PetSmart has done some very important research. Apparently, the holidays really do revolve around our pets. From how we spend our time off to how we spend our money, pet parents put their animals above an (un)surprising amount of things. The survey was of 1,000 nationally representative U.S. pet owners ages 18+ via an email invite/online survey. This survey was conducted Wakefield Research between September 29th-October 5th, 2022. It doesn’t get more recent than that!
87% of respondents said they intend to carve out special time to bond with their pets during their off time this holiday season. This makes sense because 82% say it doesn’t feel like the holiday season without their beloved companion by their side. More than (54%) say they would spend more time shopping for their pets than for some family members. To be fair it doesn’t specify which family members people would pick their pets over. Aunt Mariah knows what she did.
When it comes to actual gifts, 83% of pet parents say they are very likely to buy a gift for their animal. Yes, even in this economy you have to show appreciation for every member of the family, epically the tiniest members. But for those who like to gift experiences, 48% plan on taking their pets to the groomer ahead of holiday gatherings. We mean they have to look their best for all those candid shots, right? [Editor’s note: may we suggest Dolly Parton’s Doggy Parton brand, or Jonathan Davis‘ Freak on a Leash for pet gifts?]
“The holidays have a way of making us feel extra special, so it’s only natural that we want our pets to feel special, too,” Executive Vice President (and Chief Customer Officer for PetSmart) Stacia Andersen said. “By doing anything for pets during this most wonderful time of year, we’re really just helping pet parents share the joy of the season with their furry, winged and scaly family members.”
Alarmingly, 35% of pet parents plan to gift a new animal to someone else or add one to their household. While adopting a new companion during the holidays when you will have more time to bond with the animal makes sense, the ASPCA recommends “giving of pets as gifts only to people who have expressed a sustained interest in owning one, and the ability to care for it responsibly.”
For those looking to gift an animal to someone under 12, “the child’s parents should be ready and eager to assume care for the animal.” Overall “If the gift is a surprise, the gift-giver should be aware of the recipient’s lifestyle and schedule—enough to know that the recipient has the time and means be a responsible owner.”
Please gift responsibly this holiday season.
