Learning From What’s Past:
From coyote-repelling vests to the case-of-the-month in orthopedic surgery, it’s been all about functionality in the pet world this past month! Although we’re still not sure how we feel about them, dog leggings proved their trendiness on the internet, and for those rural area dog-walkers, the Coyote Vest provides style with safety in mind. Pet trends didn’t stop at fashion though. Orthopedic surgery took front stage with successfully going where no pet surgeon has gone before, and new CBD products for pets were launched all month.
IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM…
- The Coyote Vest
- Leggings For Dogs
- CBD Products For Pets
- Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeon Regrows Dog’s Leg Bone
Seeing What’s Present:
Based on trends we’re seeing in the consumer space, these are a few things to keep an eye out for:
Winter Paw Care
As winter really takes hold and the ice and snow pile up, dog parents (especially NEW dog-parents) are going to see paw-related issues. If you’re in the business of:
- Dog Grooming: Consider giving tips on how pet parents can avoid ice-balls between the toes.
- Dog Walking & Daycare: You might think about prepping your clients with how to suit up their dogs for the cold or what booties or wax you recommend.
- Pet Health: Tips for how to avoid toxic ice-melt products or a video showing how to wipe your dog’s paws would be appreciated.
- What else might you come up with? Let us know in the Facebook group!
Preparing For Puppy Bowl XV
With the biggest game on all fours right around the corner (February 3, 2019), you should expect lots of chatter! This is one of Animal Planet’s biggest events of the year, so the social media stratosphere is likely soon be flooded with adorable puppy bowl puppy pics. If you’re in the business of:
- Animal Rescue: The Puppy Bowl puppies are all from shelters and rescue groups across North America, so this can be a fun way to promote that you can find any kind of dog in a shelter.
- Pet Health & Training: Talk about puppy care! These little buggers are adorable, but are you really ready for one? Help your audience understand the pros and cons of puppy parenthood. (Nic knows this well. lol)
EXAMPLE: Check out a timely bit of content we did about the Puppy Bowl last year.
Notice how we used the timely topic, but managed to find an angle that made sense for our audience (pet businesses) to help reinforce our expertise /authority (marketing).
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals have been slowly grabbing headlines in 2018 and we expect to see it more in 2019. As an increasing number of pet parents want to take their dogs everywhere, understanding what an emotional support animal is and the rights and differences between them and service animals will likely continue to get public attention. If you’re in the business of:
- Pet Travel: Consider sharing an article about what ESAs are and asking your audience whether they think dogs should be allowed everywhere.
- Equine: Share the fun fact that only dogs and horses can actually be certified as service animals. (Sorry kitty.)
- Childhood Education or Outreach: Find a few emotional support animal and therapy animal stories to share. It’s amazing how children reading to dogs, pets in the classroom and even in the courtroom are providing solace and motivation to kids in need.
Prepping For What’s Coming:
We know you feel the pressure to do everything, but Jane’s always reminding you that you don’t need to! This is your pass to NOT do everything on this list. This month choose one or two, or just use the graphics we give you, and focus on your stepping stage in the Freedom Roadmap.
GRAB YOUR GRAPHIC TEMPLATES FOR THIS MONTH HERE
HOLIDAYS
- Walk Your Pet Month
- A great month for ANY pet brand! #walkyourpet month gives pet brands a fun opportunity to encourage healthy exercise habits for all pets. (Cats, ferrets, and reptiles – in warm climates – need exercise too!) Since the weather has turned frightful in most areas (Australia- you’re off the hook!) consider showcasing your favorite indoor activities for pet exercise.
- National Train Your Dog Month
- In conjunction with Walk Your Pet Month, help your audience say goodbye to leash pulling by using the hashtag #TrainYourDogMonth with your best loose-leash walking tips!
- National Cuddle Up Day
- January 6 could be your audience’s favorite day of the month, #cuddleupday! Ask your followers what animal companion they’re cuddling with today.
- Unchain A Dog Month
- Unchain A Dog Month is one most every animal lover will want to support. Use the hashtag #UnchainDogs while spreading awareness of the negative impacts of keeping a dog chained up.
- Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
- With January being Adopt a Rescued Bird Month, the goal should be spreading awareness but also to provide tips on properly preparing for bird adoption and ultimately caring for a pet bird. While it’s great to encourage adoption, make sure your audience is aware of how to care for birds properly. Use the hashtag #rescuebird with your top tips for avian care.
- National Bird Day
- National Bird Day (January 5) is a way to bring awareness to ALL birds. Show off your favorite bird stats using the hashtag #NationalBirdDay.
- National Dress Up Your Pet Day
- This day is a thrilling one for most pet parents! Dogs and cats + fancy sweaters and #dogpants? YES, PLEASE. Ask them to share their best-dressed pets using the hashtag #NationalDressUpYourPetDay. Just be sure to remind your followers that not all pets like all the attention, or attire, so no forcing photos!
- Mr. Luther King Jr. Day
- #MLKDay is celebrated on the third Monday of January (January 21), and is a time to take a day to reflect and remember the work Dr. King did. Encourage your audience to show their respect by volunteering at a local organization.
- Tu B’Shevat
- Also known as the “New Year of the Trees”, this Jewish holiday is celebrated on January 21. On this day, feel free to encourage your followers to take a moment to connect to nature’s roots using the hashtag #HappyTuBishvat.
- Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day
- January 22 is Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day. To participate, motivate your followers to heighten their awareness of their cat’s needs. Here’s a list of possible cat questions and answers to get the ball rolling.
- National Pie Day
- January 23 is #NationalPieDay! If you’re cruising through your steps this month, go on, indulge!
- National Peanut Butter Day
- Although it’s a human holiday, for most pups January 24 can’t come soon enough! Share your favorite peanut butter dog treat recipes with your audience.
- National Compliment Day
- Something as simple as a compliment can help cultivate a trusting relationship between you and your clients. Let January 24 be a reminder to share your compliments with your clients.
- Change a Pet’s Life Day
- The 24th of January is all about #ChangeForPets. While it is a day to encourage adopting, your audience doesn’t need to adopt a new pet every year. Share your favorite ways to give back to shelter animals or rescues that don’t require fostering.
- Seeing Eye Guide Dog Birthday
- Need a reason to celebrate? You’ve got one! January 29 is a fantastic day to celebrate service dogs and all the hard work they do for us humans. Share your seeing eye dog success stories using the hashtag #seeingeyedogs.
CONFERENCES AND TRADE SHOWS
- International Conference on Animal & Veterinary Sciences
- This gathering (January 2-3) gives an incredible chance to talk about the most recent advancements in the veterinary field. If your brand is participating, you’ll be bringing home lots of new information to share with your audience!
- Pet Industry Leadership Conference
- If you’re attending #pilc from the 27 -30, then you’re brand is going to benefit from hearing the latest in pet industry trends. With new networking and business opportunities, there will be a wealth of opportunities to educate your audience with.
- VMX (NAVC) Conference
- The worlds largest veterinary event is fast approaching (January 19-23)! From aquatics to parasitology to practice management, if you’re registered, you are in for an abundance of material to bring back to your brand. If you’re not able to attend, follow along on social media with the hashtag #VMXConference.
- ExpoZoo
- During the four days (January 10-13) of #expozoo this year, you’ll have the opportunity to see new, innovative products and trends for potential consumers.
- AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference
- From January 10-13, this veterinarian-only conference will help evolve your leadership skills (no matter what stage your practice is in), connect with a diverse network of leaders, and deepen your understanding of AVMA – which ultimately will help you find new opportunities to get involved with your community. Not in the veterinary field? Stay in loop on with AVMA’s updates with the hashtag #AVMAVLC.