Winterized pets: Dog owners shell out cash for coats

By John Grant Emeigh of The Montana Standard - 01/02/2008

Pearl the pug stays warm in her winter coat while walking in the snow. Lisa Kunkel / The Montana Standard

Sometimes fur just isn’t enough. When the winter chill hits the air, some pet owners like to dress their critters in coats and galoshes.

Dakota, a 13-year-old miniature American Eskimo, was stylish in his new, paramilitary-looking coat as he strolled down Park Street recently. But his coat is more function than fashion. Dakota’s owner, Carol Vega, said don’t let the name of the breed fool you — he gets chilly.

“I got him the coat because he just got clipped (a haircut) and he needed something because he was cold,” Vega said.

Vega isn’t alone, according to American Pet Product Manufacturers Association. The industry group estimates that American consumers will spend approximately $38 million on pet supplies. Half of that money will be on food, while the rest goes to pet accessories such as toys and apparel.

Mark Dawson, proprietor of the Fish Bowl pet store in Butte, said pet clothes are hot sellers this time of year.

“Especially when we got that first snow; we had people coming in buying a lot of coats for their dogs,” Dawson said.

Store employee Kristen Pickle said pet booties are a popular item when the weather gets cold. She noted that one customer goes through about four sets of boots each year, because he’s an avid jogger and takes his dog running with him.

People even buy jewelry for their pets, Pickle said.

“It’s amazing what they’ll buy; people spend a lot of money on their dogs,” she said.

Pearl, a pug who can be seen in the storefront window of Insty-Prints on Park Street, is a bit of a local celebrity. So it’s no wonder See PETS, Page A5 she needs a healthy wardrobe to go with all that star power.

Pearl’s owner, Rose Sladek, admits her dog has three coats for the winter.

“She gets cold,” Sladek said.

What is Pearl wearing lately? Just a sturdy parka from the Three Dog Down store in Polson.

“It’s her favorite coat, because her hair doesn’t stick to it,” Sladek said.

Reporter John Grant Emeigh may be reached at john.emeigh@lee.net.