BUSINESS - Global Pet Expo Bigger and Better than Ever

Andrew Darmohraj, executive vice president and COO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), announced Global Pet Expo 2017 closed its thirteenth Show setting records across the board.

Global Pet Expo, presented by APPA and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), expanded the Show Floor to 343,700 net square feet of exhibit space (nearly 24,000 feet larger than 2016).

The event experienced growth in total buyer attendance with 6,761 buyers, up more than 9.5 percent from 2016, and there was a 22 percent increase in international buyer attendance from last year.

Featuring more than more than 3,437 booths, twenty seven percent of the exhibitors were international - up 30 percent from 2016.

“We take pride in our hard work to make Global Pet Expo a unique and rewarding opportunity for attendees each and every year,” said Darmohraj.  “With new exhibiting companies, new innovative products from repeat exhibitors, and even changes to the floor layout, we strive to provide the most beneficial experience to all each year.”

Global Pet Expo Academy featured 29 different seminars and also experienced record breaking participation.

The 2017 Show featured more new product launches than any other show in the industry, and had nearly 1,000 entries in the newly designed 30,000 square-foot New Products Showcase.

The New Products Showcase awards were presented to the top three products in a variety of categories.

Primetime Petz LLC took home the top prize in the Cat category with their new “Catysmile Backpack Cat Carrier” and West Paw Design took home top Dog category award with their new “Qwizl treating toy”.

The pet industry continues to grow and that is reflected in the success of Global Pet Expo.

The 2018 Global Pet Expo will take place March 21-23, 2018 in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center.

Leading industry organizations join forces to overturn pet sale ban

Four industry organizations have joined together to support a pending lawsuit that challenges the prohibition of the sale of cats and dogs by pet stores in Phoenix, AZ, in hopes of preventing this ban and the passage of future bans. 

The American Pet Products Association (APPA), the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) and the World Pet Association (WPA) have collectively donated $125,000 to support the lawsuit brought into the U.S. District Court in Phoenix on behalf of Phoenix pet store, Puppies 'N Love. 

"Bans of this nature often punish stores and breeders who sell quality pets and breeds that are unavailable in shelters, and these restrictions threaten our industry," said APPA President and CEO, Bob Vetere. "By working together to help overturn these types of bans, we can use this opportunity to establish better standards for both breeders and pet stores." 

READ THE NEWS RELEASE  

Industry's Unique Approach to US Puppy Mills

US Pet Industry Associations, Retailers and Animal Welfare Organizations Join to Fight Puppy Mills

Recent reports from the US show a unique industry alliance is taking shape to improve conditions for dogs and puppies produced by 'substandard commercial breeders'. The stated goal of the group is to 'create lasting change in the commercial breeding industry' and to 'ensure the humane care and safety of all dogs and puppies'.

While most observers would find this alliance unusual in a historical context, it does show a thoughtful approach to a serious industry problem and  recognition that individual efforts of the past have been less than successful. Participating organizations include the American Pet Products Association (APPA), The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and retailers Petco and Petland.

Agreeing upon a definition of a 'puppy mill', has been the stumbling block.  However, this alliance has been able to assemble a definition for the  controversial and oft misunderstood term:

A dog-breeding operation, which offers dogs for monetary compensation or remuneration, in which the physical, psychological and/or behavioral needs of the dogs are not being fulfilled due to inadequate housing, shelter, staffing, nutrition, socialization, sanitation, exercise, veterinary care, and/or inappropriate breeding.

In 2010, the Canadian industry created a 'Breeder Code of Ethical Conduct'. The initiative lead by former Canadian Kennel Club CEO, Joe Mauro, continues to languish while major players sort out philosophical differences. PIJAC Canada and other members of the Canadian industry who were involved in the Breeder Code development are keenly watching this US development.  

When contacted for comment, Louis McCann, Executive Director of PIJAC Canada had this to say,

We are inspired to see this spirit of industry collaboration.  The strength behind this collective effort will surely be the vehicle for meaningful advancement in animal care, because animal welfare is everyone’s business.

More information can be found on the Safe Healthy Dogs website.

Retailer Excellence Award categories expanded

Four new categories will be added to the Global Pet Expo Retailer Excellence Awards in 2013. In  addition to last year's awards, officials announced the addition of new award categories to ensure independent retailers of all shapes and sizes are recognized. 

Nominations will be accepted until 21 December 2012 and will be presented at the Expo's annual breakfast on 21 February 2013. 

The Global Pet Expo, sponsored by APPA and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), is the world's largest pet industry trade show. More than 800 exhibitors and 3,000 product launches were taken in by the more than 5,000 pet product buyers from around the world who attended the 2012 Expo. Next year's Expo will run 20-22 February 2013 in Orlando, Florida. 

SHOW DATES AND TIMES