With the ever-present photos of celebrities and their dogs, and warnings that pets are becoming just as overweight as their owners, it is no secret that pets are big news – and big bucks.
While fitness centers are usually no place for pets, some are offering classes for humans and their canine companions, and some manufacturers are using their products to benefit pets, especially those requiring rehabilitation.
Pet Pavilion in London, U.K., offers yoga for dogs and their humans. Running Paws Athletic Club in New York City offers play time, indoor and outdoor running, and training and agility classes for dogs. Good Dog Aquatic Fitness in North Andover, Mass., offers physical therapy for older or injured dogs. Another facility, Next Step Animal Rehabilitation & Fitness at the Mid-Atlantic Animal Specialty Hospital in Huntingtown, Md., installed a SwimEx 400-OT aquatic therapy pool to aid in dog rehabilitation.
Obviously, most fitness centers aren’t going to run out and buy a therapy pool to treat dogs. However, the recent surge in products and services for pets does have a place at some fitness facilities. For example, you could offer an outdoor walking class for members (and non-members) and their dogs. Or, you could sponsor a fundraising event that benefits a local humane society or animal organization. You could offer a doggie day care - maybe one that includes “working out” the dogs. This could especially work if you are in a market where your members don’t have young children at home. Finally, you could even offer some type of doggie yoga class.
All of these programs could be fun – and great money-makers for your facility. In any case, you could establish a unique market niche, and attract animal lovers who may not otherwise become members.
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