In A “Ruff” Economy, People Are Still Buying For Their Pets
A recent Animalfair.com readership study found that 84% of pet parents will give their furry pals gifts this holiday season, with 61% of those giving said they are giving the gift of puppy love – more love, hugs, kisses, and play time! 24% said that they give toys as gifts for their pets, as our survey concluded that the average person spends roughly $12.50 on their four-legged friends during the holidays. “Our survey found that pet parents are becoming more and more concerned with their pet’s lifestyle, so they are choosing gifts that make living with their pet better,” says Wendy Diamond. This holiday season, there are many great, new and affordable products, such as litter boxes that look like furniture as well as the Breeze litter box that is the cleanest with pellets that keep the house smelling clean without the messy litter dust cloud! Just be careful not to confuse the litter box with your own furniture!
“Pets are a part of the family – albeit much hairier and with two extra legs – so why not treat them to some fun this holiday?! We have found an 11% increase in people giving their pet’s gifts. Pets are children, except they never grow up!” states Wendy. “Pets aren’t concerned about the price tag on a gift. They are smart and appreciate the non-material gifts of love, kisses and play time!” she adds.
With so many friends and family members to get gifts for, it is possible that our pet might be left out and has a blue Christmas. To ensure that doesn’t happen, here are a few gift ideas to ensure that your furriest family member has a “meow-ry” Christmas and a howling Hanukah!
1. Keep the house clean for Santa’s arrival with the Bissell Pawsitively Clean Dang Oxygen Activated Pet Stain and Odor Remover. This non-toxic cleaner permanently removes stains and odors from furniture, litter boxes and pet beds! Available for $12.59 at PETCO.
2. Tidy Cats Breeze Litter System makes cleaning up after your feline, well, a breeze! This handy kit comes with a litter box, litter pellets and a disposable cat pad designed to absorb urine and odors, all for $33.99 at PetSmart!
3. Now you and your pooch can look like stars the next time you travel! The Sherpa American Kennel Club Red Pet Duffle bag is affordable, stylish and airline approved! For you canine companion, it is comfortable, water resistant and safe!
4. Keep little Fido nice and toasty warm this holiday season with the PetSafe Universal Pet Bed Warmer. This great little item fits in almost any size pet bed and conserves energy by being low voltage! So comfy and warm, you’ll want one for your bed!
5. The Four Paws Magic Coat Love Glove for Dogs and Cats comes in a one-size-fits-all design and can be used for both dogs and cats! This “paw” allows you to groom and clean your pet by simply petting them! They don’t call it the “Love Glove” for nothing!
6. No more parched pooches! With the PETCO Gourmet Automatic Waterer For Dogs, your canine receives some high quality H2O automatically! The automatic waterer is tip resistant, easy to clean and best of all, affordable! The PETCO Automatic Waterer For Dogs ranges from $15.29 to $22.49.
7. Keep your frisky feline busy and fit with the FroliCat BOLT Laser Pet Toy. Hold this “handy” little toy and watch your cat run around and chase the laser all over! He or she will get hours of excitement and plenty of healthy exercise!
8. Keep those little hound hands safe and warm with the Paw Tectors Paw Protectors! These warm gloves cover your dog’s paws and protect from ice, salt, rocks and the cold. Available in 3 colors and sizes!
9. Who doesn’t go “nuts” for peanut butter? Now your dog can enjoy yummy peanut butter treats thanks to the PETCO Holiday Peanut Butter Paw Print Dog Treats! These wheat-free treats come in a box of nine and are red, white and green for the holidays. These realistic looking cookies will have your little Santa Paws howling with excitement!
10. Cats always want more, so why not give it to them at a great price?! PetSmart’s PetHoliday Cat Toy Value Pack costs only $9.99 and comes with 22 little toys for your little feline pals. Balls, stuffed toys and bells are just some of the playful toys that come in the stylish stocking, available in red, green or brown!
NOTE: Do not give pets as gifts! This isn’t Scrooge speaking, but it is important that the receiver is ready to play, love and care for the pet 24 hours a day! “Unlike an ugly pair of wool socks, pets aren’t gifts you can just toss aside or return. If you do know someone who’s ready to become a new “mommy or daddy,” make sure you adopt as there is every breed, size, color, shape and personality available” says Wendy!
