DENVER, Colo. -- Americans spent more than $60 billion on pet services in the last year, breaking previous spending records.
The services leading the way are training, boarding and grooming, which all saw a spike.
"I'm not surprised," said Alicia Wheeler, groomer and manager at U-Shampooch Dog Wash and Grooming. "We stay very busy, and it seems like everybody has dogs, seems like it's kind of a booming thing."
The increase is fueled by both millennials and older baby boomers. Pets are living longer and their owners are, too. Statistics show older pet owners are not replacing pets at the same rate they have in the past.
"A lot of people will have us wash, just because it gets more difficult for them," said Wheeler.
At Quality Paws Natural Pet Store, the owner is seeing the same trend in retail sales.
"It's been proven that having dogs and cats help you live longer, because it creates the bond between you two and is healthier for both sides of the relationship," said Danielle Jarock, the store's owner.
She says customers are looking to buy more whole foods, free of harmful fillers, to keep their furry friends healthy.
"The thinking is, if you spend a little bit more on pet food now, you'll spend a little bit less on vet care later," said Jarock. "And, you'll have a pet that lives longer."
Service sales totals are predicted to break yet another record this year with an estimated six percent jump compared to 2015.
