and this cemented his decision.
Nonetheless, it flew in the face of conventional wisdom about what can be sold online. Online retailers often carve out a niche by selling small, but high-value items, such as electronic equipment or clothing.
Pet food is the opposite – it’s bulky and the margins on each sale are small, and this presented a problem. “A big challenge for us was can we ship just 20-kilo bags of pet food around Australia and actually make money and, more importantly, deliver them to our customers on time and in good condition?”
The owners spent six months trialling different courier companies and packaging methods before they found a solution – ; double-walled boxes to protect the goods and allow them to be packed on pallets for efficient interstate transport.
Another difficulty was how to actually make money. Pet Circle’s main competitors are Petbarn and PETstock, which are mostly traditional bricks and mortar retailers with significant scale – Petbarn for instance is part of the Greencross group of pet care retailers, worth more than $900 million.
Competing with the buying power of these large businesses was an impossible task for a small online start-up.
So Frizell came up with a clever solution. He met with the pet food manufactures and outlined his business plans to them. He told them that while he couldn’t expect a good price from them now, he’d like a commitment that if Pet Circle achieved a significant scale that they’d offer him more competitive prices.
So they ran the business at breakeven prices and raced to get to scale as quickly as they could so they could start earning a profit on their sales.
“We worked with our suppliers, wholesalers, manufacturers to deliver those plans and, once you prove that what you say you’re doing is what you will do … you find you get very close relationships,” he says.
Frizell, 32, says he enjoys the problem solving that comes with owning a company. “Running your own business is a unique environment and that’s all you’re doing,” he says. “You never know what the problem is, you never know what’s most important to the business.”
He and his business partner James Edwards – another partner left the business soon after it began – want to expand the product range from the existing 7000 to more than 10,000 and grow revenue to $50 million a year with a marketing push.
“The real challenge for us and the real growth over the next, say, 12 or 24 months is about letting more people know that there’s a better way to buy their pet products,” he says.
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Pet Hut will replace the former Paul Simon unit
THIRTY jobs have been created as a new discount pet store prepares to open its doors.
Pet Hut, part of the Poundstretcher chain, will replace the former Paul Simon unit, at Pipps Hill Retail Park, in Basildon.
The store, which stocks food and accessories for pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits and budgies, will be next to sister shop Poundstretcher.
It comes two months after a new TK Maxx branch opened at the retail park, with more than 300 shoppers queuing up to get a first glimpse of discounted designer clothes.
Kevin Blake, deputy leader of Basildon Council, said: “It’s great news. Being an animal lover myself, I fully support this business and look forward to visiting it.
“I just hope the jobs have gone to people who like animals, because theywill actually enjoy going to work.”
Mo Larkin, mayor of Basildon, is set to cut the ribbon at the official opening, which will take place at 9am on Tuesday.
Poundstretcher, which specialises in home products, began rolling out Pet Hut sections in some of its stores last year. Following the success of the scheme, bosses announced plans to open 50 standalone shops.
Tracey Lawledge, store manager, said: “We’re delighted to have opened such a fantastic new store for the people of Basildon. Poundstretcher has built an incredible reputation for value and choice since 1981, and it’s hugely exciting to now bring Pet Hut to the shoppers of Basildon.
“What’s equally exciting is the team we have in place to serve Basildon’s customers – we’re extremely pleased to have been able to bring together the kind of staff who are united in putting the customer first.”
Curtains and carpets retailer Paul Simon shut earlier this year after going into administration.
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Shaggy-haired Joseph Lunsford, the costumed head butler at Southern California’s Mochi Cafe, trekked from San Diego to Los Angeles with a mission: Serve tofu balls and sandwiches at Los Angeles’ first cat cafe. And of course, pet some cats.
To clarify, a cat cafe isn’t a place for cultured felines to trade in their kitty chow for cappuccinos or experiment with human food. It’s where feline fanatics sit in a room full of cats, sip coffee and eat snacks – a concept made popular in Asia.
“I love the idea of Catfe,” Lunsford said of the four-day pop-up shop. He doesn’t own a cat, but even if he did, his apartment complex isn’t pet-friendly. “For people like me that aren’t allowed to keep a pet at home … a cat cafe is the perfect solution. That, or move.”
Catfe is in Chinatown’s Far East Plaza, past wooden stalls selling Hello Kitty backpacks and bright hair accessories. Organizer Carlos Wong, 31, hopes to permanently house the four-day pop-up in Los Angeles through a $250,000 Kickstarter campaign.
Catfe patrons pay $30 to secure a 20-minute time slot inside the cafe to pet, play with (and since it’s Los Angeles, take selfies with) kitties to their hearts’ content. Patrons 18 or older can even adopt a cat on-site.
“We want to get as many cats into loving homes as we can,” Wong said.
The four-day installation opened Thursday, but organizers hope interest allows for something more permanent.
The Orange County native tallied over $3,000 in reservations for the short-lived attraction, which he plans to put toward a “forever home” for the cafe.
“I think it’s time for cats to step into the spotlight a little more and take over Los Angeles,” he said with a laugh.
The “no pets” rule is also what attracted cat fan Natasha Spickenreuther of Burbank, who was dressed in an outfit entirely adorned with tiny black and white kittens. She owns a Russian Blue, but said, “I can’t have cats right now because of my roommates.”
She, like Lunsford, said Catfe is an opportunity to deal with her “cat withdrawal,” and mused: “Why not L.A.? It has everything else.”
Catfe is partnered with Best Friends Animal Society, a no-kill shelter, and the Chinatown Business Improvement District, with sponsorships from Pioneer Pets and well-known Los Angeles pet boutique Pussy & Pooch.
And what’s a cat cafe without its very own theme song? Rayko, front woman and guitarist of Los Angeles rock band Lolita Dark, wrote a commercial jingle for the venture.
“I’m a big cat person,” said Rayko, originally from Sharia, Japan. Unfortunately, she added, she’s “severely” allergic.
That sort of dedication to all things cats is what Catfe co-founder Erika Olsen hopes will help spread the word about the cafe’s mission. Gimmicks aside, Olsen said, Catfe aims to serve as a “learning center” for cat care.
“It’s a space for potential pet owners to essentially get training before a full dive-in,” she said.
Catfe served food from nearby Starry Kitchen, though drinks were not technically offered at the temporary pop-up. Wong, though, already has a beverage menu in mind for the permanent endeavor, which has approval from public health officials (cats won’t be near the food prep area.).
Coffee, tea, boba and smoothies will be available, along with a special “cat nip tea,” which he joked will make people go “cat crazy.”
But, he said, “it’s not just about cats and coffee. It’s about spreading animal awareness all around.”
Once Catfe is permanent, Olsen also hopes the organization can work with Los Angeles’ assisted living facilities to host pro-bono therapy nights for the elderly.
Keep up with me on Twitter @sarahHwaris
Copyright © 2014, Los Angeles Times
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Private labels have hurt producers of less popular branded products, by reducing available shelf space in supermarkets
Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) September 22, 2014
Pets have traditionally been an important part of Australian families. Rising discretionary incomes and the increasing number of time-poor consumers have created a gradual shift away from home mixed pet food, in favour of manufactured pet food. Furthermore, the Pet Food Production industry in Australia has begun to recover from the high volume of imports that flooded the market during the late 2010s. The Pet Food Production industry is projected to post annualised growth of 1.4% over the five years through 2014-15, to reach $1.4 billion. This includes forecast growth of 3.3% in 2014-15. Rising discretionary income levels have helped drive the premiumisation trend over the past five years. Consumers have increasingly sought out high-quality products that are good for their pets. According to IBISWorld industry Analyst Brooke Tonkin, “manufacturers have responded by releasing gourmet product varieties, such as salmon and white fish with olive oil for cats, and products of dietary benefit, such as grain free and reduced-grain dog food.”
The industry has not been immune to private-label pressures, with an increasing number of budget-conscious consumers opting for cheaper private-label products. This has benefited producers that specialise in manufacturing products for private labels. However, “private labels have hurt producers of less popular branded products, by reducing available shelf space in supermarkets,” says Tonkin. Overall, rising competition has hurt profit margins over the past five years. The industry underwent significant regulatory change in 2011, when an industry standard was introduced for the first time. Prior to this, a voluntary code of practice was in place, although many products on the market did not adhere to this code. The standard was developed in response to a number of food-induced pet deaths and disabilities, caused by inferior quality imports during 2008 and 2009. Now all products on the market, regardless of their country of production, must meet standards for manufacturing and marketing of pet food, which cover ingredients, food safety, labelling and auditing requirements.
The Pet Food Production industry is characterised by a high level of market share concentration. Major companies Mars and Nestle have solidified their share of the market over the past five years, as they benefit from having vast economies of scale and a broad range of pet food brands. Given that they are local subsidiaries of global corporations, they are boosted by the production innovation of their respective parent entities. Strong brand loyalty and promotional efforts have also enhanced the standing of the major players. Smaller firms that operate in the industry tend to specialise in niche segments, where many are able to thrive. Market share concentration is expected to increase over the next five years, with the proposed acquisition of Procter and Gamble’s (P&G) pet food brands by Mars.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Pet Food Production industry in Australia report page.
Companies in this industry are primarily engaged in the production of domestic pet food. This industry excludes the production of livestock feed.
Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ibisworldau
IBISWorld Industry Report Key Topics
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
International Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Basis of Competition
Barriers to Entry
Industry Globalisation
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Technology & Systems
Revenue Volatility
Regulation & Policy
Industry Assistance
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognised as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every Australian industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Melbourne, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organisations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com.au or call (03) 9655 3886.
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Pet Food Production in Australia Industry Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld
While new pet shops in Sunrise can no longer sell dogs and cats from commercially licensed breeders, the city has extended the deadline for pet shops already in business prior to the ban taking place.
In April, city commissioners unanimously agreed to a new law that stopped the retail sale of cats and dogs that come from commercial breeders, also known as puppy mills. The ban didn’t shut down pet shops in Sunrise, but it made sure that the stores could only buy animals to sell from publicly run shelters, nonprofits, and private breeders and sellers.
“[These are] farms where hundreds [of dogs] are raised in conditions that by the time they get to the store, they may have illnesses that are latent or unseen,” Mayor Mike Ryan said during a previous discussion in April. “That really becomes an enormous financial problem for a family and becomes an emotional problem for them. It’s a consumer-rights issue, and it’s inhumane.”
Sunrise had given the city’s one pet shop, opened in December, 6 months to adjust to the changes before the city was to start enforcing the new law. Now, the commission decided to extend the deadline to a full year to help the shop owners better adjust, and to see if the ban holds up in federal court.
The pet shop’s owners said that changing their buying practices will hurt their business and want to be allowed to continue buying from commercial breeders licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
“Trusting in God and in the laws of the United States of America, I have faith that as a decent, hardworking woman, that I deserve my constitutional rights,” Maria Gonzales, owner of Maryelis Lovey Pets in Sunrise, said to commissioners.
“I ask you to please make the right decision, ensuring that I and my entire pet shop keep those constitutional rights and that they are not taken away from me.”
Broward County also recently passed a law requiring annual permits from the Broward County Animal Care and Adoption for breeders. The new law only allows one litter a year per animal and sets several new regulations for breeders to follow.
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Connecticut BBB is urging consumers to be aware of and take precautions against pet flipping. Pet flipping involves criminals getting hold of dogs and cats by stealing them or claiming to be the owner of a missing pet, and then quickly selling them. Pet flippers snatch pets from front porches and back yards, and pick them up if they’re found straying from home.
Attempting to let someone know that you found their pet can be a double-edged sword with unintended consequences.
Anyone with good intentions who finds a lost pet may inadvertently add an obstacle to the real owner’s search by putting up flyers or listings in classified ads. In some instances, perpetrators look for such announcements, pretend to be the pet’s owner, and take the animal home to sell for a tidy profit. A subsequent buyer may never know the pet belongs to someone else. Purebreds are most coveted because of their potential value for breeding.
Now that you are aware of pet flipping, reconsider leaving your pet unattended. If your cat or dog is lost or was stolen, check local pet ads, animal control officers and veterinarians.
If you are purchasing a pet from an individual, satisfy yourself that he or she is the legitimate owner by following this checklist:
Owners can improve their chances of recovering their pets by having them outfitted with an implantable identity microchip. The microchip can be read with a scanner at a veterinary office or animal shelter.
The average cost for the implant is approximately $45, and includes registration of its unique identification number and related information in a pet recovery database.
For additional consumer tips, to check on a business or charity, or select a BBB Accredited Business, visit bbb.org/connecticut
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© Hersam Acorn. All rights reserved. The Ridgefield Press, 16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, CT 06877
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Three suburban pet shops filed suit Monday aiming to stop implementation of a new Cook County law that would ban many pet stores from operating.
The owners of Petland Hoffman Estates, Petland Chicago Ridge and Happiness is Pets in Arlington Heights filed the suit to try to prevent the law from taking effect Oct. 1. They were joined in the suit by the Missouri Pet Breeder’s Association, which claims its state is home to more breeders than any other state.
The federal lawsuit claims the law is unconstitutional because it is overly vague, violates the Commerce Clause by interfering with interstate commerce, provides unequal protection, impairs business contracts and would put the shop owners out of business and cause them “financial ruin.”
The law aimed to ban so-called puppy mills and prevents stores from selling dogs, cats or rabbits from large-scale breeding operations. Under the law, stores can sell animals only if they come from rescue groups, humane societies, government-run shelters or federally licensed breeders who use no more than five reproducing females.
But the suit maintains that the ordinance would throw out the good breeders and shops with the bad. Because purebred puppies are so rare in animal shelters, the suit argues, the law is likely to drive shoppers to irresponsible breeders.
The owners of the pet shops who filed the suit against Cook County officials said they have collectively been in the business for 50 years without ever receiving a violation associated with selling puppies, kittens or rabbits, despite inspections by the state Department of Agriculture.
The suit claims that hundreds of “irresponsible” breeders would be able to sell directly to consumers.
The average price of a dog at a pet store is $1,200, the suit states, while the price of a dog at an animal shelter runs about $150 – but shelters generally can’t guarantee that an animal is pure-bred.
rmccoppin@tribpub.com
Twitter @RobertMcCoppin
Copyright © 2014, Chicago Tribune
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