81% of pet owners buy Christmas gifts for their dogs, cats, and other pets

Key Point

• 81% of survey respondents plan to buy holiday or Christmas gifts for their dogs, cats, and other pets.
• Most pet owners we surveyed are buying food, treats, and Christmas dog toys to surprise their pets this holiday season.
• 15% of respondents plan to spend $51 to $75 on holiday and stocking stuffers for dogs, cats, and other pets.

A survey of 1,000 U.S. pet owners found that 81% of respondents bought or plan to buy a gift for their dog or other pet this holiday season. The most frequently spent amount was between $51 and $75.

The majority of respondents (60%) said food and treats are on their pet gift list this year, but toys (58%) are also popular gift items.

These aren't the only things your pet will receive this holiday season. 49% of respondents are buying clothes as Christmas gifts for cats, dogs and other pets, and 28% of respondents are buying clothes for both themselves and their four-legged friends. I'm planning to give you something special. Pet portrait.

holiday pet expenses

15% of respondents said they will spend between $51 and $75 on gifts for cats, dogs and other pets this holiday season. However, some respondents said they would spend more. It was found that 11% of people spend between $126 and $150, 7% spend between $201 and $500, and a total of 6% spend more than $1,000.

Almost half of those surveyed said they planned to spend more on their pets this year than in previous years, while 16% said they planned to spend less this year than in previous years.

Cat owners or dog owners: Who will spend more on holiday and Christmas presents for their dog or cat?

This season, cats and dogs are getting a holiday respite from the age-old cat vs. dog battle, at least when it comes to how much money their owners spend on average in the name of holiday festivities. will be possible.

According to pet owners we surveyed, the most common spend this year on cats (45%) and dogs (43%) was $100 or less. The second most popular spending amount for both pets is $101 to $200, with 34% of cat owners and 36% of dog owners budgeting within that range.

7% of dogs and cats expect gifts totaling $1,001 or more.

The results are similar, but dog owners are slightly more likely than cat owners to buy gifts for their dogs this year. According to our survey, 82% of dog owners said they would buy their dog a present this year, compared to 81% of cat owners.

Which generation spends the most on holiday gifts for their pets?

Gen Xers are the most likely to purchase holiday gifts for dogs, cats, and other pets this year. Of survey respondents ages 43 to 58, 86% said they plan to buy or have already bought a gift for their pet.

The next generation of pet gift spenders are between the ages of 18 and 26, with 84% of Gen Z respondents planning to pamper their pets this holiday season.

Survey respondents from both generations (47% and 44%, respectively) plan to spend more cash on gifts for their pets this year than in previous years.

States that spend the most on Christmas gifts for dogs, cats and other pets

We surveyed pet owners in the 10 most populous states and found that the majority of pet owners spend $200 or less on holiday gifts for dogs, cats, and other pets.

Californians spend the most on average, with 14% of Golden State respondents saying they have spent or plan to spend more than $1,000 on gifts for their pets this holiday season. Did.

Michigan and North Carolina spent the least, with 54% of respondents in each state spending less than $100 on holiday gifts for dogs, cats and other pets.

The most popular Christmas gifts for dogs, cats and other pets

What kind of presents will your pets unwrap this year? When pet parents were asked to choose the type of item they would like to gift this year, 60% said food was on their list. Our popular products are not just gifts that are perfect for your tummy. The next most popular items are toys (58%), followed by clothing (49%) and cozy gifts like beds and blankets (46%).

While food and toys are the most popular gifts for pets this holiday season, many pet owners are also looking for experiences with their pets. Nearly 60% of respondents said they buy food or clothing for their pets, and 30% said they pay for grooming services.

If you're still shopping for unique gifts for your pet, 28% of respondents are investing in pet portraits and photos this holiday season, or 23% are investing in Christmas gifts for their pet companions. Consider taking a cue from the answer that yes. Enjoy a little luxury at the spa.

vacation travel with pets

60% of pet owners say their pets will travel with them this holiday season. One third (33%) of respondents said they would take their pet with them when driving to their destination, and 27% of respondents said they would take their pet with them on a holiday flight.

Among pets that don't travel with their owners for the holidays, most stay with friends and family (30%) or enjoy the holidays at home while someone comes to care for them (29%).

Traveling with pets can be difficult. We asked 1,000 pet owners who flew with their pets this year what their biggest challenge was. 19% said they would find a litter box for their pet.

How to protect your pet while traveling

If you're thinking of taking your pet with you on this vacation, here are some simple things you can do to protect them.

• Consult your veterinarian before traveling to ensure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations.
• If your pet's collar has proper identification information or if your pet is microchipped, please ensure that the relevant information is correct.
• Create a checklist of items you'll need for your pet's trip, including food, water, bowls, a pet first aid kit, and leashes.
• If you're traveling by plane, be sure to leave your pet in an approved crate with relevant information, such as contact information and a photo. It is also wise to check with your airline to determine their specific rules regarding pet travel.
• If you're traveling by car, we recommend bringing a comfortable, ventilated crate or securing your pet to the back seat with a suitable harness.
• Consider purchasing pet insurance for emergencies while you're away.

Pet insurance and vacation travel

Pet insurance covers the cost of accidents and illnesses while traveling, but be sure to check your pet insurance policy and understand what's covered before you leave home. Depending on your insurance company, you may be able to use any veterinarian in the United States and Canada. for example:

• hug Pet insurance doesn't require an in-network veterinarian, and emergency veterinary insurance coverage covers test costs at no additional cost. Embrace is rated 5 stars for best pet insurance.
• lots of pets, Also a top pet insurance company, we offer 90 days of accident and illness insurance for your pet while traveling to the US and Canada. ManyPets may cover the cost of accidents or illnesses suffered by your pet, even if they are not a direct result of your travel.

For added protection while traveling, consider purchasing travel insurance and adding a pet bundle. for example:

• Aegis Go Ready Choice is a low-cost travel insurance plan that includes pet medical care, pet kennels, and pet return benefits. This plan has a 4.5 star rating for best travel insurance.
• A.I.G. Travel Guard Preferred also offers an optional pet bundle. With this add-on, you'll receive daily lodging, medical expense coverage and other benefits for your dog or cat's illness or injury while traveling. This plan has a 4-star rating for best travel insurance.

Hint: When traveling internationally with your pet, depending on the country and airline, you may be required to provide a health certificate for your pet from a veterinarian. If your pet insurance includes a wellness plan, you may be able to get reimbursed for this vet visit, depending on your company. Before traveling abroad with your pet, be sure to check the country's requirements. Many countries require quarantine restrictions.

Tips to keep your pet safe this holiday season

The holidays are a fun time, but certain activities can put your pet at risk. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe this holiday season.

Festive holiday plants to avoid

Some holiday plants can be poisonous if ingested by pets. If you're a fan of these festive flowers and plants, consider artificial options if you have pets.

Here are some common holiday plants that can be poisonous to dogs, cats, and other pets.

• Azalea. Although a common flower in Christmas bouquets, azaleas can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, coma, and even death if your dog ingests them.
• Holly. Holly berries can be highly toxic to dogs. If the fruit falls to the ground and your pet comes into contact with it, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Lily. These flowers are highly toxic to dogs and cats and can cause fatal kidney damage.
• mistletoe. Mistletoe plants are toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in severe cases if ingested.
• Poinsettia. These festive flowers can be harmful to dogs and cats if ingested.

Make your home pet-friendly for the holidays

As with holiday plants and flowers, we recommend keeping your pet away from other holiday decorations to avoid ingesting anything harmful or injuring themselves.

• candle. Regardless of the season, never leave lit candles in your home. Your pet may get burned or the candle may fall over.
• christmas tree stand. If you have a natural Christmas tree, make sure it is securely fastened to the stand to prevent it from falling on your pet. Also, cover the stand to prevent dogs and cats from accessing the water inside the stand. This water usually contains fertilizer, and stagnant water breeds bacteria. Pets can become sick if they drink this water.
• tinsel and ribbon. Cats and kittens love to play with string, but if you have tinsel or ribbons, keep an eye on your cat. Kittens can easily swallow this stringy decoration, which can cause gastrointestinal blockage.
• wire. Keep wires away from pets. Your pet may chew on the wire and get an electric shock.

In addition to taking care of holiday decorations, there are ways to prepare your home so your pet is safe and comfortable.

• Give your pet its own room. Depending on your pet and their personality, you may want to give your pet a room of its own to relax in if you're having guests over for the holidays. This allows your pet to relax in their own safe space.
• Avoid loud noises. If your pet is afraid of loud noises, such as fireworks on New Year's Eve, create a room in your home for your pet that is as quiet as possible, away from windows. You might even want to sit there with your pet while the fireworks go off so you're not alone.

Holiday foods and treats you shouldn't give to your pet

• human food. Holiday leftovers are an important part of tradition, but don't feed your pet too much leftovers. Fatty and spicy human foods can make your pet sick.
• sweets. Many human treats, including chocolate and fruits such as grapes, can be toxic to pets. If you choose to give your pet a treat this holiday season, make sure it's safe.
• chewable toys. If your pet easily chews up a toy, they may try to swallow the pieces. If you're giving your pet a toy this holiday season, choose one that's hard to chew.