Are consumers prepared to take out insurance to cover veterinary costs for their pets?

How will the rise of pet superstores affect independent and grocery retailers?

The convenience factor is important when purchasing pet foods - will the supermarkets continue to dominate this sector?

It is two years since Mintel last examined the market for pet food and pet care retailing. This report examines the retail sector covering pet food and pet products. It looks at changes in the sector, with particular reference to the effect of competition on independent retailers from the pet superstores which are growing in the UK at present. Pet superstores have taken supermarket-style methods and developed an out-of-town format suitable for retail parks. It also looks at the market for mail order in pet food and pet care retailing, particularly since the introduction of Pet's Pyjamas which commenced trading in the Spring of 1998. Other retail outlets covered in the surveys and in the analysis in the report include grocery multiples, garden centres, DIY stores and other retailers active in pet food and pet products.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Cat and Dog food, Market Intelligence, April 2000

- Pet Accessories, Market Intelligence, September 1999

- Pet Insurance, Finance Intelligence, December 1999.

If you want more details about this particular report, please contact the Mintel information team on +44 (0)20 7606 6000 or email them at info@mintel.com.