APPA, American Pet Products Association / Global Pet Expo

Mission & Background

The mission of the American Pet Products Association (APPA) is to promote responsible pet care and advance the pet products industry.  Founded in 1958, APPA is the leading trade association in the pet industry made up of more than 1,200 pet product manufacturers, their representatives, importers and livestock suppliers.  Our membership consists of a diverse group representing both large corporations and growing business enterprises worldwide.

As a trade association, APPA provides a wealth of services and programs designed to help its members prosper.  For information on all of the programs APPA offers its members, click here.

Global Pet Expo

Global Pet Expo is the premier industry event presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA).  In 2018, the Show featured  1,162 exhibitors, 3,519 booths and more than 3,000 new product launches. Additionally, 6,508 of the most qualified pet product buyers were in attendance, representing 77 countries.

In 2019, Global Pet Expo will take place March 20-22 in Orlando, Florida. As the largest pet products trade show in the United States, Global Pet Expo is open to independent retailers, distributors, mass-market buyers, and other qualified professionals. For more information, visit globalpetexpo.org.

Government & Regulatory Affairs 

APPA has an established Government and Regulatory Affairs Department whose activities are directed towards the advancement of its members and the pet industry through member cooperation and advocacy. The department monitors and responds to legislation and regulations, acts as a liaison between members and government officials on specific issues, and assists members in complying with federal and state requirements.  APPA also provides a comprehensive Products & the Law Library online, which includes summaries of current bills and proposed regulations.

Market Research

Since 1988, The Association has been publishing the APPA National Pet Owner’s Survey, the industry's most comprehensive consumer research study of demographics, buying habits and other traits of owners of dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles, small animals and equine. Published every other year, the National Pet Owners Survey is the premier resource of its kind providing in-depth data on consumer behavior, product and service consumption, and lifestyle and media habits.

Additionally, APPA publishes the APPA Generational Report that examines pet ownership by generation to identify trends, changes and new opportunities in the pet products market.

Supporting the Industry. Leading the Way.  

As the pet industry’s leading association, APPA has worked to grow and support the industry in many ways beyond the direct services The Association provides its members and retailers through Global Pet Expo.  APPA has played a chief role in driving and developing significant programs designed to strengthen the industry, increase pet ownership, and build awareness of the joys and health benefits of pet ownership.

The organizations APPA supports include:  the Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative, Pets Add Life, Pet Care Trust, Pet Leadership Council & the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.