What can the global pet industry do with video games as a promotion vehicle? This is the question I got asked a few weeks ago by the General Director of PETS International, the trade journal for the $100 billion international pet industry. More specifically, I was commissioned to write three short articles on the potential linkages between video games and the business of pets and pet accessories. In the first article, that can be downloaded here, I outline the economic and cultural relevance of the video game industry and provide some examples of video games that speak to an audience of pet owners such as Tamagotchi, Nintendogs, and the multitude of virtual pet simulators on mobile app stores. In subsequent articles I will highlight some of the strategic marketing opportunities and challenges of advergames and in-game product placements as applied to the pet industry. Stay tuned!