Pets at Home, the UK’s largest pet retail group, has revealed that owners are splashing out on Christmas gifts for their animals.
Already, the group has sold over a quarter of a million Christmas dog toys and almost 100,000 advent calendars this year. And its new luxury £30 Pets at Home Giant Treat Advent Calendar (pictured) sold out online in just three days.
Cats aren’t far behind dogs when it comes to Christmas gifts – 20,000 Christmas Cat treats have been purchased.
Lyssa McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Pets at Home, said: “Pets play a huge part in our lives, so it’s no surprise that owners want to show their appreciation by treating their pets at Christmas just like other members of the family.
“We have seen demand grow for our Christmas ranges over the years, with advent calendars, Christmas jumpers and stockings all firm favourites. And while there’s something for every pocket with prices starting from a couple of pounds for a treat, we’re also beginning to see a shift into more premium lines like our new Squishmallow and Hasbro toys, which are already proving to be popular choices this year.”
The top five Christmas-themed gifts Pets at Home customers are loving this year include:
- Pets at Home Dog Advent Calendar
- Sprout Dog Toy
- Dog Christmas Stocking
- Collar Charm
- Christmas Pudding and Tree Dog Toy
Research by Pets at Home has found that owners are willing to spend the same – or even more – than on other key members of the family.
A quarter of all responders are planning on spending the same or more on their pets than their children or partner this Christmas, a third will spend at least the same amount on a pet as their parents, and almost 60% will spend the same or more than on their friends, the survey found. But it’s not just pet owners keen to celebrate the festivities with their pets, half will also receive additional gifts from extended family and friends.
With over 85% of respondents agreeing they are planning on celebrating Christmas with their pets, it’s no surprise that seasonal favourites including advent calendars and Christmas themed toys have been flying off the shelves since October.
Alongside the bestsellers, more than 50% of pets will receive a Christmas stocking with a quarter of respondents saying they buy their pet a Christmas jumper and more than half will be treating their pet to their own Christmas dinner on the big day.
