Course Description
A survey of the global markets for pet related goods and services, what has driven the development of this fairly new economy, and various career opportunities in the companion animal sector.
Athena Title
Economy of Pets
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will understand the historical and cultural shifts that led to the development of the pet economy and how the pet economy varies around the world.
- Students will understand the size and scope of the global and national pet economy and the multitude of industries that contribute to it.
- Students will be able to assess the impact of animals as economic contributors.
- Students will have exposure to the breadth of careers opportunities across various industries in the pet sector from both lecture and experiential learning.
- Students will appreciate the differences in educational requirements and training for various roles in the pet sector and how this would shape their future.
Topical Outline
- Module 1: The history of pets and the development of the pet economy
Review pets through history
Understand the shift over the past 100 years that allowed for the development of the pet economy
Be able to describe the more rapid change in the pet sector that occurred during and after the Covid pandemic.
- Module 2: The size of the pet economy and animals as economic contributors
Review the size of the pet economy/pet sector
Understand the role of professional organizations and how they have both been shaped by and helped shaped the pet economy (APPA, WSAVA, CPS, NAPHIA, etc)
Assessing the ways dogs and cats directly contribute to the economy by being commodities (pure bred dogs, show dogs) and by performing work (search and rescue, service dogs, detection of drugs, bombs, and even truffles, lab animals, farm work, and guard dogs.
- Module 3: Industries and career opportunities
Review the size of the companion animal veterinary industry, the shift towards corporate ownership, and careers in this field
Develop an understanding of the pet insurance industry, its size, and how it differs from human health insurance
Understand the size of the pet food and supplements industry and the current misinformation that is common in the sector and be able to list brands that meet WSAVA standards.
Assess the role of the pharmaceutical industry in the pet economy and be familiar with career opportunities ranging from research, to regulatory affairs, to contracts, to patents, to pharmacovigilance.
Know how the human-animal bond has influenced the pet economy and be familiar with careers that have developed from this, such as hospice and in-home euthanasia services, grooming, and a massive retail industry that includes toys, dog beds, and clothing.
