Hotels, retailers cater to pet pamper boom

Businesses from hotels to supermarkets are ramping up their pet-related services, looking to cash in as more people treat their animal companions like members of the family.

Major supermarket chain operator Aeon Co. began revamping its stores' pet departments at the end of September. At the Jusco Shinagawa Seaside store in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, Aeon affiliate Petcity Co. offers about 6,000 kinds of pet-related goods, including medicinal food given under the instruction of veterinarians for pets prone to disease. A wide selection of colorful clothes and toys are also available.

Petcity Co. President Ryoji Mamesaya said: "One of the best ways for customers to use the department is to build a relationship with and get advice on raising pets from our sales clerks, who are pet specialists."

Major online retailer Amazon Japan K.K. opened a pet goods section on its Web site on Sept. 30.

According to Yano Research Institute Ltd., the value of the pet-related goods market in fiscal 2009 was 1.37 trillion yen, an increase of 1.3 percent over the previous year. The institute expects further increases in fiscal 2010 and 2011.

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Traveling with pets

Meanwhile, the travel industry also has improved its services for people wanting to journey with their pets.

Hotel Okura Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture opened Felice, a separate annex catering exclusively to dogs, on Oct. 1. The hotel offers three types of rooms--according to dog size--with the largest suite costing 25,200 yen per night. Additional charges apply for shampooing and other services.

Felice is located within a parking building and as in the past, customers' dogs are not allowed to enter the hotel's main premises.

In July, the Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry Co. in Hakodate, Hokkaido, also set up separate premises for dogs--a dog room in full view from the main passenger cabin--in newly built ferries traveling the Tsugaru Strait between Aomori and Hakodate.

Before its establishment, customers had to leave their pets in their cars. The company charges 1,000 yen per dog for use of the room, which is separated from the main cabin by double doors so odors and barking do not cause any disruptions. There also is space for passengers to play with their dogs on an adjacent deck.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69E15R20101015