The 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey found that spending grew 5.3 percent last year to $50.96 billion. And a 3.8 percent growth rate is projected for 2012, with nearly $53 billion in overall pet spending.
The trend of pet pampering continued last year with pet owners spending $3.79 billion on pet services. And an estimated $4.11 billion will be spent on pet services this year. Pet services include pet sitting, dog walking, grooming and other services.