Companionship, Loyalty, Unconditional Love...Behold The Power Of Pets (NAPSA)—Sixty-two percent of all U.S. households own a pet. In fact, forty-seven percent of U.S. households own more than one. Whetherthey are furry, feathered or finned, the majority of the country’s population can certainly attest to the power companion animals bring to their lives on a daily basis. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s (APPMA) 2001/2002 National Pet Owners Survey, those who own pets universally report companionship, love and affection as the top benefits associated with ownership. “Whether causing you to smile while watching a kitten play with string, relaxing while sitting in front of an aquarium filled with tropical fish or lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure levels when taking Fido out for an evening walk, pets have the ability to help owners live healthier and happier lives,” commented FundaAlp, director of communications for the trade organization. APPMA’s 2001/2002 National Pet Owners Surveyalso reports: More than three out of ten U.S. households currently own either a dog or a cat More than half of the nation’s dog owners (53 percent) believe owning a dog is good for their own health and well being Seventy-three percent of dog owners claim they treat their canines like members of their family/oneof their children Nearly 75 percent of bird owners say companionship is the top reason for owning a feathered friend Eight out of ten cat owners off ee: say their pet is fun to watch and have in their homes Nearly 75 percent of fish owners report fish help them relieve stress Sixty-one percent of small animal owners and nearly half of the country’s reptile owners report their pets help teach children lessons in responsibility Pet Owner’s Savings Bone-nanza Pet owners can visit the Pet Owner’s Savings Bone-nanza at www.appma.org and take advantage of special discounts, rebates and informational offerings on their favorite pet products from nearly 50 of the nation’s top pet product manufacturers. Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association is the nation’s leading notfor-profit trade organization serving the interests of pet product manufacturers and educating the public on the many joys and health benefits associated with pet ownership. APPMA’s membership consists of nearly 650 companies, which include small busi- nesses as well as the nation’s leading pet product companies.
