A good gift for your pet is something they will actually use. A dog who sleeps on the sofa and a cat who rules a corner are not waiting on the same thing, so the present that lands is the one that fits the animal. Think play, rest or the daily care, not a gift that only looks good in a photo.
What your pet really wants
The animal has the opinion. A bed that looks handsome in a shop is still the wrong gift if they will not go near it, and a second of the toy they already shredded only lands when the last one is gone.
Before you choose, ask yourself
- Dog, cat or something else?
- Play, rest or daily care?
- How old is your pet?
Gift ideas for pets
Play
A dog toy that survives the first afternoon, a cat toy they will chase, or a cat tree for a cat who likes to watch from above. Choose a toy for how they play. Chewers need tough toys, and chasers need something that moves.
Rest
A pet bed in the spot they already sleep, or an orthopedic bed for an older dog with stiff joints. A helps a dog who struggles in an Australian summer. Look at where and how they sleep, curled up or stretched out, and pick the shape to match.
Daily care
An helps when feeding times are the hassle, a grooming kit makes the weekly brush easier, and a keeps fresh water moving for a pet who ignores a still bowl. These suit a busy owner as much as the pet.
On the walk
A that fits properly makes walks easier for a dog who pulls, and a good is one they will use every day. For a dog who rides along, such as a seat hammock or booster seat protects the back seat and gives them a place to settle. Check your dog's size on the listing before you choose.
Out and about
A for the vet trip, a for the car, or a GPS tracker for a dog who wanders. Measure your pet first. They should be able to stand up and turn around.
For Christmas
A is a small, silly gift that makes the photo. Check the size chart, and choose something your pet will tolerate for a minute or two.
Other pets
Not every pet is a dog or a cat. For someone setting up a home for a new pet, there is an , a , a or a . These are bigger gifts, so check what they already have first.
International Cat Day falls on 8 August and International Dog Day on 26 August each year. If you are choosing a gift for a cat or dog lover, the picks above are a good place to start, and the gift finder can narrow them down for one person.