As we enter the most popular week to start Christmas shopping for pets, Pets at Home has found that 3.1 million households will spend more on gifts for their furry friends than any other family member. New research reveals that we’re truly a nation of pet lovers who show this by making pets the centre of Christmas celebrations.
Almost a half of pet owners (43%) plan their festive celebrations around their pets, with 14% even skipping events with family and friends to stay home with their beloved furry friends. The increasing ‘humanisation’ of pets is seeing owners go above and beyond to include pets in every part of the festive celebrations.
Santa Paws is coming to town
So, what exactly does Christmas Day look like for Britain’s pampered pets this year? Over half (54%) will wake up to their very own Christmas present, and rabbits are officially the most spoilt species as 70% will receive a special gift this year. Pets will enjoy a true array of festive treats including:
- A specially cooked festive meal (41%)
- Corgis receive a truly royal treatment, with almost a third (31%) getting a seat at the Christmas dinner table.
- Unwrapping other family members’ presents (20%)
- Opening a fun-filled stocking (17%)
- Having a special Christmas outfit (13%)
Almost a third of pet owners (30%) would happily kick their partner off the sofa if their pet wanted to sit there, while 29% say their furry friend always gets the “best seat in the house” at Christmas. A quarter (25%) even let their pet share their bed during the festive season – a figure that climbs to almost a half (44%) among owners of the nation’s most pampered pooch, the Cavapoo.
Pet grooming is taking priority over personal pampering this Christmas, with one in four owners (24%) admitting they book their pet’s grooming appointment before thinking about their own festive haircut. Another quarter (25%) say they are more likely to buy a new festive outfit for their pet than for themselves.
Picture-pawfect
When it comes to capturing Christmas memories, pets are front and centre. One in four (26%) say their pet features in every family photo, while more than one in five (22%) admit they take more pictures with their pet than with anyone else. For some (10%), their pet quite literally steals the spotlight – appearing as the sole star of the family Christmas card.
Making sure pets are comfortable is just as important as including them as part of the festive fun. Dr. Samantha Butler-Davies, Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home says: “In so many households Pets are firmly at the heart of festive celebrations. From special gifts to planning Christmas around them, it’s clear how much love, joy, and companionship they bring to families up and down the UK.
As we increasingly integrate pets into our festive traditions, it’s more important than ever to provide a quiet space where they can retreat and relax. Choosing pet-safe decorations, introducing guests gradually, sticking to familiar routines, and keeping an eye on their social cues can all help reduce stress and ensure they stay happy and calm throughout the entire festive season.”
Three in five (61%) pet owners take special steps to pet-proof their home during the Christmas period. The top sevens ways owners do this are:
1. Hiding edible treats (25%)
2. Opting for an artificial tree (24%)
3. Avoiding fragile or edible decorations (21%)
4. Anchoring the tree securely (19%)
5. Not leaving presents under the tree (16%)
6. Having artificial candles (12%)
7. Only decorating top half of the tree (7%)
