1. DRIVE SALES

If you sell them, customers will come. Live Animal Specialist Eric Moore of the World Pet Association (WPA) says having prospective pets in store drives foot traffic and generates repeat business. Those who buy live animals such as reptiles, which require live food such as crickets, have to purchase their food weekly. He says, “This creates an opportunity to upsell — maybe purchase food or treats for other pets while they are there that they may have otherwise purchased online.”

The panel discussion honed in on how live animals drive sales by:

• Diversifying revenue streams: In addition to the initial pet purchase, there will be ongoing sales of accessories, food and health-care products.
• Increasing foot traffic: Live animals attract curious shoppers.
• Hosting educational workshops and events: They bring potential buyers into the store and set you up as their trusted resource.

Paul Lewis, owner of the bird-only shop Birds Unlimited in Webster, NY, says, “If I didn’t sell birds, I’d sell a lot fewer cages, toys and feed. They go hand in hand.”

2. INCREASE BRAND LOYALTY

Expert staff, examples of best setups and species-specific foods, treats and services attract a broader clientele that keeps coming back. For example, Rachael Creech, owner of Adventure Pets in Mandeville, LA, first started carrying live pets as part of her mission to be a full-line pet store. However, she says, “We have come to realize that having healthy and happy live pets is not only a draw for our community to visit, but also a way to bring in repeat customers.”

The session covered how adding live animals supports:

• Customer loyalty and repeat business: Excellent knowledge and service for these animals encourage purchases and referrals.
• Expertise and education: Allows knowledgeable staff to advise on care and feeding, building trust and promoting responsible pet ownership overall.
• Positive public perception: A deep knowledge and commitment to keeping these animals thriving equals good reviews and community goodwill.
• Unique brand identity: Having live animals and their corresponding services differentiates your store from those that just sell products.

Providing extra services for exotic animal enthusiasts proves key to repeat business. Lewis gives customers who buy birds from Birds Unlimited free bird grooming — wing feather and nail trims, plus beak shaping. He explains, “This gets them back in the store several extra times a year, and generally they’ll do a bit of shopping while they wait.”

3. STAY COMPETITIVE

With increased competition in the online-only sector, today’s pet retailer needs to stand out from the crowd and drive customers to the store. The panel keyed in on how live animals allow you to:

• Stay competitive: Carrying exotics differentiates your store and provides shoppers a reason to buy in store and not online.
• Get likes on your social media: Posts with adorable pet photos and great tips boost online followings, enticing potential customers to visit the store.
• Cater to bird, fish, reptile and small-animal enthusiasts: Be the go-to place for these unique pets, their care info, and specialized products and services.

Creech steps up her Adventure Pets social media with live animal pics, although she doesn’t advertise them with prices or specials. “I post a lot of the pictures we take of them, whether fish, bunnies, etc. The pictures are always very popular.”

Lewis differentiates his store from e-commerce and big-box retailers by exclusively selling to pet bird enthusiasts. People travel hours to shop there, knowing the high-quality birds and bird products he carries. “Some order over the phone, and we ship daily. Other people have family who live in the area and stop by every time they are in town.”

4. ELEVATE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Live animals provide an in-store experience that not only leaves an impression but induces shoppers to stay and keep returning. Creech says it’s not the sale of the animals that’s significant, but the repeat business of the customers returning for food, treats, enrichment toys and more. She says, “We are looking to extend the time our customers spend with us.”

The session further expanded upon the live-animal advantage, giving valuable tips on how exotics:

• Differentiate your store from an online-shopping site: Having live pets gives brick-and-mortar stores the upper hand over online pet retailers, as shopping becomes a fun activity not a chore.
• Build emotional connections with shoppers: Seeing exotics in their best setups with the right products positively influences purchasing decisions.
• Enhance your clientele’s shopping experience: Interacting with animals boosts endorphins, making shopping a longer and more enjoyable experience.

Lewis says having live animals in your store will always draw people — like it’s a free zoo.

Moore sums it up. “Many consumers enjoy going to a store that has more than just products. Live animals make your store a destination. It’s so easy to buy products online nowadays that retailers need a way to differentiate themselves and stand out.”

The post 4 Reasons to Add Live Animals to Your Pet Store Offerings appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

First place, and the $10,000 grand prize, went to Jerrica Fletcher, CEO of PawGone Good, maker of Pawlicious Treats, which are organic, human-grade, dehydrated dog chips. Based in Columbus, Ohio, this marks Fletcher’s first time at SUPERZOO, and she was “elated, overwhelmed and humbled” to be the grand prize winner of the competition.

“Preparation and practice” were key takeaways from Fletcher’s experience in honing her pitch for the live competition, along with reaching out to other business experts, she said. “I even practiced my pitch with my Uber driver on the way here,” she said. “It’s important to get the opinions of people outside of the industry because they are not familiar with the buzzwords and can give fresh perspective.”

The second place winners were Srihas Sampath and Tejashree Sawant, founders of Skona Pet Food in Boston, which manufactures natural pet treats infused with Indian herbs. They will receive a one-year membership to Pet Boss Club sponsored by Candice D’Agnolo, CEO of Pet Boss Nation, a six-month Pet Business Reels Membership with Jamie Ruben of Be-Spotted, and a discounted one-year membership to Pet Sustainability Coalition.

Third place went to Jeanette Eng, the New York-based founder of Social Paws, a dog-sharing marketplace and community app. She will receive a one-on-one consultation with D’Agnolo, access to Pet Boss Nation’s private community, a one-on-one social media audit with Ruben and a discounted one-year membership to Pet Sustainability Coalition.

Attendees also witnessed pitches from Kenan Peters for Treev, Patricia Porter for Veterinary Electronic Assistant (VEA) and Eric Adams for Dog and Whistle.

The post Jerrica Fletcher Wins Emerging Brands Pitch Competition appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

From August 14-16, pet professionals from around the world gathered to explore new products, engage in 65+ expert-led education sessions, and forge lasting industry connections. SUPERZOO attracted nearly 3,000 international participants and over 1,100 exhibitors from 79 countries, with a significant presence from Mexico, Korea, Japan, and Australia. This year’s event exceeded expectations, showcasing the strength and innovation of the pet industry.

Mike Karsting, Senior Vice President of World Pet Association, stated: “SUPERZOO 2024 surpassed our expectations, serving as the ultimate hub for trailblazing innovations and meaningful business relationships. The energy on the show floor was electric, with new trends like advanced pet nutrition and cutting-edge pet care technology taking center stage. We’re proud to see SUPERZOO continue to be the gathering place where new ideas flourish and the future of pet retail takes shape.”

Attendees and exhibitors alike shared enthusiastic feedback, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere and valuable experiences that defined SUPERZOO 2024:

• Scott Wilburn-Woods, Owner of Bark Avenue Pet Styling: “SUPERZOO is the best show to go to if you want to see everything about pet retail. It is everything about pets, not just dogs, not just cats, you’re going to see everything.”
• Mark Robokoff, Owner of AK Bark: “It’s nice to put faces to the names of people who we already work with but the main thing [that keeps us coming back] is probably looking out for brand new innovation. We want to be the first store to have the coolest new thing so that if it does blow up and become super popular, we’re the first place they sell at.”
• Sara Terrill, Manager, A&A Pet Supply: “It’s a great place to get to see new products. It’s a fun place to see everybody that I know from many years, you know of course the deals are definitely a big part of it and just you know the face-to-face time with the people I need to see.”

SUPERZOO 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

Show Floor Trends
As attendees navigated the expansive 334,000-square-foot show floor, they uncovered the latest trends across the pet industry. The show floor buzzed with energy, featuring specialized areas like the New Product Showcase, Emerging Brands, Natural and Health, Specialty and Lifestyle, Farm and Feed, Live Animals, Groomer’s Marketplace, and the International Pavilion. Each area offered unique insights and showcased breakthrough products, reflecting the evolution of the industry. A few of this year’s standout products included:

• PETKIT Purobot Ultra
• Tailr Luxury High Tech Pet ID Tag
• Durkha Dog Chew Yak Cheese Chews
• Brightkins Tough & Tumble Treat Dispenser
• Lord Jameson PB+J Organic Pill Hider Dog Treats

New Product Showcase
The highly anticipated New Product Showcase featured over 1,100 of the most cutting-edge and visionary products, propelling the $303 billion pet industry. A distinguished panel of industry experts evaluated each entry, awarding first-place and runner-up honors in 10 categories, along with a prestigious Judges Award for the Best New-to-Market Pet Product.

• Judges Award for Best Overall New Product:
  The Pupsicle, Woof
• Aquatics:
  1st Place: TMC Kreisel Jellyfish Aquarium Series, Quality Marine
  2nd Place: Fluval Liv, Hagen
• Bird:
  1st Place: Buggy Buffet, Volkman Pet Products
  2nd Place: Pumpkin Spice Nutri-Berries, Lafeber-EmerAid
• Cat:
  1st Place: Berry Good Milk, Choolip
  2nd Place: INPET (Cat health status tracking device), The Little Cat Co., Ltd.
• Dog:
  1st Place: The Pupsicle, Woof
  2nd Place: Always Full Pet Water Bowl, Always Full Pet Water Bowl
• Farm and Feed:
  1st Place: Booster Berries, Lafeber-EmerAid
  2nd Place: FREEDOM FLY, Full Moon, Spot Farms, FlockLeader
• Grooming:
  1st Place: Bugalugs Pet Care, Oatmeal No Rinse Paw Cleaner
  2nd Place: Uproot 7-1 Pet Grooming Kit, Uproot Clean
• Herptile:
  1st Place: Gourmet Tortoise Food Crumbles, Zoo Med Labs
  2nd Place: Zoo Med’s Isopod Food, Zoo Med Labs
• Small Animal:
  1st Place: Nibble Peapods Small Animal Chew Toy, Chongqing Pet Union Biologicial Technology Co., Ltd.
  2nd Place: Happy Habitats Tiny Treats, Happy Habitats
• Point of Purchase:
  1st Place: Barkworthies Hickory Smoked Floor-Stand Display, Barkworthies
  2nd Place: Polkadog Floor Display, Polkadog
• Accessories & Gifts:
  1st Place: Coloring Bandana, The Paws
  2nd Place: LuvMyFido Collection, PawzNDogz

To view the full list of New Product Showcase winners, click here.

Education
SUPERZOO offered an extensive education program with over 65 sessions led by industry experts, focusing on the specific goals of pet professionals. Attendees benefited from specialized tracks for retailers and groomers, gaining insights on the latest developments in pet care, AI marketing strategies, navigating negative customer reviews, and enrichment for animals. The program also featured key panel discussions on live animals in retail, influencer marketing, and the contributions of women in the pet industry.

Networking
SUPERZOO featured a variety of networking opportunities that allowed pet professionals of all experience levels to make valuable connections. The always-popular SUPERZOO Beach Party, sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, was a standout event, offering a lively evening of music, entertainment, and camaraderie at Mandalay Bay Beach. The Young Pet Professionals Mixer also provided an engaging setting for emerging leaders in the pet industry to exchange ideas and foster new relationships. This year’s networking events left a lasting impression on attendees:

• Jusak Wang Bernhard, Co-Founder of Wag Heaven: “It takes a village to succeed as a retailer, so SUPERZOO is our village. This is where we meet our manufacturers and our friends, this is where we seek our support and why it’s important to be here.”

Competitions
SUPERZOO hosted another successful year of the Pitch Competition, presented by Leap Venture Studio and Black Pet Business Network, where start-up companies could pitch their innovative pet care ideas competing for a $10,000 prize. The 2024 winners include:

• 1st Place Grand Prize: Jerrica Fletcher, PawGone Good
• 2nd Place: Srihas Sampath and Tejashree Sawant, Skona Pet Food
• 3rd place Jeanette Eng, Social Paws

The Launch Pitch Competition in collaboration with the Pet Care Innovation Prize and Purina at SUPERZOO 2024 provided a platform for pet care startups to shine. Winners received over $10,000 in prize packages. The event showcased new ideas and innovative thinking in Pet Care to bridge access of early-stage companies with investors and industry executives.

• 1st Place Grand Prize: Uproot Clean
• Finalists include: Jope and ShopDot

Pet-styling professionals also showcased their creativity and expertise while competing for over $37,000 in prizes. The grooming competitions spanned multiple divisions for breed classes and special awards, celebrating the exceptional talent and innovation within the grooming community. The full list of winners can be found here.

Karsting concluded, “We extend our sincerest gratitude to our incredible sponsors and partners, ADM, BOXIE, Health Extension Pet Care, HICC Pet, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Nerf Dog, North American Pet Products, Patchwork Pet, Pet Parents, Petland, Purina, Royal Canin/Eukanuba, Skout’s Honor and Tuesday’s Natural Dog Company, whose unwavering support made SUPERZOO 2024 a tremendous success. Their contributions are key to providing a platform for innovation and growth within the pet retail industry. We appreciate their dedication and look forward to continuing our collaboration to drive the industry forward.”

This year, SUPERZOO contributed $55 million in economic impact to Las Vegas and excitement is already building for next year’s event, set to take place from August 13-15, with educational sessions starting on August 12, 2025. Attendees can look forward to another engaging and immersive experience, designed to spark innovation, strengthen industry connections, and propel the pet industry forward.

For more information about SUPERZOO and to stay updated on upcoming events, visit www.SUPERZOO.org and follow SUPERZOO on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About SUPERZOO

SUPERZOO boasts the most buyer participation of any trade show for the pet retail industry in North America. SUPERZOO provides pet retail and industry professionals with leading-edge education and access to the most comprehensive array of market-ready products for retailers to competitively differentiate themselves. For the ninth consecutive year, SUPERZOO has grown in exhibitor space and square footage and has been listed among Trade Show Executive’s “Gold 100” trade events since 2014. Produced by World Pet Association (WPA), this annual event attracts retailers, product suppliers and service providers. For more information: www.SUPERZOO.org.

About World Pet Association

Founded in 1950, World Pet Association (WPA) is the pet industry’s oldest nonprofit organization. WPA connects and informs pet professionals through industry-defining trade shows SUPERZOO and GROOM’D (formerly Atlanta Pet Fair and Conference). Through WPA’s Good Works program, proceeds from these events are funneled back into key industry organizations and nonprofits with the goal of making it easier for pet industry professionals to do business. WPA’s mission is to support the business needs of pet retailers and to promote responsible growth and development of the pet industry by providing thought leadership on consumer and legislative issues; leading efforts in the public sector to inform consumers and ensure safe, healthy lifestyles for all animals; and providing business resources, education, content and services to ensure pet product retailers have the support they need to be competitive. For more information about WPA, visit www.worldpetassociation.org.

The post SUPERZOO 2024 Drives Pet Retail Success Through Innovative Product Showcase and Strong Buyer Engagement appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

Those two awards go alongside their First Place Best-In-Show award for pet tech innovation at Global Pet Expo 2024 just this past March. Uproot Clean is quickly establishing themselves as an exciting product line that pet retailers who are looking for something new and innovative are adding to their assortment.

“The great thing about the two awards we won at Superzoo is that the $10K Launch Prize was voted on by Purina Executives and Vic Mason, the President of the WPA himself – so to be recognized by industry peers of that caliber at our second ever retail trade show is really important and validating” says Uproot Clean Director of Wholesale, Dan Fallak. “Plus the 1st runner up in the New Product showcase was voted on by pet retail buyers, so getting their recognition is just as, if not more important.” added Fallak.

Fallak took to the Emerging Brands stage to pitch to a packed crowd on Day 2 of the show where he detailed the achievements to date of the three year old brand. Some of the highlights of the presentation included; 2 million pet parents currently use Uproot Clean products like the best selling Uproot Cleaner Pro to manage pet hair at home, the line has 75,000 five star reviews, and the brand gets an astonishing 2 billion impressions annually on TikTok and Instagram combined.

Uproot Clean founder Mehul Patel added; “While the awards are super exciting to win and we are very proud of the accolades, the best part at Superzoo was talking to the buyers of indie retailers. The first thing we ask is what products they carry to help their customers manage pet hair. Almost all of them do not have anything other than, say, a lint roller.” He continued; “Then after a quick demo of our pet hair removal tools, it doesn’t take too much convincing for the buyer to realize they have a big gap in their assortment, and they want to learn how to carry us.”

To discover more about the Uproot Clean pet hair removal tools, visit here. To open a wholesale account, learn how to order, or to become a distributor visit here.

About Uproot Clean

Uproot Clean was created to help pet owners manage pet hair wherever it may be. Excess pet hair is a massive problem and a daily pain point for hundreds of millions of pet owners. This problem deserves a solution, and Uproot Clean offers an assortment of very well made and highly effective tools to remove pet hair from upholstery, carpeting, rugs, clothes, and vehicles. Our mission is to help pet owners live life, hair free.

The post Uproot Clean Cleans Up at SUPERZOO, Captures Multiple Awards appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

CURRENT WPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman: Michael Lou
CFO/Vice Chair: Heather Coots
2nd Vice Chairman: David Dieter
Secretary: Micah Kohles
Member: Lorin Grow
Member: Mark Dunn
Member: Jennifer Larsen
Member: Keryn Rod
Member: Sandy Moore
Member: Sarah Goldberger
Immediate Past Chair: Jeff San Souci
Past Chair: Chris Clevers

Board position changes

Here’s a breakdown of board members who’ve taken on new duties:

• Michael Lou, owner of Patchwork Pet, previously served as CFO and now transitions to chairman.
• Heather Coots, president of King Wholesale, moves from 1st vice chair to CFO/vice chair.
• David Dieter, senior director of Zoo Med, shifts from secretary to 2nd vice chairman.
• Micah Kohles, DVM, MPA, owner of Woodland Animal Hospital/Odyssey Consulting, transitions from 2nd vice chair to secretary.

New to the board

The 2024-25 WPA Board welcomes two new members: Natural Pawz COO Lorin Grow and American Kennel Club Executive Vice-President of Registration Mark Dunn. WPA CFO/Vice Chairman and President of King Wholesale Heather Coots says the board is incredibly fortunate to welcome these two exceptional individuals to the WPA and finds their presence this year truly exciting.

She explains, “Lorin’s years of expertise in retail and the pet industry make her a valuable addition, bringing immense knowledge and passion to our board. Meeting

Mark through the nomination process, it was evident that his prior experience seamlessly aligned with our organization’s programs and initiatives — he felt like a seasoned veteran from the start.”

Coots extends heartfelt congratulations to both Grow and Dunn on this well-deserved opportunity. Here’s a more in-depth look at the two new board members:

Grow’s distinguished career blends military, entrepreneurial and corporate achievements. She served in the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Intelligence before going on to earn dual bachelor’s degrees in business/marketing and psychology/science. Grow’s entrepreneur experience is extensive: She owned and sold three retail businesses, managed half of Europe and earned multiple awards for a German wine company, and later oversaw Southeast Asia for Bose. She spent five years with the Nevada Gaming Commission before entering the pet industry to run an award-winning pet supply store in California for 20 years. Grow joined Texas-based pet store Natural Pawz, now with two locations, as director of training, education and customer engagement in April 2023 and became COO in July 2023.

Jeff San Souci, WPA immediate past chair and director of marketing at Rolf C. Hagen, says, “Retail stores are the heart of our industry! We are an emotional industry that relies on personal connection between the pet parent and front-line retailers like Lorin. Lorin is a pet community veteran, who made it clear to us that she wants to continue to serve and give back to our industry. We are so pleased that Lorin can join our Board and help us better understand and serve the pet retailers.”

David Dieter, WPA 2nd vice chairman and senior director of Zoo Med Laboratories, agrees that Grow’s life as a pet store professional is undeniable. “She brings a level of passion and expertise that will help WPA provide solutions for the stores that fuel our wonderful industry,” he says. “With Lorin’s drive, organizational abilities and vision for the future, WPA is very fortunate to have her join the board.”

Dunn is the executive vice president of registration for the American Kennel Club (AKC), the oldest all-breed dog registry in the U.S. and the largest in the world. He also serves as managing director of AKC Reunite — the AKC’s lost pet recovery service — and was formerly on the board of the Pet Leadership Council, a community of national companies and organizations committed to assuring the care of companion animals.

Dunn has lots of experience working with pet industry leaders and international registry organizations. He passionately believes that sustainable and responsible growth in pet ownership is vital to our society and that the pet industry can do more to help. Before joining the AKC in 2009, he was director of engineering and quality at Qualex, a subsidiary of Eastman Kodak. Dunn has more than 20 years of experience leading operations, engineering and business development teams, plus an MBA from Michigan State University.

WPA Board Member and Segrest Farms President Sandy Moore knows Dunn will be a great addition due to her interactions with him in industry advocacy organization the National Animal Interest Alliance. She says, “He is tremendously respected in the dog-breeding community and is plugged into the larger pet-breeding community through this organization. He brings passion, professionalism and a lifelong dedication to the animals and the people who care for them to our board.”

Dieter looks forward to learning with and from Dunn, who he says has an unbelievable knowledge of the pet community and an understanding of how we all can make this industry better for the pets and the people who live in it. “Mark’s level of expertise within the boardroom will help WPA grow into the even more collaborative force that we are focused on being,” he says. “The future for WPA is even brighter as we have Mark join the WPA board.”

The post A New WPA Board Begins Their Work appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

“Pet parents are always seeking the latest in innovation to make caring for their cats more convenient, so we are dedicated to providing products to meet their ever-evolving needs,” remarked Jeff San Souci, vice president of marketing at Hagen Group. “We are excited to launch these new products at SuperZoo and look forward to the response from pet owners.”

New product highlights from Hagen Group include:

Catit

• Catit Recipes Freeze-Dried RAW: Offer your feline all the benefits of a pure raw meat diet, with minimal processing for maximum nutrition, packed clean in a bag for perfect convenience! Composed uniquely for cats, this complete and balanced daily diet consists of 90% meat from a single protein source, ideal for cats with allergies or food sensitivities. MSRP: $7.99-$15.99
• Catit Recipes Freeze-Dried Treats: Bite-sized bits of pure meat are freeze-dried fresh to preserve the natural nutrients and exquisite flavor. Rich in animal protein and low in calories, they’re convenient as quick treats, training rewards, and food toppers for picky eaters. These single-protein and limited-ingredient cat treats are a highly digestible complement to your cat’s daily diet, without any artificial additives or preservatives. MSRP: $4.99-$5.99
• Catit Go Natural Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter: This innovative cat litter has quick clumping properties for a mess-free litter box. Thanks to the inclusion of natural ingredients, Catit Go Natural offers a more sustainable litter box routine. MSRP: $19.99
• Catit Go Natural Ultra-Light Clumping Cat Litter: Bamboo litter brings nature’s greatest power pellets to the litter box. The ultra-light pellets are tight-clumping and highly absorbent, with plant-based deodorizing and antibacterial properties. Made of one of the fastest-growing, renewable resources, this ultra-light clumping cat litter is the sustainable litter choice. MSRP: $39.99
• Catit Creamy Cups: Treat felines to a truly decadent, soft mousse made from cage free chicken or wild-caught tuna, with real fruit. More than a guilty pleasure, Catit Creamy Cups are delicious, grain-free, and offer a harmony of textures without any added salt, artificial colors, or preservatives. MSRP: $5.99

Catit products can be found at catit.us.

Zeus for Dogs

• Zeus Oasis+: Keep dogs happily hydrated. The Zeus mobile app control allows pet parents to digitally monitor the water level and adjust the water flow strength in real time, whether at home or on the go. Features include triple action purification by the included filter. MSRP: $139.99
• Zeus Auto Vacuum Food Container: Your dog’s favorite food will stay fresh and crunchy for much longer when stored in the Zeus Auto Vacuum Food Container. The device uses powerful vacuum sealing technology to prevent food oxidation and keep out contaminants such as air, sunlight, moisture and pests. MSRP: $129.99
• Zeus Nitro: The high-performance EPTU foam toys are tough, flexible, buoyant, and perfectly weighted for high-performance play. Lighter toys lack distance, while heavier ones can be hard to handle. NITRO’s optimal weight boosts momentum, helping each throw cut through the air more effectively. MSRP: $5.99-$13.99
• Zeus Fitness: The Zeus Fitness range continues to delight dogs everywhere with highly energetic and fun fetch and tug toys. They are available in a variety of shapes for action-packed play sessions. The line features rope tugs, tough nylon toys, throwing discs, and even floatable foam toys. MSRP: $5.99-$13.99

Zeus products can be found at zeuszoe.com.

Zoë for Dogs

• Zoë Meat Market: Satisfy your dog’s meat cravings with Zoë Meat Market treats. These delectable, grain-free snacks have high-quality meat as the main ingredient and offer joint health support provided by glucosamine. Available in flavors including a deliciously sliced Beef Patty, gourmet Chunks with lean Venison or Ostrich, chewy Bites with Crocodile, and the delectable Chicken & Beef link Sausage. MSRP: $5.99- $9.99
• Zoë Licky Snack: Licky Snack is a lickable treat that dogs come running for. The delightfully smooth paste may help with a sensitive stomach and is rich in pumpkin or sweet potato, and has tasty meat or fish mixed in. Licky Snack is low in fat and protein, making it an excellent snack or food topper. Zoë Licky Snack comes in five irresistible varieties including Pumpkin & Turkey, Pumpkin & Chicken, Pumpkin & Salmon, Sweet Potato & Duck, and Sweet Potato & Beef. MSRP: $3.79

Zoë products can be found at zeuszoe.com.

BIONIC for Dogs

• BIONIC: Designed for dogs who can demolish ordinary toys in minutes, these toys are expertly crafted for the toughest chewers. Made from ultra-durable BIONIC RUBBER, they are free from harmful substances like lead, BPA, and Phthalates and offer unrivaled durability with patented defensive geometry. The toys come in various BIONIC shapes including the Toss-n-Tug Turbo, Treat Shaker, Treat Star, and more. Complete with treat compartments. MSRP: $5.99- $19.99

Bionic products can be found at bionicdogtoys.com.

Fluval for Fish

• Fluval Aquasky 3.0 LED: The new Aquasky 3.0 LED range operates exclusively with the new FluvalConnect app and now offers both Bluetooth and WiFi
  connectivity. Highlighted by its dual white full spectrum 4000K/6500K + RGB LEDs, Aquasky provides superior CRI while continuing to allow users to customize their color spectrums – making it a versatile choice for most hobbyists. MSRP: $72.99- $309.99
• Fluval Plant 4.0: With spectrum-specific output, the Fluval Plant 4.0 lighting range delivers brilliant illumination and optimized light intensity for plants. The superior Color Rendering Index (CRI) guarantees vibrant colors, bringing your aquascape to life. Plus, with integration into the FluvalConnect system and app, you can conveniently control all light settings from your mobile device. MSRP: $43.99- $129.99
• Fluval Reef 4.0: Specifically designed for saltwater aquariums, the Reef 4.0 lighting system supports vibrant coral growth and health with its actinic and full spectrum capabilities. Plus, exclusive FluvalConnect app control offers convenient mobile device operation. MSRP: $72.99-$309.99

Fluval products can be found at fluvalaquatics.com.

Exo Terra for Reptiles

• Exo Terra Reptile UVB: Exo Terra’s exceptional T5 lamps are crafted to the highest quality standard, ensuring a prolonged UV output of 12+ months for lasting performance. With its intense output of UVA and UVB rays – combined with a well balanced visible light spectrum, the new UVB100, UVB200, and UVB300 help promote healthy Vitamin D3 synthesis, which in turn facilitates improved calcium absorption – safeguarding against Metabolic Bone Disease. MSRP: $59.99-$119.99
• Exo Terra Monsoon NANO: This programmable misting system is suitable for all types of terrariums and greenhouses. Tiny, but powerful, it is ideally suited to supply your animals with spray water and positively influence humidity levels through the fine mist generated by the multi-directional brass spray nozzles. The spray’s duration and frequency are effortlessly customizable to cater to the specific requirements of your animals or plants. MSRP: $84.99
• Exo Terra Humidifier: This ultrasonic humidifier generates a cool fog through ultrasonic oscillations which simulates low hanging clouds and fog in tropical terrariums or early morning dew in desert terrariums. MSRP:$ 129.99
• Exo Terra T5 Terrarium Top: This high-performance reptile UVB fixture is specifically developed for use with the Exo Terra Reptile UVB VHO T5 Bulb,but can also be used with any other T5 linear fluorescent bulb of the appropriate wattage. Available in four sizes 14”- 47.” MSRP: $59.99-$119.99
• Exo Terra Terrarium Mini Fan: The new, virtually silent-operating fan is designed to enhance the ventilation in your serene terrarium environment, effectively minimizing stagnant air. MSRP: $19.99
• Exo Terra Heat Mat: This self-regulating heat mat has superior PTC Carbon Fiber heating technology and is remarkably energy efficient, boasting an electrothermal conversion efficiency exceeding 95%, providing increased heat output at equivalent wattage levels. MSRP: $29.99-$52.99
• Exo Terra Heat Tweezers: These stainless-steel tweezers are an excellent tool that comes in handy while feeding live or canned insects, or any other food items, to reptiles and amphibians. They are crafted from durable, high-quality stainless steel that is less likely to break or corrode over time, ensuring their prolonged use. MSRP: $23.99-$26.99

Exo Terra products can be found at exo-terra.com.

For more information about Hagen Group and its portfolio of brands, visit Hagen.com. Hagen can be found on X at @RolfC_Hagen_Inc. Catit can be found on Instagram at @CatitDesignproducts. On Facebook, Fluval Aquatics is at @Fluval and Exo Terra can be found at @ExoTerra.

About HAGEN GROUP

Caring for pets since 1955, the family company founded by Rolf C. Hagen, with offices and distribution centres in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Asia, services customers on every continent worldwide and has grown to become the world’s largest privately owned, multinational pet products manufacturer and distributor. Driven by a common bond of love and compassion for animals, Hagen is dedicated to creating practical and innovative products that enhance the health and welfare of pets worldwide. Comprised of market leading brands like Exo Terra, Fluval, Catit, Zeus, Zoe and BIONIC, the Hagen group company will continue to invest in product innovation, pinnacle nutrition and consumer experience.

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“Every consumer is now a wellness consumer,” said Heather Mendoza, director of Research & Development at Nulo. “Nielsen IQ reports that consumer interest in functional foods offering wellness benefits is rapidly accelerating, and that intentional label reading in search of these benefits is on the upswing. Nulo wants to help retailers answer that need for pets.” Nielsen states that 75% of consumers are willing to pay more for functional health benefits and added protein.

To meet pet parent priorities for improved pet wellbeing, the jerky treats for dogs are formulated separately for skin & coat, heart health, mobility, gut health and puppy health benefits. For cats, there are three jerky treats for skin & coat, heart health and kitten health . All of the products are minimally processed using 80% premium meats blended with other healthy ingredients such as dried honey, coconut and fish oils and the sought-after BC30 probiotic. The jerky treat line is cold-formed, and oven baked at low temperatures to maintain nutritional integrity. All of the dog and cat jerky products are soft and easy to chew, break and serve.

Dental chews for dogs, the largest segment of the pet treat business in dollar sales and volume, are made with a custom blend of Yak and cow’s milk. They are all-natural, rich in protein, calcium and essential fatty acids.

Currently total U.S. sales of dog treats has plateaued at $2.23 billion, and cat treats clock in at $242 million on a 5.6% increase in year-on-year dollar volume. Because dog pet treat sales are showing some softness, Nulo believes their line offering functional benefits will deliver added excitement to the category by capitalizing on the consumers’ priority for health and wellness solutions.

“Nielsen data forecasts the overall value of the human health and wellness product marketplace will grow to $400 billion by 2030. We want to capture the translation of that interest in the pet treat business, “said Michael Landa, founder and CEO of Nulo. “To authentically deliver on that goal we’re using only science-backed ingredients that augment pet wellness at all life stages.”

Nulo’s new jerky treat and dental chew products will be featured at SuperZoo. Visit Booth # 4439 for more details. The jerky products will be available in August for ordering and delivery. Yak chews will be available for ordering at SuperZoo, more details on shipping to come.

About Nulo

Nulo is on a mission to fuel the inner athlete in every pet. With a wide range of ultra-premium food formats available in more than 6,500 pet specialty retailers nationwide, Nulo ensures pets enjoy the best in digestive and immune health, skin and coat care, mobility, and weight management. Recognized as one of Forbes Magazine’s “Most Innovative Brands at Retail,” Nulo’s offerings are rich in animal-based proteins and low in carbs, crafted to keep pets thriving alongside their human companions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Austin, TX, Nulo continues to inspire pet parents and athletes alike. For more information, visit www.nulo.com.

The post Nulo Launches New High-Performance Treat and Dental Chew Line appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

Hagen is dedicated to finding pet-first solutions addressing pets’ unique needs. The partnership with Phillips Pet will streamline the distribution process for Hagen’s current client roster and play a pivotal role in expanding distribution opportunities across the U.S.

“Hagen has been looking for the right partner to expand our U.S. distribution, so the team is excited today to announce it will join forces with Phillips Pet,” said Rolf Hagen Jr, CEO of the Hagen Group. “Our innovative brands complement Phillips Pet’s best-in-class distribution services, and with Hagen’s continued investment in national brand advertising, digital commerce, and partners like Astro Loyalty, we can further our mission to drive consumers into stores.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Hagen to introduce the company’s household name brands to Phillips Pet retailers,” said Blaine Phillips, CEO Phillips Pet Food & Supplies. “Partnering with an industry leader like Hagen supports our efforts to enhance our offerings and strengthen our position in the pet product distribution space.”

For more information about Hagen’s award-winning brands, visit Catit, HARI and BIONIC Dog Toys.

About HAGEN GROUP

Caring for pets since 1955, the family company founded by Rolf C. Hagen, with offices and distribution centres in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Asia, services customers on every continent worldwide and has grown to become the world’s largest privately owned, multinational pet products manufacturer and distributor. Driven by a common bond of love and compassion for animals, Hagen is dedicated to creating practical and innovative products that enhance the health and welfare of pets worldwide. Led by market leading brands like BIONIC, Exo Terra, Fluval and Catit, the Hagen Group company will continue to invest in product innovation, pinnacle nutrition and consumer experience.

About Catit

For 25 years, Catit has provided premium cat products for the modern family. The company’s state-of-the-art solutions are conceived through dedicated research and development focusing on cats’ physical and mental well-being. Known worldwide for its innovation and design, Catit has developed various iconic products – all of which have become extremely popular with cat parents. As the brand grows, Catit will continue to improve the quality of cat care with attractive and groundbreaking products that cater to the unique needs of cats.

About BIONIC

Duke effortlessly destroyed yet another new toy. After years of testing, we developed BIONIC – toys that Duke couldn’t destroy, and he joyfully wagged his tail. BIONIC is designed for dogs who can demolish ordinary toys in minutes. At BIONIC we have been crafting toys to provide Tail Wagging Durability for your dog since 2006.

About HARI

Established in 1985 to study the captive breeding and maintenance of companion birds, HARI now houses over 250 pairs of more than 30 parrot species. The organization’s mission is to promote the advancement and improvement of Companion Bird Care and Aviculture through education and research in psittacine health, nutrition, breeding, early parrot education, and product development.

About Phillips Pet Food & Supplies

Phillips Pet Food & Supplies business started as a single feed store in 1938 and now has 11 distribution centers strategically located across the United States. Phillips proudly serves the Pet Specialty Industry and is committed to providing customers with the products and services that will contribute to the growth and profitability of their businesses. For more info, visit PhillipsPet.com.

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Himalayan will be previewing both the new bulk display and the expanded Yogurt Stick flavors at their booth (#1554) during the SUPERZOO pet retail industry event in Las Vegas this week and the products will be available later this year.

Himalayan Dog Chew Bulk Display
Himalayan Pet Supply developed the new bulk display to enhance the in-store experience and encourage pet parents to touch and experience the product without the barrier of the packaging. Himalayan replaced its traditional packaging with color-coded hang tags that tell the product and company story in a new, innovative way. The unpackaged chews are available in five sizes – Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large, and Big Dog – making it easy for shoppers to select the right chew for their dog.

“We’ve been inspired by the creative ways that our neighborhood pet retailers display chews and treats in their stores,” said Nate Kredich, president of Himalayan Pet Supply. “With our new bulk display offering, we can help our retail partners showcase our long-lasting chews in a way that is both visually appealing and environmentally friendly thanks to the reduced packaging.”

The Himalayan team has always been committed to having a positive impact on the community, donating proceeds from its Original Himalayan Dog Chew to help increase access to education for women and girls in Nepal. The company is finding new ways to share this important work. As such, the bulk display product hang tag and merchandising shipper also feature a QR code, giving consumers an opportunity to explore and learn more about the brand’s social mission directly from their smartphones.

Exciting New Flavors of Himalayan Yogurt Sticks
Himalayan Pet Supply is also expanding its popular line of Yogurt Sticks with four new flavors: Strawberry/Honey, Apple/Honey, Cranberry/Honey, and Pumpkin. The yogurt-based chews are rich in protein and calcium to support strong bones, healthy teeth, and muscle development. The soft density chews are packed with over 300 million CFUs (colony forming units) of probiotics, as well as prebiotics, to help boost a dog’s gut health.

As with the entire line of Yogurt Sticks, the product is lactose-free to enhance digestibility. The limited-ingredient chews are also made with no corn, wheat, soy, preservatives, or artificial flavors.

Kredich added, “We are expanding our Yogurt Sticks line with new flavors to offer even more variety for pet parents looking for a healthy and functional treat for their dogs.”

For more information about Himalayan Pet Supply, visit here.

About Himalayan Pet Supply

Founded in 2008, Himalayan Pet Supply introduced The Original Himalayan Dog Chew and pioneered the hard cheese chew category in the United States. The company has become known for offering high quality, long-lasting cheese chews that are a natural and safe alternative to rawhide. In 2022, Himalayan Pet Supply acquired EcoKind, the leading brand of canine cheese chews sold on Amazon. Today, Himalayan and EcoKind account for the majority of cheese chews sold in the U.S. Himalayan Pet Supply, a strategic business unit in the Primal Pet Group portfolio, is headquartered in Arlington, WA, and includes the Himalayan, YellowYak, Chewmeter, and EcoKind brands.

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The answer can be found in new Sliders Four-Way Functional treats, Clear Conscience Pet’s newest innovation. The two new Sliders meaty baked treat formulas are formulated to help support all four of the most popular and sought after functional dog health benefits: bone and joint health, skin and coat, gut and immune, and dental health. All functional benefits are provided by 100% natural whole food-based nutraceuticals, with zero synthetic supplements.

Instead of struggling over the difficult choice among these key health needs, or buying multiple products when faced with tight budgets challenged by “petflation,” Sliders treats will now give dog parents a single solution that provides multi-functional dog health support.

The new treats also represent an innovation in the baked “biscuit” category with new proprietary formulation and baking techniques allowing far higher meat inclusion levels, double the protein levels, and far lower carb content than other baked treats. The result is a semi-tender meaty round baked treat unlike any other on the market.

Sliders Four-Way Functional Highlights: What’s Inside?

• Bone & Joint Health: Featuring green-lipped mussel powder and turmeric to promote joint mobility and reduce inflammation
• Gut & Immune Support: Enhanced with Greek yogurt powder, Prebiotic Organic agave inulin, and Postbiotic yeast extract for a healthy gut microbiome and boosted immune function
• Skin & Coat Health: Infused with Organic coconut and flaxseed oil, apple cider vinegar, and hempseed protein to nourish the skin and promote a shiny, healthy coat
• Dental & Breath Health: With anti-microbial Organic kelp, apple cider vinegar, and parsley to help maintain dental hygiene and freshen breath.

Two Fun 4-Way Functional Formulas:

• Beefin’ Awesome! Real Beef is the first ingredient, with a delicious taste that will have dogs dancing with delight and begging for more;
• Baconic Reaction! You guessed it, Bacon is the first ingredient, and these treats are guaranteed to be an irresistible favorite for dogs who love bacon.

Sliders Dog treats are baked with organic oats and are gluten-free, GMO-free, and glycerin-free, with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

“With the new generation of Sliders, we have combined healthy whole foods with advanced nutraceutical research to deliver a nutritional breakthrough that supports not one, but four critical pillars of canine health,” said CCP co-founders Anthony Bennie and Amanda Malone Bennie. “That’s why we call them “Nutritiously Delicious!”

The Sliders Trademark
Since 2009, Clear Conscience Pet has held the registered U.S. federal trademark for the name Sliders in animal nutrition.

Launch Date and Details: New Sliders will be formally launched on August 14, 2024 at the WPA SuperZoo trade show in Las Vegas. The treats will be offered in 8 oz. pouches with a suggested retail of $14.95, and will be available for wholesale purchasing at the show.

Contact:
Anthony Bennie
Co-Founder and Chief Nutrition Officer
Clear Conscience Pet LLC
Cape Coral, Florida
Office: 239-984-2705
anthony@clearconsciencepet.com
www.clearconsciencepet.com

About Clear Conscience Pet

Clear Conscience Pet is a family-owned independent American company founded in 2009. CCP is the most awarded company in the pet nutrition business, with 29 pet industry and consumer awards for excellence and innovation. Our mission is bringing healthy joy to companion animals, with superior nutrition that satisfies their instinctive biological needs. We treat customers and their pets like family, and we are committed to innovation, authenticity, and transparency.

The post Sliders Relaunches With Revolutionary Four-Way Functional Dog Treats appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

Rediscover the unbeatable durability of Zogoflex Echo with an innovative, hollow core that creates an irresistibly squish and bounce back resistance that dogs love. Perfect for games of tug, fetch, satisfying chew sessions, exciting treat chases, mental enrichment and physical exercise, these toys now come in Hot Pink, Dandelion Yellow and Aqua Blue.

The all new BOUNDR joins the collection as a 2-Pack Ball made for tough chewers. Designed to fit in a ball thrower, these balls are hollow, squishy and satisfying to chew, tug, catch and carry. In addition to the three new colors, BOUNDR also comes in Glow in the Dark, and retails for $17.95.

“Our brand new BOUNDR ball is unbeatably happy dance inducing, for both people and their pets,” said West Paw CEO Spencer Williams. “The all-new colors only enhance the playful fun and whimsical wags our Zogoflex Echo toys have always provided.”

SKAMP is the tough chewer’s safe alternative to sticks, with that same satisfying squish ready for toss, fetch and tug-of-war. By combining an engaging three-lobe shape with superior durability, SKAMP provides dogs with that bounce-back resistance they love for $19.95.

ZWIG features the same durable, hollow material with a twist that makes it perfect for fetch and water play. Its 13.75” length allows for a safe distance between playing hands and happy jaws in tug-of-war or two-dog play for $19.95.

RUMBL finalizes the series as an enrichment toy built for moderate chewers to playfully wobble and scatter treats or dry food, encouraging chasing and sniffing. The unique “fish trap” opening makes for easy loading while keeping tasty treats inside, ranging in retail price from $19.95-$23.95.

Made in the USA with infinitely recyclable materials, the Zogoflex Echo Series floats in water and is dishwasher safe, non-toxic, BPA free, Latex free, Phthalate free and FDA compliant.

Every purchase is backed by West Paw’s “Love It Guarantee”. Wholesale orders are now being accepted at SUPERZOO 2024. Retailers can also contact orders@westpaw.com for more information. If you are a member of the media and would like to request hi-resolution images, executive interviews, media samples or more details, please contact Parker Samuelson at K. Sutherland PR, (775) 360-6101 or parker@ksutherlandpr.com or visit here.

About WEST PAW

As Dog’s Best Friend, West Paw delights dogs with enrichment toys, feeding accessories and treats while looking out for their people and the planet. Family owned and operated from Bozeman, Montana, the Certified B Corp and CERTIFIED EVERGREEN company has recycled almost 150,000 pounds of award-winning dog toys, innovated a toy line that reclaims ocean bound plastic, established Regenerative Ranching supply chains in its home state of Montana to bring regeneratively raised proteins to the market and expanded its commitment to its recycling program, Join the Loop, by offering free in-store recycling collection “centers” to retailers nationwide. Founded in 1996, the 2024 Pet Sustainability Coalition Top Performer has been designated one of Forbes America’s Best Small Companies (2016), Montana Manufacturer of the Year (2017), and Bozeman’s Choice Employer (2020). Their products can be found in over 6,000 retailers in 40 different countries. Find out more at www.westpaw.com or follow along on social media at @westpawus.

The post West Paw’s Zogoflex Echo Series Welcomes a New Product and a Colorful Refresh appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

AFTER 22 YEARS, Mike Lasky takes his leave from the World Pet Association (WPA) board, with his time officially ending after SUPERZOO 2024. Lasky, with more than 29 years of experience in the pet industry, including as COO and partner of SLA Brands, Inc., explains, “I have loved every minute of serving on the board, but I felt the time was right to step down. WPA and SUPERZOO are in great places, and this is due to the contributions of so many caring past and present board members.”

While industry leader WPA is known for SUPERZOO, Lasky says that’s really just the tip of the iceberg for what they do. “We are a nonprofit investing in the future of the pet industry, supporting the Pet Advocacy Network and the Pet Care Trust.”

TIME FOR CHANGE

Lasky’s tenure included many changes in the WPA and in the pet industry at large. Two big ones: SUPERZOO’s move from Anaheim, CA, to Las Vegas, NV, in 2004 to draw more national and international attendees, and the rebranding from World Wide Pet Industry Association to World Pet Association.

“We had a regional trade show located in Anaheim that was treading water,” Lasky recalls. “It was a crowded field with five industry trade shows around the country competing for exhibitors and attendees.”

Today, industry leader SUPERZOO ranks as one of the 100 largest U.S.-based trade shows, making Trade Show Executive magazine’s “Gold 100 List” every year since 2013.

As for the name change, which officially went into effect in September 2009 at WPA’s 59th annual board meeting, Lasky shares how that came about.
“We were the WWPIA, and I became chairman shortly after the move. At that time, we decided if we were going to become a national show, we needed to rebrand the organization.”

Lasky and board member Michael Twain recruited Twain’s uncle Art Twain — an award-winning marketing and branding legend — to help the organization rebrand. “Mike and I met him for lunch at a dim sum restaurant in San Francisco. We handed him our letterhead, which read ‘World Wide Pet Industry Association.’ He took out his pen, crossed out two words and handed it back to us and said, ‘This is your new name: World Pet Association.’ My reply was, ‘Lunch is on us.’”

GETTING INVOLVED

Past WPA board members and chairpersons Andy Schmidt (former president of San Francisco Bay Brands) and Lew Sutton (executive vice president at Pet Ag) had asked Lasky to serve.

He remembers that at his first board meeting in spring 2002, another board member recommended he just observe for the first few meetings and say little or nothing. Says Lasky, “I told him ‘Sorry, that’s not me,’ and if there is something every board member I have served with will agree on, it will be the fact I voiced my opinions at all meetings.”

He shares that being a WPA board member taught him respect, compassion and understanding. “When I joined the board, the hardest thing for me to do was listen, understand and respect others’ opinions and feelings and to take them into consideration before commenting. I feel this has taught me how to better communicate and build consensus.”

Lasky also served as a board member for the nonprofit Pet Care Trust — which promotes the joys and benefits of pets to the public through education, support and interaction — for eight years. He served as chairman in 2018, stepping off the board in 2020. “We put all our efforts into building Pets in the Classroom, which I am very proud to have been a part of,” he says. “It provides grants for teachers to have pets in their classrooms. Having a pet in the classroom for teaching tears down social, racial and economic barriers and teaches compassion. We have provided over 200,000 grants to teachers, positively impacting over 8 million students.”

HOPES FOR THE FUTURE

Lasky says that the current amazing WPA staff and board of directors are ready to take the organization to the next level. He’s watched the pet industry go from a family and hobbyist industry to so much more, attracting very bright people who are raising the bars at every level. But, he believes there is still much to do and asks other pet industry professionals to get involved. “It not only makes the industry better, it makes you a better person.”

As for the future of the pet industry, Lasky would love to see it find a way to properly fund and support the advocacy groups, which are on the front lines preventing harmful legislation from being implemented. Lasky says that the groups are severely underfunded, and he’s concerned about what will happen if they cannot get full industry support. “We are all at risk as this affects the entire industry. We need to be able to change from reactive to proactive, and this will only happen if we properly support our advocacy groups.”

NEXT UP

Now that Lasky has left his role with the WPA, he gets to spend more time in his full-time position as COO and partner at national sales management specialist organization SLA Brands, Inc. And that’s perfect for him as he explains that it’s not just a company, it’s a family. His business partner, Bill Schiaffino, and the entire team have been 100% supportive of his serving on the WPA board. “It’s time for me to pay it back to them as well as our amazing partner brands. I also look forward to playing more tennis, traveling and taking more scuba-diving trips.”

And when Lasky says “family,” he means it for both his company and the WPA. His daughter, Madison Lasky, began attending WPA consumer events with him at age 5 and volunteering in the show office from when she was 8. “While she was in college, she worked for WPA at SUPERZOO in the New Product Showcase,” he says, “and when she graduated from Berkeley, she joined SLA Brands and is the western zone manager. She is as much part of the WPA family as I am, and I hope one day will serve on the board.”

The post Longtime Board Member Mike Lasky Retires from WPA appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

Photos by Animal Photography

Wahl Clipper Classic — Open
Sponsor: Wahl | Judges: Jodi Murphy and Victor Rosado | 1st: Deanna Bradley | 2nd: Helen Khom | 3rd: Catherine Opson

Other Purebreds — Scissoring — Open
Sponsor: Nature’s Specialties | Judge: Olga Zabelinskaya | 1st: Nadia Bongelli | 2nd: Nathan Austin | 3rd: Woorim Choi | Honorable mention: Ming-Feng Mo | Honorable mention: Macie Pisa | Honorable mention: Christie Henriksen | Best International: Nadia Bongelli

Other Purebreds — Scissoring — Intermediate
Sponsor: Nature’s Specialties | Judge: Tammy Siert | 1st: Lydia Shin | 2nd: Haemi Choi | 3rd: Erica Kellett

Other Purebreds — Scissoring — Entry
Sponsor: Nature’s Specialties | Judge: Shannon Tupes | 1st: Wai yin Chu | 2nd: Yuta Nakamura | 3rd: Angelica Munios

Model Dogs — Freestyle
Sponsor: OPAWZ | Judges: Tammy Siert and Shannon Tupes | Best in Class: Suesan Watson | Honorable Mention: Larissa Kalinina

Creative Dog & Cat Styling — Open
Sponsor: Earthbath | Judges: Kelly Knight, Adriane Pope and Christine Speerin | 1st: Milena Kon, “Chipmunks” | 2nd: Alyssa Kasiba, “Lilo & Stitch” | 3rd: Erin Martin, “Disney’s Evil Queens”

Creative Dog & Cat Styling — Entry
Sponsor: Earthbath | Judges: Kelly Knight, Adriane Pope and Christine Speerin 1st: Heather Kelly, “Donkey Kong” | 2nd: Natalie Hackett, “Lilo & Stitch” | 3rd: Melissa Reynolds, “The Little Mermaid”

Model Dogs (Creative)
Sponsor: OPAWZ | Judges: Tammy Siert and Shannon Tupes | Best in Class: Vril Kang | Honorable Mention: Larissa Kalinina

Abstract Design Challenge
Sponsor: Andis | Judge: Kelly Knight and Adriane Pope | 1st: Patty Lee | 2nd: Milena Kon | 3rd: Andrea Zelinsky

Wire Coats — Handstrip — Open
Sponsor: Metrovac | Judge: Judy Hudson | 1st: Nicole Hillison | 2nd: Macie Pisa | 3rd: Kristie Reisenweaver | Honorable Mention: Alejandro Segura | Best International: Nadia Bongelli

Wire Coats — Handstrip — Intermediate
Sponsor: Metrovac | Judge: Anne Francis | 1st: Sarah Heibel | 2nd: Erica Kellett | 3rd: Renee Bloom

Wire Coats — Handstrip — Entry
Sponsor: Metrovac | Judge: Tammy Siert | 1st: Shawna Cassell | 2nd: Elisabeth Topete | 3rd: Aleta Hamlin | Honorable Mention: Amanda Ensor

Wire Coats — Handstrip (Group)
SPONSOR: METROVAC | 1st: Nicole Hillison | 2nd: Macie Pisa | 3rd: Kristie Reisenweaver

Model Dogs — Purebred
Sponsor: OPAWZ | Judges: Tammy Siert and Shannon Tupes| Best in Class: Euntaek Park | Honorable Mention: Erin Martin

The post Check Out the Winning Grooms in the Creative, Abstract and Other Categories appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

The Bear & The Rat

Crochet Kitty

Saint Rocco’s Treats

Choolip

Clear Conscience Pet

Rondi’s Kitchen

Love Thy Beast

Fling-ama-String

Canophera

Green Juju

One Fur All

Dr. Becker’s Bites

The Rabbit Trap

Savage Cat

Canophera

BetterBone

Dog-O’s

Zoo Med Laboratories

Now Fresh Pet Food

Watch our booth interviews from Day 1 and Day 2 of SUPERZOO.

The post The PETS+ Team Closed Strong on Day 3 of SUPERZOO 2024 appeared first on PETSPLUSMAG.COM.

Poodles Intermediate
Judge — Jodi Murphy
1st — Naomi Mori, Under One Woof, Alameda, CA
2nd — Sarah Heibel, Wag With Swag, Kenmore, NY
3rd — Erica Kellett, Petsmart, Jamestown, NC

Poodles Open
Judge — Kelly Knight
1st — Tiarne Perkiss, Perky Pooches & Elite Dog Grooming Academy, Oak Flats, Australia
2nd — Antonio Flores, Benos Dog Pet Grooming, Monterrey, Mexico
3rd — Jackie Boulton, Mucky Pups, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Honorable Mention — Melissa Abbott, The Foxy Hound, Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Best International — Tiarne Perkiss, Perky Pooches & Elite Dog Grooming Academy, Oak Flats, Australia

Group
1st — Tiarne Perkiss, Perky Pooches & Elite Dog Grooming Academy, Oak Flats, Australia
2nd — 1st — Naomi Mori, Under One Woof, Alameda, CA
3rd — Sarah Heibel, Wag With Swag, Kenmore, NY

Best in Show
Best First Timer In Show — Drake Jackson
Melissa Abbott — Best International In Show
Nadia Bongelli — Best All Around Pet Stylist in Show
Melissa Abbott — Best Pet Stylist in Show
Macie Pisa — Competitor’s Choice Future Top Dog Contender Award

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$3,000 cash — Christina Cody, The Hippie Chicken of Morongo Valley, CA

$2,000 cash — Arpita Batra, KORNA Natural Pet Supplies, Coquitlam, Canada

Three-night stay at Mandalay Bay during SUPERZOO 2025 — Melisande Inness-Brown, 3-Day Pet Supply, Salem OR

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Christine Colamonico, DVM and co-founder of Jope – Joy of Pets, a pet supplement and wellness company; Michelle Huie, founder and CEO of ShopDot, an online retail solution for pet, health and wellness service businesses; and Dan Fallak, director of wholesale for Uproot Clean, a line of patented products for pet-hair management, each took to the stage to pitch their pet-care brands and field questions from the five esteemed judges.

In the end, Fallak of Uproot Clean clinched the win. He and Mehul Patel, founder and CEO of the company, are new to SUPERZOO and have enjoyed a winning time as they also received second place in the New Product Showcase Awards for their Uproot 7-1 Pet Grooming Kit on Wednesday.

“It’s been exciting, a little nerve-wracking before I got on stage, and such a cool experience and opportunity for young brands,” Fallak said about the experience. “It truly shows the investment in innovation, which is really important. It’s what we hear from buyers: They want something new, and this Launch Contest is a great way to find those companies.”

Patel agreed, adding that “Honestly, we didn’t anticipate it in any way, so it was fantastic to see it happen. It’s our first time presenting on a stage like this so it’s very rewarding.”

Based in Miami, FL, the company aims to fill a need in a large gap in the industry: pet-hair management, Fallak said. The Uproot Clean line includes lint- and pet-hair removers from credit-card sized to extra-large with 60-inch handle as well as pet hair-reducing dryer sheets, with more to come.

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FRIDAY EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS
10-10:30 AM “Harnessing the Power of Product Attribution in the Pet Humanization Era.” Sherry Frey and Andrea Binder of NielsenIQ share the latest trends in pet and pet wellness products. Show Floor Talks Stage.

10:30-11:30 AM “Opportunities for Pet Care Startups: Panel of Industry Accelerators.” Moderator Jamie Smith of Innovative Pet Lab. Panelists: Dustin McAdams of PupJoy and entrepreneur in residence at Active Capital, Anne Gunden of Plug and Play Tech Center, and Buff Greebe of SKU. Emerging Brands Stage.

11-11:30 AM “Fueling Independence: The Power of Service Dogs!” Kate Incremona of Canine Companions teaches the key differences between service, therapy and emotional support dogs. Find out what makes a great service dog, watch a live demonstration — and meet some future service dogs. Show Floor Talks Stage.

Noon-1 PM “From Likes to Loyalty: Influencer Marketing for the Pet Industry.” Seasoned marketing experts and top content creators delve into the impact of influencers on consumer behavior and provide practical advice on choosing the right influencers, building authentic partnerships and maximizing ROI. Emerging Brands Stage.

Noon-12:30 PM “The Bitchin’ World of Biotics.” Dr. Emily Stein of TEEF for LIFE explains “biotics” — pre, pro and post — and how using one instead of another can determine successful (or not) health outcomes. Includes the opportunity to “ask a scientist.” Show Floor Talks Stage.

1-1:30 PM “Yak Cheese – Innovation and Advancement.” Neil Pokharel of Durkha Dog Chew shares the journey of yak cheese chews, from a beloved Nepalese staple to a globally cherished treat for dogs. He will delve into the chew’s historical roots, examine its profound socio-economic impact in Nepal, and explore its rising popularity worldwide. Opportunities for innovation and advancement in this category also will be covered. Show Floor Talks Stage.

FRIDAY GROOMING CONTEST AWARDS
1:30 PM Super Jackpot. Grooming Stage Hall B.

FRIDAY FUN STUFF
9 AM-12:30 PM SUPERZOO Cash Giveaway. Scan your retailer badge between 9 a.m. and noon to be in the running for fabulous prizes, including hotel stays for SUPERZOO 2025 and generous cash prizes. You must be present at 12:30 p.m. to win! Live Music & Lunch Lounge.

1-2 PM Young Pet Professional Networking Hour. This new organization serves as an outlet for the next generation of pet industry leaders to connect with each other and grow their careers and network. Live Music & Lunch Lounge.

4-6 PM Black Pet Business Network Mixer. The nonprofit organization advances and empowers Black professionals and businesses in the pet industry. All are welcome to attend the mixer to meet and mingle with their fellow pet professionals. South Pacific F.

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