It’s often said that it is in giving that we receive, and as pet parents, we long to share that holiday spirit with our four-legged family members.
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) November 25, 2013
Whether their pets made the “Naughty” or “Nice” list this year, the majority of pet parents will still scour the stores for the purr-fect present for furry family members, according to a new survey conducted by Petplan pet insurance.
Petplan’s online survey of 5,385 pet parents has revealed that more than 76% of pet parents plan to put four-legged friends on their holiday gift list this season, with presents ranging from treasured toys and treats to cat condos and agility classes – one lucky pup is even getting a trip abroad.
Of the pet parents surveyed, 78% reported they will match what they spent on their pets last year, and nearly 13% plan to increase their budget. For the second consecutive year, 53% plan to spend between $15 and $50 on furry friends, while a full 15% say they’ll spend more than $75.
Many pet parents playing Santa Paws aren’t skimping on stocking stuffers, either – 85% will give their pet at least two gifts, and 21.5% of fortunate furry friends will find a pile of five packages or more.
“It’s often said that it is in giving that we receive, and as pet parents, we long to share that holiday spirit with our four-legged family members,” says Natasha Ashton, co-founder and co-CEO of Petplan. “As we watch our dogs Monty and Wellington get excited over a new toy or treat , it’s hard to say who is enjoying it more – us, or them! And the memories we share of those times are truly priceless.”
Not surprisingly, playthings top pets’ wish lists this year. More than 50% of pet parents report that their furry friends are asking Santa Paws for new toys, while 26% say they would prefer to gobble a tasty treat. Less paw-pular presents include blankets and beds (10%), garments like clothing, collars and harnesses (4%) and bowls or feeders (1%). But no matter what’s inside the box, our pets’ paws will be busy – 36% of surveyed pet parents said their pets prefer to rip the wrapping paper off their own packages.
Gifts are grand, but they’re not the only way pet parents are getting in on the family holiday fun, according to Petplan’s survey:
- Giving Back: 50% of pets play Santa Paws, giving gifts to family, friends, neighbors and their local animal shelters.
- Antlers Included: 34% of furry friends get into the holiday spirit by dressing up, donning anything from seasonal sweaters and snazzy scarves to jingle-bell-bedecked collars – even their own faux beards and elf ears.
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Holiday greetings from the family aren’t complete without the pets’ names included on the card, according to 64% of pet parents.
For tips and information on keeping pets happy and healthy throughout the holiday season (including steering them clear of holiday health hazards), visit http://www.GoPetplan.com.
ABOUT PETPLAN
Petplan is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. In February 2013, Petplan pet insurance was at No. 34 on Forbes annual ranking of America’s Most Promising Companies – a list of 100 privately held, high-growth companies with bright futures. Petplan’s fully customizable dog insurance and cat insurance policies provide coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet as standard, and meet the coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. Petplan pet insurance policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company in the U.S. and by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company in Canada. The Allianz Group is rated A+ by A.M. Best (2012). For information, about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com, read the Petplan “Vets for Pets” Blog, or call 1-866-467-3875.