Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Will supply chain shortages affect my pets? Why you should keep planning ahead

It all began with toilet paper. One by one, and sometimes all at once, many of the globe’s favorite items and household essentials ran out of stock —  including some of our fur baby’s favorite pet foods and toys. We all had to get a little creative, though it sometimes still feels like supply chain pet gear is hard to find. Is this an effect of product shortages?

Let’s dive in and find out whether the global shortages of 2021 and 2022 will continue to affect our beloved pets. Even when certain dog or cat gear is in short supply, there are always ways we can get creative with some DIY meals and homemade toys for our buddies.

A woman holds her dog and reads a bag of dog food at the pet store
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Will supply chain shortages affect my dog’s food?

While the shelves aren’t always wiped clear of dog food options, they are priced higher than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

In fact, CBS News reports that the average price of pet products has risen about 7% since last year. This is all thanks to a low supply and high demand for these times, though pet food has taken an especially big hit in both price and production.

Wet, or canned, foods are particularly hard to find. Jonathan Phares, supply chain professor at Iowa State University, told WIFR that a shortage in cat food meat is the worst of the issues right now. Still, many of your dog’s favorite meals might be missing from the shelf; there’s also a shortage of aluminum. Thankfully, Phares reports, online pet product retailers are replacing aluminum with alternative packaging to help fight the shortage.

“What we know in supply chains is that small changes have big impacts,” reminds Phares, “and they can be very hard to recover from because demand doesn’t decrease.” This is particularly true for feline food products since cats are still being adopted at a rate as high as the peak of the pandemic (via WIFR).

Why can’t I find my favorite dog food?

This is due to the basic economic concept of supply and demand. When demand for the product rises higher than the available supply, manufacturers and retailers can up the prices to make customers compete. You can see this phenomenon in action in more expensive markets such as real estate, though it can be harder to notice with smaller, less expensive items.

Here’s the catch, notes CBS — people are spending more than ever, making inflation ineffective at slowing down the rate of product movement. Especially as the pandemic starts to become less severe, product manufacturing can’t necessarily keep up with growing demand.

It’s also important to consider how the dog food industry has changed in recent years. The ASPCA reports that 1 in 5 households adopted at least one pet during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the vast majority of those pets are still in their loving homes. More pets in homes mean more of a demand for the products they need!

Someone scoops out a handful of dog food from a bag while a dog licks their lips
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Are supply chain issues to blame for dog toy shortages?

Supply chain pet gear can sometimes be hard to find, but with so many different companies and toys available for sale, products found their way back to shelves rather quickly. Staffing shortages from the Great Resignation might make it take longer for a product to get from the factory to the store, but materials have not been the issue. Dogs are also more than happy to play with non-toy items such as tennis balls and even water bottles, so demand for toys is not quite as high.

Though the health of the world is slowly improving, the global economy has a long way to go. Pet product industries continue to fight material shortages and low staff numbers, but there’s no doubt that products are easier to find than earlier in the pandemic. As we continue to hope for improvement and a more stable market, we can turn to some fun DIY projects to keep our precious fur babies entertained and well-fed. We’ve got this!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Best reptile pets: These are the 5 most affectionate reptiles you can welcome into your home
These friendly reptiles will make great additions to your family
Basking Chinese water dragon

When you picture an adorable pet, you probably don't visualize an iguana. Reptiles aren't generally considered the cutest of animals, but that doesn't mean you can't find a cuddly one. Whether you're looking for a new buddy for yourself or for your lizard-obsessed kid, there's a reptilian beast out there that will work great in your home. With proper socialization, these guys can learn to be handled daily, some even by children. If you want a new pet that enjoys human company, consider one of these most affectionate slitherers — they're the best reptile pets for handling.
Are reptiles high maintenance?
Not necessarily. One of the things that makes reptiles tricky is how foreign some of their needs are. Parrots, dogs, and humans often have similar requirements for food, exercise, warmth, and water. Since we're all warm-blooded omnivores (for the most part), it feels natural to care for many of the animals we welcome into our homes.

Reptiles are totally different. You'll have to think carefully about heating lamps, cool spots, gut loading, moisture levels, and skin shedding. So you only want to go down this path if you feel ready. That being said, with the right mindset, many lizards, snakes, and turtles make solid beginner pets (a few species don't and we suggest holding off on those until you turn pro).

Read more
Why is my dog whining? 6 common reasons and what you can do to stop it
If you wonder 'why is my dog whining?' check out the possible causes
Dog laying head on computer keyboard

Let’s be honest: No matter how much we love our fur babies, living with a dog that's a whiner can drive you crazy.

Your dog had breakfast and a nice long walk. You’ve settled her into a soft bed with a favorite chew toy. Now, it’s time for you to get to work in your home office. But you’ve no sooner powered up the computer than the whining starts. Sound familiar?

Read more
PetSmart Charities director shares tips for a successful pet adoption process
Advice from a pro at PetSmart when adopting your new best friend
PetSmart Charities director Heidi Marston kisses her special needs Great Dane mix, Gatsby

If you're ready to adopt a pet -- or are even considering adding four more paws to your family -- it can help to do your research before jumping into things. Not only will this prepare you for what to expect throughout the pet adoption process, but it will give you a good idea of what to expect when you bring your furry friend home, too. Hopefully, that will eliminate some of the stress of your adjustment period ... for both you and your new best friend!
With the internet and social media running the world, there's no shortage of resources for new pet owners to learn from. Still, it's important to get your information from a source you can trust, which is why we spoke to Heidi Marston, PetSmart Charities' director of pet placement, about the best ways to set yourself up for a successful pet adoption process -- from start to finish.

Here's what you'll want to know while you're looking for the best pet for you
Before you even start meeting animals, you'll need to know where to look for your next BFF. This is the perfect time to research local animal shelters and rescue organizations, as well as the way their adoption process works. Some cat adoption centers have everything you need to send you home with a pet the very same day, while others might require a waiting period. Every shelter is different!
You can start the pet adoption process before you're ready to commit
You don't have to be committed to adoption in order to visit a shelter. As Marston mentions, anyone who feels unsure about adopting can "try a foster-to-adopt program so you can get to know an animal before committing." 

Read more