Whilst for most of my career the US and UK have been the strongest markets for pet products, the global pet market is growing. The marketer magazine , quoting figures from Euromonitor, is carrying an article talking about growth in in emerging markets, where the article states "....the expanding middle classes have stopped buying animals for security – or lunch – and started doting on them."

Other quotes:

Latin America - spending on pet food and pet toys has nearly doubled over the past five years to reach $11bn (£8bn).

Chile - more pet dogs per person than any other country.

Mexico - dogs are stepping out in designer shoes to show off painted claws [Mexico of course is experiencing economic growth just now].

China - annual Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai showcases 500 brands from 20 different countries selling and promoting pet products.

India - dog-friendly restaurants allowing pet parents to treat their pooches to gourmet meals are a growing trend.

As for 'starting to dote' rather than eat I doubt chinese kids that could afford to were ever less affectionate to their puppies than UK kids. We on the other hand have seen a resurgence in fighting dogs in the UK in recent years (some coming from the US). I haven't heard any stories about us eating dogs in the UK since the 1970s but who knows, maybe in these tough times it's already happening.

It's interesting though that there are all those growing markets out there in veterinary products and services, and in pet care: In the emerging global internet market you can connect to those markets via your computer.