Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
National Groomer Association of Canada (NGAC) | The NGAC connects passionate groomers and animal care givers from coast to coast; advocating ethical grooming and treating animals with respect, promoting work place health and safety, encourages and supports continuing education. They offer several programs and have a comprehensive job board; check out their professional pet grooming certifications.
Pet Food Association of Canada (PFAC) | The PFAC is an industry association comprised of Canadian pet food manufacturers. Check out the helpful link for tips on importing and exporting pet food.
Canadian Professional Pet Stylists | Canadian Professional Pet Stylists strives to grow the knowledge of pet groomers across Canada by offering certifications of the highest quality.
Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada (PIJAC) | PIJAC is the voice of the Canadian pet industry, working to raise the standards of pet care across Canada and advocate for pet businesses. Check out the News section for current pet industry-related information.
Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CAPPDT) | The CAPPDT is an excellent resource for dog obedience trainers and instructors. Check out the Becoming A Professional Dog Trainer page.
International Associations
Pet Food Institute (PFI) | The PFI is the voice of the US pet food industry. Check out the Pet Food Matters section for pet food related regulations and nutritional information.
American Pet Products Association (APPA) | The AAPA is a US-based trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry. Check out the extensive Market Research section.
International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) | The IACP was established to develop and promote the highest standards of professional and business practice among canine professionals. Check out the Articles For Professionals section.
Pet Sitters International (PSI) | PSI is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters. It represents businesses in Canada, the US and more! Check out the Resource Library.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Pet Business Magazine | A comprehensive business resource magazine aimed at pet retailers. Published monthly.
Modern Dog | A Canadian magazine that is published four times per year offers information exclusively about dogs, from food, to health, to toys.
Animal Wellness Magazine | Published six times a year, this magazine offers a look at the natural pet health industry.
Groomer to Groomer | First published in 1981, this monthly magazine includes articles on the latest grooming tools, interviews with industry professionals, and opinion pieces.
Consultant & Other Websites
L.E.K. | L.E.K. is a global marketing and consulting brand that helps participants in many industries narrow down their value propositions and hone their go-to-market strategies, including participants in a pet industry fuelled by positive macro trends such as pet humanization and an increased awareness of pet care.
Pet Business Solutions | A leading pet industry marketing and consulting brand, Pet Business Solutions specializes in coming up with creative strategies.
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
Blogs
Pet Business Owners Blog | The Pet Business Owners blog is a fantastic resource. It focuses on pet sitting and dog walking but the entrepreneur-centric advice it gives can cover any aspect of the pet industry. Among the topics you will find are: tips for avoiding burnout in your pet business, how to use Instagram to market yourself, and how to write a business plan.
Jodi Murphy Blog | The personal blog of national certified master groomer Jodi Murphy, this blog offers targeted advice on grooming different dog breeds, what type of shears to use, and avoiding common pitfalls groomers often experience, such as being pushed to work faster. Though it is not updated frequently, its advice and topics are still essential to any budding dog groomer.
Pet Biz Marketer | Pet Biz Marketer contains advice for any sort of pet business. Topics include how to create a 6-month marketing action plan, animal care marketing strategies, and how to grow your dog treat business.
Pet Sitters International (PSI) | Pet Sitters International also hosts a blog which regularly posts on topics such as what pet sitters can get from a certification course, the importance of networking, and things pet sitters should consider such as pet insurance.
Podcasts
The Pet Photographers Club | The Pet Photographers Club covers several aspects of the pet photography business for creative entrepreneurs, including how to sell more products, how to understand your community for more successful marketing, and how to go mobile with your pet photography business.
The Prosperous Pet Business Podcast | Kristin Morrison interviews owners of all sorts of pet businesses- grooming, doggy day care, dog walking and pet sitting, and specialty pet treats. These entrepreneurs are at all stages of their careers, and have insights that will be valuable to any beginning petpreneur.
The Pet Business Coach | The Pet Business Coach provides business advice for entrepreneurs who love pets and want to start their own pet-related business.
Publicity for Pet Businesses | Publicity for Pet Businesses is hosted by Rachel Spencer, a self-proclaimed crazy dog lady. She interviews pet professionals about their businesses and draws out insights with the training of a seasoned journalist. In the process she uncovers a wealth of social media tips, tricks, and advice for pet businesses.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.