Who’s on your Christmas list this year? Family and friends, sure … maybe a teacher or co-worker … yes – and what about your furry, four-legged companion? Or how about the guinea pig, bird or even that fish in your life?
Christmas is big business for pet stores, and they’ve got goodies of all sorts to offer pet owners who don’t want to leave Fido out of the festivities. According to online statistics from GD Sourcing, 59 per cent of Canadians say the bond they share with a pet is as strong or stronger than the bond with family and friends.
“We have gifts for every pet, from dogs to fish. Even they get stockings,” said Esther Le Bel, assistant manager at Paradise Pet Centre on St. Albert Trail. “It’s usually a last-minute thing; after people shop for the kids, they come grab something for the dog or cat.”
While Paradise Pets doesn’t carry the pre-filled stockings with pet treats and toys, staff can help shoppers fill one with treats, squeaky toys, tennis balls, “tons of fun little things,” according to LeBel, even pointing to toothbrushes or pet shampoos to help build a gift.
Treats are usually the first thing that comes to mind for animal gift-giving. Stores have displays of rawhide bones and chew treats, decorated cookies and more, but while wood chews and mineral blocks are good for guinea pigs and rabbits, food products aren’t the best choice for dogs.
“Dogs have tons of allergies – most commonly to wheat, corn, gluten – even chicken,” said LeBel. “If you know your own dog, that’s fine, but when giving a gift to someone else’s dog, make sure it’s gluten-free or a freeze-dried meat treat. Better yet, stick with a toy.”
Who can forget the annual Christmas card with a sometimes miserable-looking pooch adorned with antlers or in an elf costume? Pet clothes are a holiday hit, from Christmas-themed sweaters for small and medium dogs and cats, to jingly collars and bow ties. Pet store staffers say the bow ties and collars are good for larger dogs too, and are a real hit for holiday parties and family get-togethers – not just the annual photo.
Edmonton Humane Society spokesperson Shawna Randolph reminds those giving Christmas gifts to pets to be aware of choking hazards – cat toys with dangly bits or feathers, for example – and to focus on pet comfort above all else.
“If the animal isn’t enjoying wearing it, don’t force the Christmas clothing. Make sure it’s safe and not too restrictive or too loose,” she said.
At St. Albert’s PetValu store, associate Jennifer Dlouhy adds more cautions to the list: no chocolate, caffeine, alcohol or plant products.
Here, holiday-themed gift baskets are on offer: one for cat lovers, with toys, food and catnip, and another puppy starter kit with wipes, doggy-do bags and shampoo. There are gourmet dog biscuits, beef canes and pre-filled stockings at every price.
It’s a multi-million dollar business. People don’t want pets left out of the loop,” said Dlouhy. “But most of the gifts are for dogs – I don’t think cats care much.”
