Lauren Petrie

Traditionally, pet owners would use the holiday season to try to keep their dogs or cats from fighting or climbing the tree, as well as to hide chocolate somewhere safe. However, it seems many people are also busy with helping their furry friends counting down the days by buying them advent calendars.  

Puppies seem to be more spoilt, and cats more taken care of since the Covid pandemic, especially around the holidays. According to a report, in the eight weeks leading up to Christmas 2022, pet supply purchases increased by 12% over the same period in 2021.  

Store Manager at Discount Pet Supplies in Muirend, Tiffany, also a pet owner herself, says that her store gets a lot of business with people buying Christmas presents for their pets. She says that a lot of people see their pets as “part of the family” and that they “have to be included” in the celebrations. She also said that one day she was serving a customer and they had spent £120 on Christmas presents for their pets.  

The market for pets is still expanding, and manufacturers and shops are releasing an increasing number of things for pet owners to spend their money on, offering anything from Christmas cards to hampers, even though the unfortunate cost of living crisis problem has forced some people to give up their pets.  

It looks like gifts for dogs will exceed over any other per. Compared to 20,000 cat treats, Pets at Home has sold 50,000 dog toys thus far. Several toys and snacks were among the gifts included in the retailer’s £30 dog Advent calendar, which sold out online in three days. 

According to a poll, 25% of respondents said they would spend the same amount of money – or more – on their pet than on their partner or children, and 33% said they would spend the same as on their partner or children. 

David Cadwell, a Pets at Home customer, has already bought Christmas presents for his pet rabbit, including treats, toys and chew things. He said he has “spent more on his pet than he has on his family.”

It’s clear that pet owners are determined to spoil their pets more than ever before this Christmas.