New PetSmart Data Reveals More Than Half of Pet Parents Spend More Time Shopping for Pets than Some Family Members

PetSmart is helping pet parents check a few furry friends off their gifting list with toys, treats, festive decor and ways to bond with their pets over the holiday season.

New data¹ from PetSmart reveals pets play a special part in holiday planning, from dedicated gift-giving to spending extra quality time together throughout the season. To ease gifting stressors for pet parents, PetSmart has pulled together the can’t-miss picks for pets of all shapes and sizes to make the holidays all the more merry and bright.

Pawliday Season by the Numbers
According to a new survey¹ by PetSmart, pets are a crucial consideration for pet parents when planning for the holidays, with 87 percent of respondents intending to carve out special time to bond with their pets and 82 percent saying it doesn’t feel like the holiday season without their pets by their side.

When it comes to gift-giving, nearly all pet parents (83 percent) are very likely to buy a gift for their pet and more than half (54 percent) say they would spend more time shopping for their pets than for some family members. And keep an eye out for new companions under the tree, as 35 percent of pet parents plan to gift a new pet to someone else or add one to their household.

“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,” said Stacia Andersen, executive vice president and chief customer officer for PetSmart. “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.”

Santa’s Pet Picks
The most festive gifts for pets are at PetSmart this season, with top picks across a wide range of categories, including:

• Toys: Gift a toy that gives back with puppy and guinea pig plush toys by Chance & Friends. For each Chance & Friends purchase, $1 is donated to PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America. And keep your small pets up on the latest holiday hosting cuisine trends with a charcuterie board chew.
• Treats: The holiday countdown is on with Advent calendars made for small pets or a gingerbread house kit that’s perfect for dogs, available later this month.
• Festive Decor: New releases from PetSmart can set the holiday mood in your small pet’s habitat, including an Advent calendar cling for aquariums, a fireplace bubbler aquarium ornament and a hideaway hot cocoa mug.
• Apparel: Make sure your favorite pets are dressed for the occasion with holiday lights and reindeer headbands, festive pajamas for dogs and small pets alike and Santa costumes for pets of all sizes.
• Stocking Stuffers Under $10: Top stocking stuffers from PetSmart include a reversible plaid bandana and a “Naughty or Nice” beanie for small pets.

Give the Gift of Pampering
Many shoppers prefer to gift experiences rather than tangible items and that mindset extends to pets as well. A day at the spa salon can have pets looking and feeling their best this holiday season and almost half of pet parents (48 percent) plan to take their pets to the groomer ahead of holiday gatherings.

For those looking to go the extra jolly mile, PetSmart salons now offer a holiday add-on Holiday Package that includes a premium shampoo, conditioner and cologne spritz, a choice of a holiday-themed bandana, a delicious holiday dog cookie and a coupon book with $200 in discounts and savings.

The Salon Holiday Special is available while supplies last through Dec. 31, 2022. Pet age, health and vaccination requirements apply. Appointments are subject to availability. See store associate for details.

For more information on deals, gifts and other holiday happenings at PetSmart, including ways to shop and ways to give back, visit PetSmart.