At Viand, we’re all about celebrating the incredible bond between pets and their humans. For this Fun Fact Friday, we’ve rounded up some eye-opening stats and trends that highlight just how much our pets mean to us—and how the world of pet care is evolving. Let’s dive in!

1. Vet Bills Are on the Rise—But So Are Our Efforts to Keep Pets Healthy

Did you know? The average vet bill is now about 60% more expensive than it was in 2014, far outpacing general inflation, which rose by just 30% during the same period (per the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

💡 What’s driving the increase?

• Advances in veterinary medicine mean better diagnostics and treatments—but also higher costs.
• Pet parents today are more willing than ever to invest in their pets’ health, treating them like true family members.

📌 Viand Tip: A high-quality diet like ours can help reduce vet visits by supporting your dog’s overall health, from shiny coats to strong immune systems. After all, prevention is better than cure!

2. From “Good Boy” to “Wordsmith”: The Rise of Talking Buttons

Imagine your dog pressing a button to say, “Outside, now!” or “More treats, please!” It’s not science fiction—it’s a growing trend!

Since 2020, millions of talking buttons for cats and dogs have been sold, giving pets a way to “talk” to their humans. Some pets have taken this skill to a whole new level, even gaining massive followings online:

• 🐶 Stella the Blue Heeler Mix: Owned by speech pathologist Christina Hunger, Stella knows over 50 words and can create phrases of up to five words. She’s become a sensation with 735k followers on Instagram.
• 🐾 Bunny the Sheepadoodle: Owned by influencer Alexis Devine, Bunny’s vocabulary spans about 100 words, and she has an incredible 1.5 million followers on Instagram.

💵 Talking Buttons = Big Business
The owners of these famous dogs have turned their pets’ skills into thriving businesses:

• FluentPet, a company selling talking buttons, has sold over 2 million units.
• Starter kits cost $30, and full button sets go for as much as $240.

🔗 The Connection: Beyond the fun, these buttons show how much we crave deeper connections with our pets. Talking buttons aren’t just trendy—they’re helping pet parents and their furry friends communicate like never before.

3. Pets Are Big Business—and Dogs Are Leading the Pack

Whether you adore the term “fur baby” or find it cringy, there’s no denying the impact pets have on our wallets—and our hearts.

In 2023, Americans spent a whopping $186 billion on their pets, with most of that going toward food and care for our most beloved companions: dogs.

📈 How We Got Here:

• The pandemic fueled pet adoptions, as millions sought comfort and companionship during isolation. Pet spending jumped 11% between 2019 and 2023 and has shown no signs of slowing down.
• Major companies like Mars, Nestlé, and Colgate have jumped on the trend, with pet care now making up significant portions of their revenue. For example:
  • Mars earned 67% of its revenue from pet care in 2023, thanks to its ownership of veterinary clinics.
  • Nestlé and Colgate made ~20% of their revenue from pet businesses like food and supplies.

🐾 What This Means for You:
With so much innovation and investment in the pet care space, there’s never been a better time to explore premium pet food options like Viand. Every bite is crafted with care to keep your pet happy, healthy, and thriving.

A Quick Recap:

Here are your Fun Fact Friday Highlights:

1. Vet Costs Are Soaring: Vet bills are up 60% since 2014, but a great diet like Viand’s can help prevent costly health issues.
2. Talking Pets Are the Future: With millions of talking buttons sold, pet lovers are finding new ways to bond with their furry friends.
3. Pets Are a Billion-Dollar Business: Americans spent $186 billion on their pets in 2023, with most of that going to dogs.

At Viand, we’re here to make pet care simple, natural, and effective—because your pet deserves nothing but the best. Stay tuned for more Fun Fact Fridays, and give your pup an extra belly rub today! 🐾