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Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Pet Care Spending Surpasses $150B as CitizenShipper Unveils 2025 Pet Ownership Cost Report Highlighting Hidden Expenses
07/14/2025, Austin, TX // PRODIGY: Feature Story // As U.S. pet care spending hits a record-breaking $150.6 billion annually, CitizenShipper—a leading pet transportation platform—has released its much-anticipated 2025 Pet Ownership Cost Report, providing the most comprehensive look yet at the financial realities of pet parenthood. The report, featured in USA Today, highlights not only routine expenses like food and veterinary care but also uncovers often-overlooked costs like pet transportation. With pet industry expenditures rising 66% since 2018, this data-driven analysis arrives at a critical time for both consumers and the pet care industry. The findings show that the average U.S. dog owner now spends $2,524 per year, while cat owners spend approximately $1,499. These figures reflect the increasing importance of planning and transparency in managing the financial responsibilities of owning a pet. 'Our aim with this report is to bring visibility to every facet of pet ownership costs, including those that families often overlook,' said Richard Obousy, CEO of CitizenShipper. 'From the food bowl to the airplane cabin, every expense matters. By compiling and sharing this data, we hope to empower consumers and inform the pet care industry, ensuring that pet owners are better prepared for the lifelong financial responsibility of caring for their animals.' Unpacking the Hidden Costs of Pet Transportation The report dedicates a substantial section to pet transport —a necessity for many pet owners relocating, traveling, or adopting across long distances. This aspect of pet care, often omitted from financial planning, can significantly impact overall expenses. Key insights from the report include: By breaking down these specific cost areas, CitizenShipper's report not only raises awareness but also serves as a planning tool for pet owners preparing for moves or extended travel. The goal is to ensure that no family is caught off guard by unexpected fees tied to safe and legal pet transport. Industry-Wide Implications Beyond assisting individual pet owners, the report aims to set a new standard for transparency within the pet care industry. 'Knowledge is power for today's pet parents,' added Obousy. 'By shining a light on rising costs and trends—from veterinary bills to transportation logistics—we're equipping families with information that can help them plan ahead. We also see this report influencing the broader pet care economy by encouraging industry stakeholders to innovate toward more affordable, efficient solutions for pet owners.' Compiled using CitizenShipper's internal transport data alongside insights from top industry sources, the 2025 Pet Ownership Cost Report offers an authoritative benchmark for understanding the evolving costs of pet ownership in the U.S. With nearly two-thirds of American households owning a pet, the need for comprehensive cost data has never been greater. CitizenShipper's report arrives as a much-needed resource for families, veterinarians, pet insurers, transport services, and the entire pet economy. A Resource for Every Pet Household CitizenShipper's decision to publish the report reflects its broader mission to support pet parents through education, service, and community. The full 2025 Pet Ownership Cost Report available on the CitizenShipper website, offers detailed breakdowns, real-user insights, and guidance for every stage of pet ownership—from adoption to relocation. About CitizenShipper CitizenShipper is a U.S.-based peer-to-peer transportation platform connecting pet owners with trusted, background-checked drivers nationwide. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company specializes in transporting pets, motorcycles, boats, and other valuable cargo. With a commitment to safety, transparency, and customer care, CitizenShipper helps Americans move what matters most—faster and safer than ever before. Name: Lazar Jovanovic Company: CitizenShipper Email: [email protected] Address: 701 Tillery Street Unit 12-1249, Austin, TX 78702 Website:
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Boat Transportation Just Got Better: CitizenShipper Launches Enhanced Verification System, Featured in USA Today
Verified boat transporters. Trusted platform. Just in time for summer. CitizenShipper raises the standard for safety—and gets national spotlight in USA Today. Austin. TX, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the demand for the best boat transportation soars ahead of the summer season, CitizenShipper, the nation's leading online shipping marketplace, has unveiled a bold new initiative to reinforce its industry leadership: an enhanced verification system for boat transporters, designed to prioritize trust, safety, and customer confidence. The announcement, recently featured in USA Today, highlights how CitizenShipper is setting a new industry benchmark in marine transport. With boat ownership and recreational boating on the rise—$57.7 billion in U.S. marine sales in 2023 and over 11.5 million boats in use nationwide—CitizenShipper is stepping up to ensure that boat owners can move their vessels with peace of mind. 'As we head into one of the busiest seasons for boat transport, this is about more than meeting demand,' said Richard Obousy, CEO of CitizenShipper. 'This is about leading with integrity. Our enhanced verification system ensures that every boat transporter on our platform is thoroughly vetted, highly qualified, and equipped to handle your boat with the expertise it deserves.' Raising the Bar for Boat Transporters CitizenShipper has always maintained high safety and compliance standards, but the new verification system goes even further, specifically targeting the unique requirements of boat and marine transportation. All carriers and brokers listing boat shipping services on the platform will now need to meet more rigorous credentialing standards, including: Proof of experience in boat handling and transport Verified federal transport licenses such as USDOT or motor carrier numbers Updated cargo insurance documentation meeting marine-specific requirements Confirmation of oversized load compliance This system is being rolled out proactively—ahead of the summer surge—to protect customers during the industry's peak months for boat shipments. Obousy adds, 'We know from experience that summer means increased movement—snowbirds heading north, buyers relocating new vessels, and vacationers prepping for lake and coastal escapes. This is our way of preparing for that volume by ensuring only the best transporters are allowed on our platform.' A Platform Built for Speed, Trust, and Choice CitizenShipper operates as a dynamic two-way marketplace that connects boat owners with vetted drivers who bid on listed shipments in real-time. The platform is designed for speed and transparency, with: 90% of listings receiving a quote in under 10 minutes Comprehensive driver profiles featuring reviews, safety records, and credentials Real-time in-app messaging for tracking and communication Dedicated customer support from listing to delivery Boat owners can choose from multiple quotes and transporter options instantly, all while reviewing qualifications and experience to find the perfect match for their route and vessel size. 'We combine speed, trust, and full transparency. That's what sets us apart,' said Obousy. 'With the rollout of our new verification system, we're not just improving—we're redefining what best-in-class boat transportation looks like.' A Timely Upgrade Ahead of Summer Surge From yachts migrating between coastal homes to bass boats heading to inland lakes, summer is the prime season for boat relocations. CitizenShipper data confirms that pricing, volume, and urgency spike from late spring through early fall. Some of the most common seasonal trends include: Tri-state to Florida snowbird routes Midwest to Gulf Coast boat transfers New buyers shipping boats cross-country from seller to slip Vacation prep for rentals and charters With such a range of routes and vessel types, the risks of choosing the wrong transporter are high—which is why specialized vetting for boat haulers is so crucial. CitizenShipper: Trusted by Thousands, Growing by the Day Founded in 2008, CitizenShipper has facilitated more than 135,000 successful shipments, with drivers covering over 100 million miles. The platform supports a wide range of categories—from pet transportation to motorcycles to boats—and is trusted by both individuals and businesses across the country. Its mission is simple yet powerful: make shipping safer, smarter, and more accessible. By leveraging technology, community reviews, and strict safety protocols, CitizenShipper delivers a marketplace experience that prioritizes the customer's peace of mind. With the launch of the enhanced boat transporter verification system, CitizenShipper is continuing its tradition of putting customers first—and raising the bar for the entire industry. National Recognition for a Rising Leader CitizenShipper's announcement of the enhanced verification system was recently featured in USA Today, signaling national recognition for the company's efforts to improve transportation safety standards across the board. The article, titled 'CitizenShipper Launches Enhanced Verification System for Boat Transporters Ahead of Summer Surge', explored the company's proactive stance and its deep understanding of the seasonal nuances in boat transport. It also positioned CitizenShipper as one of the most trusted names in the marine logistics space. About CitizenShipper:CitizenShipper is a leading U.S.-based transportation marketplace that connects people with trusted drivers for shipments ranging from pets and motorcycles to furniture and boats. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the platform prioritizes safety, transparency, and community-driven service, helping Americans move what matters most—faster and safer than ever Contact: Name: Lazar Jovanovic Company: CitizenShipper Email: support@ Address: 701 Tillery Street Unit 12-1249 Austin, Texas, 78702 Website: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
