Some pet investments perform better than others.
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Animal owners continue to spend money for their companions whether it's for food, medicine or veterinary care. Since 1994, the pet industry has consistently risen with expenditures topping out at $72.56 billion last year, according to the American Pet Products Association. APPA estimates that the industry will climb to $75.38 billion this year. "There are more opportunities in the pet industry than many investors may realize," says Rich Messina, a senior vice president at E-Trade Financial, a New York-based brokerage company. Here are seven ways to invest in the pet industry, ranging from stocks to a handful of exchange-traded and mutual funds.