PetGadgets.com's Top Five New Product Picks for 2006

Business Wire, March 27, 2006

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. -- Global Pet Expo, the largest industry trade show in the world, just wrapped up this past weekend in San Diego. The event was so huge -- with 700 exhibitors in more than 2,100 booths -- it stretched 10 football fields.

Geoff Mott, creator of the online retail site PetGadgets.com, visited every booth to sniff out the best products and industry trends.

Everything old is new again. Basic items have been redesigned for comfort, style and safety. Leashes now have blinking lights for night time visibility and compartments to store clean-up bags. Dog beds, crates and raised feeders no longer have to be hidden from view. Quality woods, materials and fabrics allow them to blend seamlessly with any home decor.

Another emerging trend, Mott noticed, is medical products adapted for pets. For relief of eye irritation and dryness, there's Pet Vision lubricating eye drops. Minor cuts are protected by 3M's liquid bandage spray. And, for pooches that snore, there's Snorestop, an all natural oral spray.

It's clear from the trade show that consumer demand for innovative and practical items continues to rise. The American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, an industry trade group, announced Friday that consumer spending will likely hit an all time high this year of $38.4 billion.

After meeting with hundreds of manufacturers at the show this weekend, here are Mott's favorite products.

1. Quick Finder: A high-tech nail clipper detects the quick (blood
       vessel) in your cat or dog's nail. No more guessing how much
       you can safely trim. A red light on the handle warns you not to
       cut; green light gives you the OK.

    2. Cat Genie: You'll never have to scoop poop or change litter
       again. This cat toilet, which uses permanent granules instead
       of disposable litter, automatically liquefies waste and flushes
       it down the drain. A mixture of cold water and sanitizer then
       flows into the basin to eliminate germs and odors. Afterward, a
       built-in hot air blower dries the granules.

    3. SnackShotz(TM) Treat Launcher: A handheld launching device that
       can propel dog treats up to 10 feet!

    4. Doggie Driver Tennis Ball Launcher: Practice your golf swing
       while exercising your dog. It doesn't get any better than that!
       A special opening at the club's base holds a tennis ball.
       Swinging the driver slings the ball up to 100 yards.

    5. Wall Mounted Aquarium: A slender tropical fish tank that hangs
       on your wall like framed artwork. Comes ready to go. Just add
       water and fish! Best of all, you can choose from six different
       underwater backgrounds and 18 frame styles to match your home
       decor.

You can find these and other products from the Expo showcased on PetGadgets.com. However, some are so new they won't be available for a few more months.

About PetGadgets.com

PetGadgets.com (http://www.petgadgets.com) is one of the most popular sites for consumers to find unusual, innovative and high-tech pet products.