The Growing Popularity of Dog Parties

Regular readers know we love pet trends here at Small Business Labs. The latest is the rise of pet parties, especially birthday parties for dogs.

According to Small Biz Daily's Party Animals;

"7 percent of dog owners hold holiday or birthday parties for their dogs (that’s about 4 million people)—and 28 percent buy their dogs birthday gifts."

New York Magazine's Dog Birthday Parties: The Best New Way to Waste Money describes one such party:

In mid-April, 30 people gathered at DBA, a bar in the East Village, to wish Preston a happy 6th birthday. It was an afternoon “Sunday Funday,” as Jes Feuer, Preston’s mom, remembers it. The official theme, “Shady Birthday,” mandated one thing: “Sunglasses required, presents aren’t.”

Throughout the afternoon, Preston, a smiley Coton de Tulear — yes, that’s a type of dog — underwent a Beyoncé-league number of outfit changes, including different sunglasses and a custom bandana emblazoned with the words “Caution: Can’t Hold My Licker!”

There was a cake shaped like Preston’s face, crafted by a desserts company specializing in molding ambitious things out of Rice Krispies Treats. Feuer wore a Topshop bomber jacket custom-embroidered with Preston’s name, and her partner, Brett, donned a shirt custom-embroidered with Preston’s likeness ..."

If you're concerned you aren't capable of throwing a suitable doggie birthday party, fear not. There are, of course, specialists who will do this for you. 

In New York, you can call Puppy Parties. According to their website, they provide

... professional and seasoned staff ready to create a fun and loving party for you and your special fur baby. We are a full service business that is entirely devoted to planning your special occasion, whether it be a birthday, holiday party or something in between. We guarantee your prince or princess will be barking our accolades for years to come!

They charge a fixed planning fee of $300 per party plus an additional per dog fee. And, of course, major extras are extra (onsite party photographer, etc.). 

This is yet another example of a small business jumping on the pet humanization trend.

It's also an interesting example of the growth of personal services businesses.

Since all signals indicate both of these trends are gaining strength, expect to see more services firms targeting pet parents.