Never before have people enjoyed so many choices in shopping for their pets. In the last several years, pet superstores have opened up everywhere. And in these stores there are bigger selections of supplies than what you can find in several small pet shops. There is a huge demand for supplies for dogs, cats, birds, and other pets.

In the background of these huge retail stores, those small pet store businesses have had to focus on offering more services. A higher level of pet care advice, or offering free delivery for pet supplies are two examples. Some smaller pet stores have resorted to selling niche products such as jewelled collars and high-end toys and treats.

At supermarkets, pet supplies are one of the top categories in terms of shelf space. Grocery retailers have done a great deal to improve the quality and the offerings of these goods. Much of the reason for the increased interest in supermarkets is because of their desire to keep a share of the multibillion dollar sales volume of pet supplies.

The boom in mail-order business has also reached the supplies market in a big way, with available catalog selections for pet goods as large and varied as the pet superstores. The biggest explosion of sales is happening online, where huge web sites have been launched in the hopes of getting in on some of that business.

Many of the more creative and attractive pet merchandise are handmade, and in small quantities. Shows, craft fairs, and farmers' markets are very good places to look for these pet items.

You do not always have to buy "new" when you need supplies for your pets. Many top-quality pet carriers or cat trees have turned up at yard and garage sales, and at a fraction of the cost of buying new. So keeping your eyes open for those types of sales can often pay off for you and your pet.