# Pet Humanization Products traditionally reserved for humans are expanding into the animal world. By [Bianca](https://www.trendhunter.com/bianca), Brand & Innovation Strategist | Published Nov 12, 2007, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/pet-humanization-products-traditionally-reserved-for-humans-are-expanding-i ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.8/10 - Evidence articles: 13 ## What is the Pet Humanization trend? **Pet Humanization:** People are increasingly treating animals like people, from wild birds and squirrels on birth control to bundling pets in Doggy Diapers similar to those worn by human infants. Pet fashion has advanced from knit sweaters to lace up sneakers and even wigs for dogs. This growing niche provides a major opportunity for companies willing to go animal ## At a Glance - Evidence: 13 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 28 to Dec 12, 2007 - Published: Nov 12, 2007 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Pet Humanization trend ### Pet Humanization As people increasingly treat animals like people products that were once reserved for humans are expanding into the animal world, presenting a major opportunity for companies willing to go animal. ### Sentimentality Sentimentality is a powerful force especially when it comes to product innovation and companies can take this into account when devising new projects, ultimately making their customers feel better about themselves and the world around them. ### Population Control As the animal kingdom continues to grow in population, companies are developing new products and tools to control numbers, from birth control for pigeons to sterilization for squirrels, inventors are finding new opportunities in managing crowded animal populations. ## What the Pet Humanization trend means for industry ### For Pet Industry As pet products and services expand beyond traditional boundaries, the pet industry continues to experience exponential growth, leading the way in niche products like bird diapers, dog kisses and designer fragrances for pets. ### For Healthcare Industry As people continue to seek new and innovative ways to improve pet health and wellbeing, new opportunities are emerging in the healthcare industry, from nursing homes for dogs to orthopedic foam beds and steroids for pet allergies. ### For Environmental Industry As flourishing animal populations cause environmental challenges, the environmental industry is stepping up to ease the burden with solutions such as population control, insect population control and urban farming for animals. ## Trend signals for Pet Humanization Trend score 4.8 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 74%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 63% - Activity: 74% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Pet Humanization trend 13 featured examples from Jan 28 to Dec 12, 2007. - [Doggy Diapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doggy-pee-control-wizzer-belly-band): The Wizzer Belly Band (Category: Unique) Implication: The pet supplies industry could benefit from creating accessories such as doggy diapers and go beyond the traditional pet products to offer innovative solutions for pet owners. - [Fetch A Bubble](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fetch-a-bubble-chicken-scented-bubbles-for-your-dog): Chicken Scented Bubbles For Your Dog (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The Gazillion Fetch a Bubble Machine represents the unique and innovative pet toys that are capturing consumer attention. - [Pet Bird Diapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pet-bird-diapers-flightsuits-poop-pouch): FlightSuits With "Poop Pouch" (Category: Unique) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a niche market for pet bird owners by offering innovative and unique products catering to their specific needs. - [Birth Control For Squirrels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/squirrels-sterilization): UK Sterilization Plan (Category: Eco) Implication: Developing, testing and marketing hormonal contraceptives for use across a spectrum of animal species. - [Birth Control Pill For Pigeons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birth-control-pill-for-pigeons-hollywood-birds-on-ovocontrol-p): Hollywood Birds on OvoControl P (Category: Eco) Implication: The use of birth control pills for pigeons opens up a disruptive innovation opportunity in the pest control industry. - [Neuticles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuticles-testicular-implants-for-neutered-pets): Testicular Implants For Neutered Pets (Category: Unique) Implication: Companies in the pet healthcare industry can create products that help pet owners feel better about their decisions and address their pets' emotional needs. - [Doggie Beer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kwispelbier-beer-for-dogs-and-maybe-for-you): Kwispelbier for Your Dog and Maybe You (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pet food and beverage industry can explore the creation of innovative and safe pet-friendly beverages to capitalize on the growing demand for unique and indulgent pet products. - [Birth Control For Insects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birth-control-insects): Controlling Creepy Crawlers (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The agricultural industry could benefit from the development of effective insect population control methods to protect crops and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. - [Nursing Home for Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-tricks-for-old-dogs-japan-opens-a-new-nursing-home-for-dogs): Japan Teaches New Tricks to Old Dogs (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Expanding pet care services to include specialized facilities for aging dogs. - [Sexy Beast](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sexy-beast-fragrance-for-dogs): Fragrance for Dogs (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pet care industry can explore new avenues by offering high-end fragrances as a part of their luxury product range. - [Ice Cream For Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dog-ice-cream): Wanko No Ice (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The pet food industry can capitalize on the growing demand for specialized pet food products like pet-friendly desserts. - [Orthopedic Foam Bed For Spoiled Pooches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orthopedic-foam-bed-for-spoiled-pooches-emattress-luxury-dog-bed): eMattress Luxury Dog Bed (Category: Unique) Implication: Opportunity for luxury brands in the pet industry to offer premium pet lifestyle products, including luxury pet beds, to affluent pet owners who are willing to spend more for thei… - [Cats As Nursing Home Staff](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deathcat-feline-grim-reaper-stalks-nursing-home): Feline Grim Reaper Predicts Death 25 Times in a Row (Category: Unique) Implication: Integrating animal-assisted therapy programs into healthcare facilities to enhance patient experiences and outcomes. ## Recent trend clusters - [Calm Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/calm-monitoring) (Lifestyle) - [Performance Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/performance-powders) (Lifestyle) - [Task Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/task-beverages) (Lifestyle) - [Festive Fusions](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/festive-fusions) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Commemorative Tennis Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-roger-centre-court) - [Rapid Concussion Screening Headsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/infrared-eye-tracking) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)