How pet parents shopped for their pets last Christmas

New research commissioned by pet insurance company Petplan of 2,000 pet owners in Britain found out that 1 in 5 owners are expected to spend more on their pets than their partners this Christmas.

As much as 80% of respondents will shop for Christmas gifts for their pets. Top considerations for the decision were the consideration of pets as being ‘part of the family’ (77%), not wanting their pets to feel left out (40%), and enjoying their pets having ‘something to unwrap alongside the rest of the family’ (33%).

According to the survey, 37% of pet parents in London buy their pets as many presents as their children.

Nearly a third (32%) of respondents reveal they plan to spend more on their pets this year than in the last 5 years. Gen Z pet parents between 18 and 24 years old were found to be almost 3 times more likely to spend money on gifts for their pets than owners above 65.  

Who are the biggest and lowest spenders? 

According to the survey, British pet parents will spend an average of £27.70 ($35.8/€32.1) on their pets this holiday season.

Londoners are expected to splurge the highest with £47.30 ($59.9/€54.8), followed by those who live in Birmingham at £36.60 ($46.3/€42.4). Nottingham and Southampton residents would be the lowest spenders, averaging £20.10 ($25.4/€23.3) and £18.80 ($23.8/€21.8), respectively.

Cardiff will have the most pet parents shopping for gifts (92%), followed by London (86%), Leeds (85%), Norwich (84%), Nottingham (83%) and Scotland (80%). 

Newcastle and Bristol (77% each) will have the least spenders.

Most popular categories

The survey predicts food and treats (63%) to be the most popular category this Christmas, followed by chew toys (47%) and cuddly toys (44%). 

Inputs broken down by city suggest Cambridge is anticipated to draw the highest percentage of buyers for food and edible items (77%). In comparison, cuddly toys will most likely be bought by Liverpudlian pet parents (61%).