July 8, 2002, Bend, OR - With more than 60 million dogs in the U.S. alone, it's no surprise that quality gear for pets is in high demand. More people are traveling and exercising with their dogs, and bringing them into the outdoors. According to a recent study commissioned by Ralston Purina, more than 45% of people with dogs have taken their dogs on vacation and 67% exercise their dog daily.

People are also spending more to outfit their canine companions for the outdoors and travel. REI reported a 30% increase in the sales of dog products in the first quarter of 2002, over the first quarter of 2001.

Smaller retailers have experienced similar growth. Pittsburgh-based pet boutique PAWS TO REFLECT says more of their customers are traveling with dogs, even larger dogs. "We've also seen more people camping with their dogs and taking them on vacation, rather than boarding the dog," said PAWS TO REFLECT Owner Randy Baun.

In Asheville, North Carolina, Jay Schoon, Owner of Trail Hound - a gear shop exclusively for dogs, says that the people who come in to buy gear for their dogs are not always what you'd expect. "Most of our customers are not the hardcore outdoor adventurers. They are simply the people who love their dogs and want to take care of them. We see people buying gear because they want to lose weight and are jogging with their dogs. We've sold dog packs to seniors who walk with their dogs."

Ruff Wear, a manufacturer of high performance gear for dogs on the go, reported a 51% sales increase in the first quarter of 2002, over Q1 2001. "About half of our buyers are outdoor retailers," said Ruff Wear Sales Representative Mark Lewis, who is based in Colorado. Lewis also cited the growing popularity of outdoor dog events and races -- such as the K9 Classic, K9 Uphill, Furry Scurry, and Steamboat's Crazy River Dog Contest -- as evidence that people are doing more outdoor activities with their canine companions.

"In California, the interest in gear for dogs has skyrocketed. Dogs are becoming a part of people's identity and people want to outfit them accordingly," said Ruff Wear Sales Representative Greg Weber. "Dogs are especially popular among people whose children have left home. The dog becomes a part of the family." Weber added that sales have been strong year round, with a boom during the holiday season.

Bend-based company Ruff Wear was among the first to recognize the need for durable canine gear. "Ruff Wear's products were based on my own need to have functional, dependable gear for my dog in the outdoors," said Owner and Founder Patrick Kruse, who brings his dog Otis on backpacking and paddling trips, as well as on everyday excursions.

Ruff Wear expects to see the demand for travel and outdoor gear for dogs continue to increase. The customer base for dog gear is strong and people with dogs tend to be an affluent group, with an annual mean income of 53K. They are varied group in age, with a concentration in the Baby Boomer generation. Dog lovers are also a loyal group: 67% have had a dog for more than 20 years of their lives.

Ruff Wear, For Dogs On The Go&#, is maker of the original collapsible food & water dog bowls, dog packs, dog boots, dog toys, overcoats, life jackets, first aid kits, travel bags, training and grooming supplies and gear for dogs of every description-from family pets to working dogs. Based in Bend, Oregon, Ruff Wear sells its products through speciality pet and outdoor retailers as well as through www.ruffwear.com.