Pet cremation is just one of the categories in the pet services business. Forecasted to top $22 billion in 2008, the pet services market is the fastest-growth pet market of all, outpacing both food and non-food supplies. 63 percent of the U.S., or 71.1 million homes, own a pet. This is up from 56 percent in 1988. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) also estimated spending of $40.8 billion on pets in the U.S. in 2007. (Source: APPMA 2007-2008 National Pet Owners survey.)

Interestingly, out of this new industry, there are a number of successful artists springing forth. Artists like M?s Design & Culture is one company that is designing environmentally friendly pet urns and innovative products in harmony with society’s openness as well as multiculturalism.

Today’s innovative artists blend high-end industrial design and technology with traditional materials and ancient techniques, juxtaposing materials such as aluminum to lacquer, marquetry and veneer. Their work is art that celebrates life by using only sparse raw materials such as burled maple, grainy leather, and anodized aluminum.

There are hand crafted, unique pet urns, engraved stone pet memorials, pet memorial headstones and grave markers in marble, genuine river rock, cultured river rock, cultured slate, black granite or bluestone. Pet lovers can choose pet garden statues, hand-painted pottery pet urns, pet portrait and art, burial boxes, and custom engraved glasswork,. One well known artist is offering abstract paintings with the cremains of their pet inside.

It’s helpful for parents assisting children with the loss of a pet, there are also websites that provide grieving support so that people can find links to pet loss information and pet loss counseling websites to help them honor and say goodbye to a pet. Visitors can create virtual pet memorials with tributes and photof to share with family and friends.

Pet cremation services are offered through most veterinary clinics and although private crematorium prices vary, the average costs are between $75 and $350. Once the family chooses to receive the pet ashes back from the crematorium, they must decide on private burial, either in their yard with a custom pet grave marker or in a vessel such as a pet memorial urn to keep or for spreading.

There are two main reasons for this. Increasing numbers of clients wish to have their dog with them to maximize the pleasure of the vacation. This is a huge market – around 62 million people in America own dogs and 29 million of them take their dogs with them when then go travelling. The other factor is that many owners feel guilty at putting their dog into kennels. This all reflects the way dogs are now seen much more as part of the family, rather than a mere pet.

NUMBER CRUNCHING

A survey on behalf of a Hotel chain came up with some surprising findings. 76% of respondents claimed that they would show more loyalty to a hotel chain that was prepared to accommodate their dogs – even if they weren’t bringing their dog on vacation! 16% admitted that they had, at one time or another smuggled their dog into a hotel that wouldn’t accept pets!

WHAT CAN MY DOG EXPECT FROM A HOTEL?

Most dog-friendly hotels offer basics such as food and water. Others add nice touches like a gift on arrival and custom-made ID tags. The more expensive the hotel, the more luxuries your dog can expect to indulge in. You will be provided with toys, leashes and collars, poop scoops and even videos for your dog to watch.

Dogs can now get organic roasted chicken and Aberdeen Angus steaks from room service. Some hotels offer dog meals that have been developed with the help of a veterinarian – especially to help your dog deal with the stress of travelling! The hotel concierge will organize dog walkers and a pet sitter, if you’re planning to spend some time away from your dog. One of the most amazing things offered in a Pampered Pooch Package is the use of a ‘dog translator’ so that guests can communicate better with their canines!

DOGS LOVE TO GROOM!

If you go for a relaxing pedicure, you dog can lie next to you and have one too. In-hotel grooming parlors are increasingly popular. Why not treat your pampered pooch to some highlights, lowlights or French braiding? Teeth cleaning and massage is also on offer.

THE TOP TEN DOG-FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE USA AND CANADA ARE:

1. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

2. San Francisco, California

3. Chicago, Illinois

4. Boston, Massachusetts

5. Austin, Texas

6. Seattle, Washington

7. New York City

8. Long Beach, Los Angeles

9. St Louis, Missouri

10. Northern Virginia Area of Washington DC

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Here’s a quick run-down on what your dog could get at a stay in a high-end hotel in The Big Apple:

* Personalized ID tag plated in 22 carat gold

* Spritz treatments for the dog’s coat in a choice of aromatherapy fragrances

* Luxury dog pillow in the shape of a bone

* Home-baked dog biscuits and treats

* 300 thread count sheets on a special dog mattress

* Room service for dogs offering appetizers, entrees and deserts

The hotels can’t control the weather but they can make life more bearable for your dog with the loan of a trench coat (rainproof, naturally!), a leather jacket or if it turns chilly – a cashmere sweater. It’s a dog’s life!