General Manager of Wahl Australia, Shaun Geddes said: “For Australians, dogs truly are valued members of the family, so they’re happy to splash out on making sure they have the tastiest food, the highest quality grooming products and plenty of chew toys,”
A survey revealed that we don’t even see our dogs as animals! 84% said their dog has the same emotions as members of their family and an incredible 59% consider them surrogate children.
To celebrate Australia’s love and dedication to their fury best friends, Wahl, the #1 pet grooming brand in Australia, is today announcing the search for Australia’s Next Pet Model – with over $8,500 in prizes for the best groomed and cutest pooch. In addition, Wahl will donate over $2,000 worth of pet grooming products to the Animal Welfare League AWLQ – Adopt a Pet.
If your four-legged friend is a budding Cindy Paw-ford, Claw-dia Sniffer, Bark Refaeli or Heel-ina Christensen, go to the Wahl website for DIY grooming tips and entry details, or simply post a photo of your dog on Instagram and tag @wahlaustralia and #wahlnextpetmodel. The winner will scoop a $8,500 pooch pampering pack and become the face of Wahl for a year. Visit here for details.
“We’re looking for Australia’s canine supermodel!” Shaun added. “It’s about ditching the catwalk and introducing the dogwalk!”
Let’s take a look at that survey mentioned earlier. Four in ten owners let their dogs sleep in the same bed, 21% admit to dressing them up and more than a third give them a Christmas stocking, according to the survey of 1300 pet owners by grooming specialists Wahl.
The astonishing findings also revealed:
- 37% buy clothes for their dog.
- 49% groom them at least once a week.
- 16% arrange special canine playdates.
- 88% agree dogs should have the same rights as humans.
Just over 60% of Aussie households own a pet, spending a record $4 billion on them last year – up an incredible $750 million in just two years. Dogs are by far the most popular domestic pet, numbering over six million, with the number of cats totalling just over five million.
The Wahl survey uncovered some hefty spending on our beloved hounds:
- 40% spend between $12,000 and $24,000 a year on their dog.
- Over a quarter (28%) spend up to $100 a time on professional groomers.
- Nearly a quarter (23%) cook their animals homemade dog food.
- 18% give their dogs exactly the same food that they eat.
- Over two-thirds buy regular doggie toys.