In This Issue
Unique pet store offers boutique boarding for dogs
Falling profits and closure threats – has the Pets at Home bubble burst?
Forthglade opens new £8 million factory in Devon
PATS Sandown gears up for new February show date
Barnsley becomes first UK council to run pet crematorium
Nineteen 87 launches new ‘Buy Direct’ website
PetSafe Brand launches global marketing this Christmas
Nutriment creates new range of five raw food products
Scruffs offers more than £1,200 worth of prizes in Christmas giveaway
Argos targets cat owners by selling half a Christmas tree
Get your own copy of Pet Trade Xtra
Winners of Pet Industry Federation Awards revealed
Billy + Margot announced as an official sponsor of Crufts 2019
OATA welcomes Scottish Government plans to review pet shop licensing
Brits to splash £274 million on pets at Christmas
Nominations deadline extended for Ceva Animal Welfare Awards 2019
Pets at Glee welcomes new team member
Tails.com launches duck treats in time for Christmas
The best of the previous Pet Trade Xtra
Dog toy gets set to become a Christmas bestseller
Raw pet food recalled after salmonella alert
Pet firm's social media campaign hits a million
Pet shop set to close after 53 years
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Brits to splash £274 million on pets at Christmas

Pet owners are set to spend around £274 million on pets this Christmas, with 81% of Brits admitting to buying their four-legged friend a gift, according to new research.

 

A study of UK pet-owners* commissioned by Natures Menu, has revealed the average amount Brits spend on canines or felines during the festive season is between £10 and £30. However, eight per cent of the nation will splurge over £50 - more than what they spend on a relative.

 

Pet owners aged between 18 and 24 years old are the most festive animal-mad, with 20 per cent admitting to splashing out the most.

 

The top five gifts for pets this Christmas are:

  1. Favourite treat (60%)
  2. Soft or squeaky toy (44%)
  3. Tasty meal (27%)
  4. Ball/ outdoor activity (19%)
  5. Pet advent calendar (14%)

Melanie Sainsbury, Veterinary Educational Manager at Natures Menu, said: “The research shows that our dogs and cats really are part of the family, with such a high proportion due to find a gift under the tree this Christmas. However, it’s important that we buy the right gift to make them purr with pleasure or wag with excitement.

 

“Just like us, some pets are known to put on weight over the Christmas period, therefore presents which encourage exercise are always a hit for health and wellbeing. Always ensure that whatever item you purchase for your pet, they are always monitored whilst playing with it and be sure to remove any damaged or broken toys immediately to prevent any emergency trips to the vets over Christmas.

 

“With over half of us giving our pet their favourite treat this Christmas, it’s important to buy from reputable companies. A treat doesn’t have to be Santa shaped or sugar laden – natural un-cooked bones, chews and high meat chunks are usually most welcome and no matter how wide those puppy eyes get, never chocolate, mince pies or Christmas cake.”

 

*Research by The Leadership Factor conducted in November 2018 with 1,000 UK pet owners.

**PFMA pet population survey 2018, 17 million cats and dogs in the UK

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