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Creating a Pet Specific Investment Strategy: Should I Be Investing in Pet-Related Stocks?

Are you ever just driving to work and find yourself thinking about the stock market? No? Just me? In my defense my commute is really long, and sometimes I run out of podcasts, audio books, etc.

Anywho…

… the other day it occurred to me that I don’t yet own any pet-related stocks. I couldn’t believe it! If anyone owns them it should be an enthusiastic dog mom like myself, right?

My Thoughts on Investment

You may not know, but I have a day job and I am a Global Marketing Manager at an early-stage global startup accelerator called the Founder Institute (PetHub is actually a graduate of our program!). Since starting my job here in 2016, I have learned a lot about market trends, startups, investments, etc. and I have been so fortunate to work with companies in the veterinary and pet industries.

In the past year, I have made strides to improve our investment strategies and I want to focus on companies and industries that I use and believe in. Essentially, I want to put my money where my mouth is…so to speak. I want to make it clear that I am not an investor nor am I a professional stock trader, I just want to get people excited about the pet industry so that it grows!

After having this epiphany in the car last week, I knew exactly what to do next. I am fortunate in my job to know a lot of great startup founders and people in different industries. One of these great individuals is Hoda Mehr who is the Founder and CEO of Stockcard.io, a platform that makes investing in stocks easier and more discernible. When I arrived at work last week, I immediately reached out to Hoda (also a very proud dog mom, see a photo of Hoda and her dog Kratos below) and asked her opinion on pet-related stocks and investments to see if she had any suggestions for a dog mom like myself.

 

Hoda broke it down for me, and said that there are 3 Pillars to consider when it comes to a Pet-Related Investment Strategy:

1) Health for Pets

2) Urban life for Pets

3) Pet Technology

Let’s “dig” in a little further

Health for Pets

This is the category with the most current opportunity for investment in the stock market. Meaning, many of the companies that are used in the veterinary industry, etc. are publicly traded and, therefore, as a consumer you can participate in the company’s success (or failure, but hopefully success).

One of the companies that I was most excited to purchase stocks from was Trupanion (symbol: TRUP)! Long-time readers of MKHP know very well that Trupanion is the pet insurance I have for Rooney and, therefore, a no-brainer for me as an investment strategy. I truly believe in pet insurance and have seen it grow in popularity significantly in the U.S. in the last 15 years, and hope to participate in the growth of this industry in the future!

Should I Be Investing in Pet-Related Stocks?

Other pet health related stocks include Zoetis (symbol: ZTS) and IDEXX (symbol: IDXX) for those of you who don’t know both of these companies are used widely by many veterinary hospitals (including all of the different hospitals where I have worked). Zoetis provides vaccines and diagnostic tests to many veterinary hospitals, whereas IDEXX is more focused on laboratory services across a wide variety of animal sectors (including livestock, poultry, dairy and water testing markets according to Markets Insider). IDEXX’s main competitive advantage (in my opinion) in the small animal laboratory services market is that they own Cornerstone which is the software used to manage overall operations in many veterinary hospitals. Making it easy for veterinary hospitals to choose to use their other services because it integrates with their software. While they certainly have competition, they are definitely highly integrated into veterinary hospitals and have a great comprehensive software for management and pet records.

Should I Be Investing in Pet-Related Stocks? Should I Be Investing in Pet-Related Stocks?

Lastly, there are a few companies that were publicly traded, but have recently been acquired by private companies. For example, VCA (old symbol: WOOF). I would have preferred to invest in VCA prior to their acquisition by Mars for $7.7 Billion last year, so I might be taking a look at IDEXX or Zoetis as a stock to purchase next before more acquisitions occur and I miss out on potential opportunities!

Urban Life for Pets

Several Pet technologies have emerged in recent years that very much so cater to the urban pet parent (i.e. millennials). These companies provide solutions anywhere from pet at home entertainment to dog-walking apps like Wag. As a mater of fact, Wag has already closed several rounds of funding to boost their expansion including a $300 million round from Softbank in January of this year, and Rover closed it’s 10th round of funding ($125 million) two weeks ago.

Other pet technology companies I am really excited about include DogParker, PetCube and Bark & Co. Unfortunately, none of these companies are publicly traded yet, but I am keeping my eyes and ears open for news about possible IPOs or acquisitions. My somewhat new rule of investment is if I use the companies services regularly and enjoy being a customer (and can afford the stock price), I will usually buy shares. The only company I haven’t used yet is DogParker. However, when researching for this blog post, I was on their website and saw that they are looking for investors before they expand nationally in two weeks! (More on the type of investment below).

Pet Technology

Pet technology companies provide another very exciting emerging investment opportunity for pet parents. This vertical is vast and extensive, providing solutions from reducing pet obesity to helping pet parents manage their pet’s health more easily. Some of my favorite companies in this space are CleverPet, your pet’s smart puzzle to improve mental stimulation for pets, Pawprint the online pet medical record, Embark, the canine DNA test, and Whistle, the pet activity tracker.

Embark Dog DNA Test - Learning More About Your Dog

Whistle was actually acquired by Mars Petcare in 2016, but Mars remains a private company and, therefore, consumers cannot yet buy stocks. Mars is also an interesting company to keep your eyes on because they recently purchased a European veterinary company AniCura for $2.36 Billion after purchasing VCA (see above) in 2017 for $7.7 Billion. While Mars itself might not be a publicly traded company, you can certainly look for trends of acquisition, and purchase stocks from companies that might get acquired by the big players.

Other Ways to Get Involved as an Investor

As you can see, many of these companies mentioned above are not yet public and, therefore, can limit your ability to participate in their success as an investor in the stock market. However, there are several other ways you can participate in pet company investments.

Crowdfunding

Keep an eye out for those Kickstarter and Indegogo campaigns. Many of these campaigns lead to the success of future companies, and offer you an opportunity to be a beta tester and early adopter. Not to mention, Indegogo allows your to participate in Microventures. Microventures is a platform for companies to crowdfund their expansion as the public participates in their funding rounds, and essentially acts like a small scale Venture Capital firm. For example, Cuddle Clones, a company many of my fellow pet bloggers have worked with, is now raising funding for Marketing, Product Expansion, and Investment in their online community.

Similar to what Indegogo is doing with Microventures, there are a myriad of platforms available online that allow you to invest small amounts of money in companies you believe in. We’ve seen this trend grow in recent years as IPOs have decreased. Even companies from the BlogPaws community like PetHub are equity crowdfunding on platforms like Crowdfunder.com to fund new milestones and future growth.

Harrison Ford staying up to date on world news so that he can adjust his portfolio accordingly.

Angel Investing 

Microventures allows you to invest as little as $100 in a company you think has potential and can succeed in their market and expansion. Angel investing can however, require larger amounts of capital invested upfront. For example, this campaign on SeedInvest (they didn’t have any pet-related investments) requires a minimum investment of $500.

AngelList offers 3 different investment products; syndicates, funds, and a professional investor program. The typical investment size for a syndicate can be between $1,000-$10,000, however, to participate in these types of investments, an investor be accredited.

While Angel Investing might seem like a daunting task, it might be a great way to invest your money in companies and industries you believe in!

I hope you enjoyed this brief synopsis on what’s going on in the pet industry. Please let me know in the comments below if you found this blog post enjoyable.

Additionally, I would love to hear your thoughts on pet-related investment strategies.

What do you think about pet-related stocks? What are your investment strategies? Do your pets or purchases influence your strategies?

Uplift the Underdogs Contest: Petcurean’s Commitment to Putting Pets First

During the summer of 2009, I spent some time working at a local no-kill animal shelter called Pets ‘n Pals. This was one of my first jobs where I was able to work with animals.

At this shelter, I learned so many valuable lessons, everything from the pet adoption process to how to prevent Parvo from spreading. I also learned about the many different dog breeds and what characteristics to highlight to help pets get adopted, i.e. dog-friendly, potty-trained, etc.

It was at this shelter that I learned that some pets are very easy to find new homes for, where as other pets, it takes an inexplicable amount of time for them to find their forever home. Take Giselle for example. I remember her perfectly, she was a gorgeous pure bred Rottweiler with a great personality. Granted, she wasn’t great with most other dogs, but all she needed was a home where she would be the only dog. It took almost a full year for her to find a home. She was there before I started working in the Summer of ’09, and it was only when I went back to visit that I found out that she had been finally adopted.

As many of you know, I work with Petcurean because Rooney loves their food and I believe they are a good company that puts pets first. So today, I am excited to share with you the details of their latest contest, aimed at helping dogs like Giselle find homes faster!

Happy Thanksgiving! - Rooney's Thanksgiving Dinner with Petcurean

Through Friday, June 1st Petcurean is hosting an Uplift the Underdogs Contest open to all rescue groups and animal shelters located in Seattle and Portland, and their surrounding areas.

The goal of the contest is to increase the adoption consideration for underdogs – dogs who are traditionally less likely to be adopted due to age, appearance, or other issues.

By inspiring people to see beyond these so-called imperfections and focus on the amazing heart and spirit of the dogs, the contest will help underdogs find the loving homes they deserve.

How to Participate

Rescue organizations are encouraged to submit details about their most deserving dogs (here) for the chance to win a lifetime supply of Petcurean’s GO! Solutions® food for the winning dog and a 500lb donation of pet food to the shelter or rescue group.

Prizing details:

Grand Prize

  • Lifetime supply of Petcurean’s GO! Solutions dog food
  • Feature in a Petcurean marketing campaign
  • Promotion on Petcurean’s website and social channels
  • Free make-over grooming service
  • 500lb donation of Petcurean pet food to the winning dog’s shelter/rescue group
  • A Petcurean gift basket filled with supplies, toys and more

All Finalists

  • 1-year supply of Petcurean’s GO! Solutions dog food
  • Free make-over grooming service
  • 500lb donation of Petcurean pet food to the winning dog’s shelter
  • A Petcurean gift basket filled with supplies, toys and more

After completing the online application form, two finalists from each city will move to the next round, along with four finalists from Canada. During this round, consumers will vote for their favorite dog through Petcurean’s Facebook and Instagram. The dog that receives the most comments and likes over one week will be awarded the grand prize. The winner will be announced on June 18!

“We believe all dogs are deserving of forever homes. Whether they’re older, have dietary issues, aren’t conventionally cute, or face unique challenges of any sort. We want to encourage people to give these overlooked dogs forever homes,” said Christine Mallier, PR & Community Relations Manager at Petcurean. “It’s what’s inside that counts and these dogs all have so much love to give. At Petcurean, we recognize and celebrate the unique traits that each individual dog has and are committed to helping them live healthy, happy lives full of love.”

For more information on Petcurean’s Uplift the Underdog contest and to enter, visit  www.petcurean.com/underdog. Eligibility restrictions apply. Entry is open now through June 1, 2018!

Disclaimer: I am a Petcurean blogger. I was provided with food and compensation so that Rooney and I could provide our honest opinion. However, Petcurean is the food we feed Rooney every day. My Kid Has Paws only shares reviews we believe benefit our readers.

National Chip Your Pet Month

Did you know that the month of May is National Chip Your Pet Month?

To be clear, we aren’t talking about potato chips here. We are talking about those good ol’ microchips. Today, we have partnered with Aimee Gilbreath of Michelson Found Animals Foundation and our friends at Petcurean to provide all pet parents with a friendly reminder about the importance of microchipping your pet.

The quotes below were provided by Aimee, the additional information is based on my experience.

What are microchips?

Microchips are rice sized chips that are scannable and contain your pet’s unique number, it’s like their social security number. This can be scanned by a shelter or vet, and the number is used to find the pet’s owner. It is not a GPS device and does not contain any personal information.

I have taken part in the reunion of many animals with their pet parents, and microchips have played a critical role in getting pets home safely. Here is an example from 2016:

Why do I need a microchip?

Pets get lost all the time – they run off, slip out of collars and slide through gates.  No one likes to think about losing a pet – but being prepared just in case will increase the likelihood that they’ll get back to you and give you peace of mind.

Many dogs or cats don’t wear collars while they are indoors. Unfortunately, if there is ever a scenario where your pet escapes out the front door and doesn’t have their collar on, it becomes a lot more challenging for people to identify them as your pet, and ultimately makes it so much harder for them to return home safely to you.

Does it hurt my pet?

Implanting a microchip is a simple procedure and vets say it’s like getting a vaccine. Once it’s implanted, it stays in place and lasts for their lifetime.

If I am being honest, the bevel (opening) of the needles are larger for microchips. However, the discomfort is still mild and temporary, much like a shot with a larger needle. Helpful hint: if your pet isn’t microchipped and has an upcoming procedure (spay/neuter/dental), that’s a great time to also get them microchipped as the staff with take care of that procedure while they are still sedated.

Where do I get my pet microchipped?

When you adopt a pet, they are usually microchipped at the shelter. Veterinary offices also do the procedure.

I have microchipped quiet a few pets myself in both my work at shelters and veterinary hospitals. While the procedure itself is small and quick it should always be completed by animal professionals.  

Do I need to do anything else once I get a microchip?

Yes, the microchip only works if you’ve registered it – go to foundanimals.org, the first free national microchip registry, and enter your information.  Remember to keep it updated if your phone number or address changes. This ensures that you can be contacted if your pet is found.

Funny story, the morning that we found Bae (in the Instagram post above), I had just updated Rooney’s information on his microchip that morning to reflect our new address. Finding a lost dog on the hiking trail that day was a reminder of the importance of keeping microchip information up to date.

Is your pet microchipped? Have you ever helped return a pet home because they were microchipped?

Don’t forget, if you are interested in trying Petcurean food for your pet you can download a $5 off coupon using code PAWSOME8 on any Petcurean food here: Petcurean.com/pawsome

Disclaimer: I am a Petcurean blogger. I was provided with food and compensation so that Rooney and I could provide our honest opinion. However, Petcurean is the food we feed Rooney every day. My Kid Has Paws only shares reviews we believe benefit our readers.

Choosing the Right P.L.A.Y. Dog Bed Size – A Lesson in Estimation

So, I think I’m pretty good at estimating. I don’t try clothes on before I buy them and usually things work out. However, estimating the size of something for Rooney is a completely different story.

I’m sure I’m not the only dog mom in the world who has ordered the wrong size dog bed before, so I thought I would share my experience in ordering Rooney’s P.L.A.Y. bed in case it is helpful to others.

Here it goes…

4.5 years ago when I began carving out this delightful slice of the internet I call, My Kid Has Paws, I had just switched jobs and was working for a startup in San Francisco. Each day I would take a stroll from the Montgomery BART station to my office on Bryant Street. One day, I noticed right there on Second Street was a pet company called P.L.A.Y. At this time I was still trying to gain traction and work with pet brands to create content, but I went online to investigate the brand further.

I was captured by their ability to marry eco-friendly materials and luxury. A theme they carry across their brand from dog beds to cat toys.

Fast-forward a few years and I find myself to be an official P.L.A.Y. affiliate. This may not seem like a big deal to most, but to a blogger achieving affiliate status with a brand you really love is a feat.

For a long time I had my eyes on their luxurious dog beds. I desperately wanted to order one for Rooney, so on Cyber Monday of last year I purchased Rooney a Large Snuggle Bed in the Husky Gray fabric.

Unfortunately, the Large was not the right size, as Rooney is a little too long for that size bed. You see, he could either fit his head in the snuggle bed, or his butt, but not both.

Thankfully, the person I spoke with from P.L.A.Y. also had a Corgi and knew that I needed to go one size up, so we moved up to a XL for Roo!

The reason that the bed needs to be bigger is partially due to Rooney’s length and also the different styles the P.L.A.Y. snuggle bed converts to. Specifically, the cup style was the one Rooney’s couldn’t seem to fit in with the Large bed.

As a Corgi parent, I occasionally make the mistake of estimating for Rooney based on his weight, and I forget that his body is really that of a medium dog, and I should order based on his length.

 

What’s so special about the Snuggle Bed?

So, you might be asking yourself, why did I feel the need to get the snuggle bed anyway?

  1. The snuggle bed converts into four different options which makes it luxurious and perfect for a dog who likes to burrow (Rooney).
  2. The Husky Gray color was the perfect color to match our bedroom decor, which may not matter to everyone, but nonetheless, I was very happy about it.
  3. The Canvas side is made from a dirt-resistant material which can make it a great bed for traveling in the car as well.
  4. The snuggle bed is Machine washable and dryer friendly
  5. According to P.L.A.Y.’s website, the bed is also: “Made in a facility that meets the strict quality standards for infant and children products”
  6. P.L.A.Y. has a Warm Bellies Program where they provide beds for shelter pets in need.

Needless to say I am very pleased with this bed for Rooney, and he really seems to be loving it as well.

As for the Large Bed that we bought…

Instead of returning the Large bed, I thought I might know a dog who would enjoy the Snuggle Bed as well. Meet Jimmy…

Jimmy is my parent’s chihuahua and he loves to burrow so I knew that he would really enjoy the P.L.A.Y. snuggle bed also!

Do you think your dog would be a fan of the P.L.A.Y. snuggle bed? Have you also had trouble ordering the right bed size for your pets?

Disclaimer: P.L.A.Y. provided us with a bed so that we could provide our honest opinion about their products. Additionally, we are P.L.A.Y. affiliates, so we may financially benefit if you make purchases through the links found on this post. However, My Kid Has Paws only recommends products we believe our readers will enjoy. 

Can Corgis Eat Small Breed Dog Food? – Petcurean

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Petcurean. Not only are we part of their Blogger advocate program, but we also feed Rooney Petcurean dog food day. My Kid Has Paws is committed to sharing information we believe our readers will find valuable.

Petcurean recently introduced their NOW FRESH Small Breeds recipes, and this month they have added two new flavors: red meat & fish.

When I was contacted about reviewing one of the flavors, my very first question was; “Does Rooney qualify as a small breed?”

Can Corgis Eat Small Breed Dog Food? - Petcurean

I would describe Rooney as a medium-size-dog-with-short-legs. Therefore, I am never really sure if Rooney qualifies for the “small breed” items. Petcurean was nice enough to confirm with their nutritionist that at 29 pounds, Rooney does quality to eat the small breed recipe.

If you are ever in doubt about a dog food recipe and it’s appropriateness for your dog’s breed and size, I highly recommend double-checking with the company’s standards and with your veterinarian. In this case I am very lucky to have a direct contact to Petcurean, but as a family-owned Canadian company, Petcurean is always accessible to their customer base, which I think is awesome!

As for the new recipes:

Why did Petcurean decide to formulate small breed recipes?

According to Petcurean;

“…Small Breed dogs currently represent 52 percent of the U.S. dog population.” Additionally, “As pets are increasingly being recognized as family members, pet owners are calling for more premium pet foods that reflect their own health trends,” said Jenna Fortin, Director of Marketing at Petcurean. “We developed these two new recipes to meet pet parents’ desire to nourish their companions with natural, high quality ingredients, while addressing the specific nutrition and dietary needs of small breed dogs.”

These recipes not only include 100% fresh lamb and pork or 100% fresh trout, salmon, and herring, but they also include the following:

  • Coconut oil, easily digested and absorbed to promote skin and coat health, weight loss, improve cracked paws, and to increase energy.
  • Egg, an ideal protein because it’s 100 percent digestible and has the ideal amino acid composition for dogs and cats.
  • Parsley and peppermint, natural ingredients to promote fresh breath.
  • Apples, high in vitamin C, fiber, and good for the digestive tract.
  • Grain-free, gluten-free: Zero grains, gluten, wheat, beef, chicken, corn, or soy.
  • Zero rendered meats, by-products, added growth hormones, or artificial preservatives.

Over the years I have shared a lot of information about Petcurean. Therefore, I would love to know, how important it is to you that you know what’s in your pet’s food? What do you look for?

Don’t forget, if you are interested in trying Petcurean food for your pet you can download a $5 off coupon using code PAWSOME8 on any Petcurean food here: Petcurean.com/pawsome

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