Читать книгу Careers with Dogs - Kim Campbell Thornton - Страница 11

The APPA estimates that American pet owners spent $10.2 billion on pet supplies in 2009, an increase of $200 million from 2008. One of the trends in this area is automated products such as self-cleaning litter boxes and programmable food and water dishes. Dog lovers with engineering or design skills may well find a place in the pet-product industry.

Careers in various facets of the pet industry include retail sales and management, promotions, public relations management, and event planning. There’s always a place for a good salesperson, especially one who has in-depth knowledge about the products. If you love dogs and are knowledgeable about their care, you’ll be better able to help customers choose the products that meet their needs. Retail sales positions are expected to grow by approximately 8 percent through 2018, reflecting the increase in consumer spending by a growing population.

Other pet-industry sales jobs include being a sales representative for a pet-food manufacturer, veterinary pharmaceutical company, or pet-product manufacturer or wholesaler. These jobs are also expected to grow between 7 and 13 percent through 2018. With pet owners spending $26 billion per year on food and supplies, this area holds many opportunities.

Promotions managers or specialists direct programs that combine advertising with purchase incentives to increase sales. They seek to reach dealers, distributors, and consumers through direct mail, telemarketing, television or radio advertising, catalogs, exhibits, inserts in newspapers, Internet advertisements or Web sites, in-store displays, product endorsements, and special events. Purchasing incentives may include discounts, samples, gifts, rebates, coupons, sweepstakes, and contests. Promotions managers may publish newsletters that provide information of interest to their target audiences. Related jobs include account manager, public relations specialist, advertising manager, and marketing manager.

Sarah Carey, who manages public relations efforts for the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and the UF Veterinary Hospitals, spends a day on the beach with Katie.