Pet Industry News
The deals, launches, and strategic moves behind the brands and operators shaping the industry.
Pets will shape travel plans for 68% of owners, Subaru survey finds
A Subaru-commissioned Talker Research survey of 2,000 pet-owning drivers, released October 13th, 2026, says 68% expect their pet to affect travel plans this year and 73% would drive instead of fly to bring the pet. New in this release, 10% may host, 10% may shorten a trip and 8% may skip gatherings. In our view, the trip-length and planning numbers are the ones sitters and kennels can use.
A Wrinkly-Breed Skincare Brand Widens Its Wedge With a Tail-Cleaning Tool
Squishface, a skincare line focused entirely on wrinkly and brachycephalic breeds, added a tail-cleaning brush and is expanding into groomer, retailer, and vet distribution. The move trades mass-market reach for depth, trust, and lifetime value inside a die-hard ownership base.
A Shark Tank Water-Bottle Brand Crosses Into Mass Retail, Trading DTC Margins for Target's Shelf
A roughly $2M Shark Tank DTC brand enters Target nationwide with an entry-priced lineup, a live case study in whether a hydration-accessory brand can hold margin and brand control while making the mass-retail jump.
Clean-label kibble is swapping synthetic antioxidants for botanicals, grape seed included
Pet food is swapping synthetic antioxidants for botanicals like grape seed, a clean-label shift with a toxicity-perception catch.
Corporate pet relocation is up 300%, and it is becoming a standard mobility benefit
Corporate pet-relocation inquiries rose nearly 300% in five years, and by 2025 almost half of employers covered pet shipment.
Heartworm claims are up 201%, and the risk map is moving north
Embrace says heartworm claims rose 201% since 2020, spreading north and year-round, a prevention gap operators can act on.
A profitable treat brand is raising from the crowd, not a VC
Profitable treat brand Farm to Pet is raising up to $1.24M from its own customers on StartEngine at a $24M valuation.