Gift Ideas for Pet Lovers

Shopping for pet lovers should not be difficult, whether you are looking for a birthday present, or a gift for the holidays.

As a pet owner myself, and having many friends and family members who treat their furry friends as if they were children, I can tell you that people love to get presents for their dog or cat. A thoughtfully selected gift shows an acknowledgment of the special pet in their life, and will be appreciated by the gift recipient!

Generally speaking, you should consider a few key factors before you head to your favorite pet store or online retailer. There are many pet lover gifts from which to choose! Before you start shopping, think about the following:

1. The personality of the pet owner (quirky, serious/practical, fun-loving);

2. The personality of the pet (see above);

3. Any health conditions of the pet;

4. The pet's age (young puppy or kitten vs. aged or arthritic)

5. Other occupants in the home or living space (small children? other pets?);

6. The breed or type of animal; and

7. Whether the gift is otherwise safe for the pet and other humans in the household.

If you are considering gifting an animal as a pet, be sure to research the breed, any potential allergies of the pet owner or their family, any restrictions on pet ownership, and whether the animal would be a good fit for the age of the pet lover and/or their family.

If the gift recipient on your list owns a pet dog, chances are that they already have the essentials, such as a leash, harness or collar, food and water bowls, and a bed. But owners of pampered pooches may enjoy the following:

• Stylish design collar or leash (i.e., jeweled, camoflauge print, favorite sports team logo or colors)
• Pet clothing - from the practical (rain jackets and warm coats) to the entertaining (pink tutus, leather jackets, even Halloween costumes).
• Safe, chewable toys
• Rawhide bones and chews
• Pet carriers

Essentials for dog ownership also make good gifts:

• Nail trimmers
• Appropriately-sized kennel
• Dog bed
• Grooming brush
• Dog whistle
• Retractable leashes
• Books on dog ownership

Dog lovers usually appreciate practical gifts, as well, including gift certificates for grooming, doggie day care, obedience school, boarding, and even veterinarian care. Perhaps consider a gift of an invisible fence or other dog protection/training device that can keep your loved one's dog safe.

Unlike dogs, most cats do not tolerate dressing up for their owners. A simple collar - perhaps one that fits the owner and pet's personality - is about all you can coax a feline to wear.

But don't give up on gift ideas for cat lovers!

If the pet lover in your life has owned their cat for some time, they probably have food and water bowls, a litter box, a collar and maybe even some toys or a special perch for their cat. Consider these additional practical gifts for cat owners:

• Scratching post
• Cat condo
• Cat bed
• Collar or harness (fancy, decorative, team colors, etc.)
• Leash (some cats can be trained to walk on leashes)
• Safe toys: catnip balls, feather wands, light lasers for chasing
• Nail trimmers
• Grooming brush
• Cat shelter - like a dog house for outdoor kitties

As with dog owners, you can give some special gift certificates to cat lovers for services like grooming, pet sitting and veterinary care.

Maybe a new puppy or kitten, or an older pet adopted from the shelter will be the gift?

If so, before you take steps for the adoption, ensure that you are selecting the right pet for the circumstances. A child under the age of 8 is usually not mature enough to care for a pet, without significant assistance from a parent or guardian. Puppies and kittens are rarely a good addition to a family with children under the age of 3.

In addition to child considerations, make sure that the pet lover's living situation is ideal for a new dog or cat. Among other things, think about: (1) will the owner travel frequently, or work long hours; (2) is there sufficient room (inside and outside) for the pet to get exercise; (3) does the home or apartment allow pets; (4) is the owner prepared to care for a baby - if a kitten or puppy is coming home; and (5) are there other pets already in the home that may conflict with a new animal?

If all signs point to go and a new pet will be adopted or gifted, basic necessities to include are: collars, tags, a kennel and/or bed, food and water bowls, and a litter box (for cats) or training pen (for housebreaking puppies). A how-to book on pet ownership is another excellent gift idea!

There are many options of pet lover gift ideas for people, rather than pets. They range from the inexpensive and fun, to the more costly and extravagant.

Gifts ranging from $10-50:

• Specialty paper printed with pictures or art of a favorite animal
• Cat or dog-themed coffee mugs
• Cat or dog breed calendars
• Pet theme socks
• Pet theme t-shirts or sweatshirts
• Pet-owner signs or bumper stickers
• Pet-theme jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces)
• Pet figurines

Gifts over $50:

• Pet artwork - paintings, sculptures, crystal figurines
• Pet-themed garden sculptures and décor
• Pet-themed throw pillows or afghan blankets
• Tickets to a dog show or cat show
• Travel to a pet-friendly resort with your favorite furry friend

Did you enjoy this article? If so, please leave me a comment below and tell me what you liked best!

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