I ran across this interesting article which shared interviews with some local small business owners in the pet market.  With the future of the US economy continuing to look bleak (at least in the short-term), talk seems to be shifting from IF there will be a recession to WHO will be the hardest hit.  Some have claimed that the pet market is “recession proof”, citing continued growth in the pet market during slight macroeconomic downturns over the past decade.  The question is, will this hold true if we’re facing a more substantial downturn?

Personally, I would have a very hard time cutting back on my Oscar-related spending.  I think I would be much more likely to spend less money on luxury items for myself to avoid altering the quality of life to which Oscar has grown accustomed to. 

Crazy??  Maybe, but after all, it’s not like I can explain to him that we all have to tighten our belts as we go through this little economic “blip”!! 

Sorry, Oscar, we have to cut back your afternoon walks from an hour to 30 minutes due to the failure of mortgage-backed securities…

My biggest concern is not for the pet businesses - I think they will be just fine - but I worry about the shelters.  Will people be as willing to open up their wallets to support animal rescue organizations when times are tight?  Will more people abandon pets because they no longer feel like they can afford to care for them properly? 

Would love to know your thoughts…