This article is about a term used in economics. For other uses, see service (disambiguation).

In economics and marketing, a service is the non-material equivalent of a good. Service provision has been defined as an economic activity that does not result in ownership, and this is what differentiates it from providing physical goods. It is claimed to be a process that creates benefits by facilitating either a change in customers, a change in their physical possessions, or a change in their intangible assets.

By supplying some level of skill, ingenuity, and experience, providers of a service participate in an economy without the restrictions of carrying stock (inventory) or the need to concern themselves with bulky raw materials. On the other hand, their investment in expertise does require marketing and upgrading in the face of competition which has equally few physical restrictions.

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MSNBC.com: Pet health

Animal shelter mistakenly euthanizes family pet
Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:48:43 -0000
Animal Control officials in Michigan have apologized to Anette Hetzer for accidentally euthanizing her dog last week.
The sound of fear: Noise phobias torment dogs
Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:34:45 -0000
Up to 20 percent of dogs of all ages and breeds suffer from noise phobias so severe that their people seek professional help for them. Thunder and fireworks are the most common causes.
Pet food seized at PETCO warehouse
Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:54:30 -0000
Federal marshals carrying a search warrant visited the Joliet distribution center of PETCO Animal Supplies Inc. on Thursday, seizing animal food products that were allegedly contaminated.
Beaten-down dog from Vick case has his day
Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:44:26 -0000
Leo, a pit bull rescued from Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring, now soothes cancer patients as a therapy dog in California.
Criticism halts 'Black is beautiful' pet promo
Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:32:44 -0000
An animal shelter pulled the plug on a program promoting the adoption of black cats and dogs after criticism that the event would have taken place the same week as a holiday commemorating freedom for enslaved blacks.
Dog sucked up by street sweeper
Sun, 15 Jun 2008 01:14:10 -0000
A street-sweeping truck roaring down a Bronx street sucked up a dog and killed her as her owner held the leash.

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