About Pet Accessories

Pet owners are increasingly treating their companion animals like members of the family, and sometimes that even means dressing them up in clothes or other types of accessories. In fact, accessorizing one's pet is now considered trendy due to the fashion statements made by pets belonging to celebrities like Paris Hilton and Tori Spelling.

  1. Types

    • The pet accessories market has grown to include a plethora of items, from things that can be worn---like fancy collars and clothing for dogs and cats---to special treats and toys---such as edible houses for small mammals like guinea pigs.

    Warning

    • Accessories that limit mobility, like choke collars for dogs and harnesses for rodents, can be dangerous to pets if not used properly. Pets should always be supervised when wearing or interacting with these types of items.

    Famous Ties

    • Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, a self-proclaimed dog lover who has owned many dogs over the past several years, sells accessories for dogs through her Oprah.com website, including branded leashes and travel feedbags.

    Expert Insight

    • According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners are expected to pay an estimated $47.7 billion in 2010 on animal-related services and products, a category that includes accessories.

    Fun Fact

    • GlamourDog, founded in 2001 to provide dogs with a multitude of fashionable accessories, sells birthday party supplies for dogs, including party hats, cakes and t-shirts.