Pet Industry Insight: Internet Goes to the Dogs

It's no surprise that the internet is quickly becoming the most popular and fastest growing outlet for pet owners to shop for pet products and seek pet related information. But, now it's also the leading hot spot for pet owners to connect with each other and share tips and product reviews. New social networks dedicated just to pets and their owners are popping up every day. More and more people are blogging about everything pet related (me included!). All it takes is one Google search and a click of the mouse and web users are instantly linked to an array of venues featuring pet news pet events, pet health, pet groups, pet videos - you name it, the internet has it. In fact, there are over 3,500 weblogs about pets listed in major blog directories and blog search engine, Technorati lists more than 4,000 weblogs about animals and over 450, 000 posts about pets. Google lists nearly 4.5 million weblog posts about pets.

For those craving the company of like-minded pet lovers, social networking sites are all the rage. Now pets can join in on the fun of social networking with the sites like www.zoo.com, doggyspace.com, mycatspace.com, Dogbook on Facebook.com and petster.com. Owners can create social pages for themselves and their canine and feline companions on sites and can share information and photos about themselves and their dogs and cats, review and comment on products and services, hold contests, and become friends with others. Many of the social networks also include pet news sections and ask the vet services.

When it comes to purchasing a product, researching the perfect day care for your pet or finding a highly qualified veterinary, owners like to make decisions based on real experiences and feedback from other pet owners. Referral website recommended by pet lovers such as petster.com, dogchannel.com and petconnection.com offer a variety of services that allow owners to check out reviews and ratigns of pet products and services helping them make the best possible decision for their pets.

Vidoe classifie ads for pets are becoming more prominent within the cyber world contributing a new approach to buying, selling or adopting a pet. For example, petzibit.com is a resource for individuals, pet shops, professional breeders as well as shelters to post video advertisements of pets for sale. Combining applications similar to YouTube and Craigslist, Petzibit uses unique elements to help sellers and buyers find a home for their pets.

In short, there are so many new outles for learning about pet products and services for pet owners it can be overwhelmign. But fo pet owners- and the companies seeking to get thier products and services in front of them- connecting is easier and more effective than ever.