The global recession has hit Australian hard, but the “pets sector” has surprisingly not suffered at all. in fact, market analysts saw the 2011-2012 period big on premium spending for pet care. This includes not only necessities like food and clothing, but premium end luxuries, according to market research.

The recession and its aftermath have been hard on Aussie retail as well as global sales, but for pet shopping, there has been no slump in revenue.Essential items aside, owners have spent large amounts on ultra rich luxury accessories for their pets. This includes everything from diamante collars to expensive kitty handbags. These are the findings of the IBISWorld, known market research firm.

According to the firm, the recession year (2011 to 2012) saw pet spending increase by an estimated 3.8 percent ($810.4 million), and the industry was expected to generate $7.88 billion during this time period.Australians clearly dote on their pets, with an annual pet care budget of approximately $1500. This goes far beyond the cost of necessities like electricity and public transport, and even the cost of alcohol for the entire year.

Animal health awareness in the media and mainstream acceptance is believed to have fueled this trend. New age treatments that are fast gaining acceptance include luxury pet care, such as grooming and boarding. As pet ownership increases to 63 % of Aussie homes, the annual spends on pet care are only set to increase, Pet food choices have also moved towards more gourmet choices instead of the usual store bought pet food.

Further, while perennial pet choices are cats and dogs (found in over 50% of Australian homes), high-density living has also led to a new preference for fish and reptile pets.

Despite the recession, pet spending on residential facilities, including boarding and kennels has not seen a slump. SmallPaws, in fact has seen extensive growth in the number of queries for its kennels and catteries.

According to Sue and Denis, St Ives NSW, their pets have begun to treat SmallPaws as a second home "Our boys (Bertie and Dax Beagle) have been visiting their ‘resort’ at SmallPaws for many years now. They know when we are going away on holidays and get quite excited in anticipation of having a good holiday away from us at their resort. They look forward to catching up with friends of old, as well as making new friends. We know that they will be well looked after by the excellent and very friendly team at SmallPaws."

About the Company

The Small Paws approach is unique - as per its name, it is exclusively dedicated to small canines and felines. This, combined with a well managed pet hotel and personalized attention to your pets ensure the best standards of living for pets when they are at SmallPaws.

Across the 5 Small Paws acre property, pets have enough space to run around in the green environment of Duffy's Forest. For more information,contact Small Paws Sydney on their official website http://www.smallpaws.com.au/accommodation-the-cattery.