Currently, over 85 million families in the US own one or more pets, according to the APPA, American Pet Products Association, 2017-2018 pet owner survey.
For many pet owners, the companion animals in the household are not considered property, but rather, members of the family. The terms "fur babies", "pet guardians", "dog mom", and the phrase "I don't own pets, they own me" are common among pet parents these days.
Millennials are driving a lot of change in terminology surrounded the bond wiht pets. They are waiting longer to marry and have children, have become the highest percentage of pet owning population at 35%. This group has grown with pets as family members and they not only derive pleasure from their companionship, but also a significant amount of emotional satisfaction and support. They are not the only group who benefit from emotional and physical benefits of companion animals, which include cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, pocket pets, fish and reptiles; I write airline travel paper work for emotional support animals to accompany people of all ranges.
If all this sounds crazy and excessive to you, and you have never had this kind of bond with an animal, the best gift you can give your friends and family who value their pets as family member is sensitivity and compassion. Drop judgmental comments and hurtful remarks, including "It's just a dog.", or "I would never put that much money into a pet."
Instead show support of the human-animal bond, by including the pet's needs in your gifting.
Almost 100% of the pet owners visiting my practice last year said they bought Christmas gifts for their pets. This number demonstrates how much people value their bond with their animals. But trying to give an appropriate gift for a pet can be tricky business, as many common gift ideas may not be suitable for every pet. For instance, a box of pet treats, jerky or rawhide are less-than-ideal treats, because many pets have special dietary needs and health conditions which require specific ingredients.
Instead, give something pet owners will really appreciate, rather than another sweater, mug, or generic gift card.
Here are some unique gift ideas for the pet owner on your shopping list:
1. Gift certificate/advance payment for the veterinary office of their choice. Two groups in particular really value this: millennials and those on fixed incomes, who want to keep on top of dental care and blood screenings, but their budgets are often limited.
2. Pet DNA testing with genetic screening for health risks; Wisdom Panel is my personal recommendation for this.
3. Microchip enrollment with Home Again. The annual fee is around 20 bucks per pet, and the active recovery service and pet toxicology benefits are well worth that fee. Pets can be enrolled even if they have a microchip that was implanted from a different company or long ago.
4. A pet monitoring camera which links to a smart phone app to allow pet owners to check in on their pets while they are away from home. You can find several different brands at tech stores and online.
5. Ruffwear pet gear is really durable makes great gifts for owners who like to spend time outdoors with pets.
6. Underwater treadmill conditioning sessions help keep pets active when the weather is cold outdoors. Clinics that offer rehab therapy have swim tanks/treadmills and may offer discounted winter packages to keep pets moving in winter (my offices do).
7. Toys that get pets moving - such as a Chuck-it for dogs, a Da'Bird for cats, or a treat launcher - keep pets mentally and physically stimulated.
8. Interactive pet feeders, like the Onson feeder, fountain water bowls for cats, and maze or puzzle bowls for dogs.
9. Activity mats can be made or purchased for dogs or cats. Lots of photos can be found online on Pinterest, but if you want your gift to be specially made, get busy crafting this gift soon! They are fun to make, and even more fun for pets to play with and find treats inside.
10. Shop small and support local businesses, which support our communities by employing community members and paying local taxes, unlike internet sites. Look for unique and handmade pet apparel, collars, and matching pet and owner t-shirts.
11. Have a pet/owner portrait or T-shirt made from a photo.