Consumers Cut Back as Gas Prices Rise
Although they have tried to take higher energy costs in stride, three out of four U.S. consumers (76 percent) say fluctuating gas prices have impacted their spending habits—up from 67 percent in 2005 and 57 percent in 2004, according to a 2006 survey on gas prices by the National Retail Federation (Washington)...

PIDA Plans Online Training for Retailers
The Pet Industry Distributors Association (Bel Air, Md.) just signed an agreement to develop a comprehensive online training program for pet store managers and employees, and expects to launch the first training modules in January 2007...

California Animal-Care Bill Advances
A fast-moving animal-care bill that opponents fear could effectively put California pet stores and other animal sellers out of business sailed through the Assembly Appropriations Committee in May...

Louisiana Considers Reptile Restrictions
The Louisiana House of Representatives in May passed a bill that would impose additional restrictions on certain reptiles in the state, according to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Washington)...

U.K. Pet Retailers Face Familiar Challenges
For pet retailers in England, providing additional services such pet boarding, microchipping, online purchasing and even animal matchmaking may be the way of the future, according to a survey by the Pet Care Trust (Bedford, England)...

Certified Mariculture Stock Available
The first three international suppliers to be certified under new Mariculture and Aquaculture Management standards recently began shipping certified cultured marine ornamentals—including live rock—to wholesale and retail customers....

Attendance Jumps at America’s Family Pet Expo
With more than 37,000 visitors—an increase of 24 percent over last year—the latest edition of America’s Family Pet Expo turned out to be the most successful in the event’s 17-year history.

Held April 21-23 at the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., and organized by the World Wide Pet Industry Association (Arcadia, Calif.), the consumer event emphasized education to promote responsible pet care...

Global Pet Expo to Appear on TV
HGTV will take millions of viewers behind the scenes of the 2006 Global Pet Expo in a one-hour special highlighting the coolest products for pets and their owners.

Taped in March in San Diego, “Pet Expo 2006” will premiere on HGTV at 9 p.m. EDT on Aug.19 as part of the national cable network’s “Dog Days of Summer” event. The four-hour block of programming also will include the premier of “Doggone Design,” featuring custom-built doghouses; an encore presentation of “Pet Pads,” featuring homes designed around pets; and an encore presentation of “Pet Palaces,” featuring homes modified to cater to pampered pets...

Healthy Turnout Expected for Aquaria China 2006
Show organizers expect more than 4,000 trade visitors and 20,000 public visitors to attend Aquaria China 2006, to be held Sept. 7-10 at the Guangzhou Jinhan Exhibition Center in Guangzhou...

Upscale Products to Take Center Stage at GLEE Petindex
GLEE Petindex will shine the spotlight on products for pampered pets Sept. 17-19 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, when more than 300 pet products manufacturers of all sizes convene to launch a wide range of pet care products and accessories...

Booths Selling Fast for SuperZoo 2006
As of May 9, booth sales for SuperZoo 2006 were running 13 percent ahead of sales for the 2005 show, according to the World Wide Pet Industry Association (Arcadia, Calif.)....

Third Reptile Breeders Conference Set
Approximately 100 dealers from across the country will offer more than 10,000 captive-bred reptiles at the third annual North American Reptile Breeders Conference & Trade Show, to be held Sept. 23-24 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif...

H.H. Backer Celebrates 40th Anniversary Christmas Show
Whether you are interested in great deals on innovative products or good old-fashioned fun, you can find what you’re looking for at H.H. Backer’s 40th Annual Pet Industry Christmas Trade Show and Educational Conference, to be held Oct. 6-8 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (Chicago), Illinois....