HOLIDAYS Which Gifts Pet Parents are Likely to Get Their Fur Baby This Holiday Season

Wednesday, 27 November 2019 10:22.AM

- PetSmart gets into the holiday spirit with fun activities and festive accessories.

(PetSmart Canada) - The holiday season is about celebrating with loved ones—and that includes pets. A recent Pet Poll conducted by DART Insights for PetSmart, found the two most popular gifts Canadian pet parents would consider getting their pet were treats at 87 per cent (87 per cent dog owners and 86 per cent cat owners) and a toy at 84 per cent (82 per cent dog owners and 86 per cent cat owners). Once again, pet parents can look to PetSmart, the leading pet specialty retailer in Canada, for a glittering array of festive products and activities that are sure to warm hearts and lift holiday spirits.

Treats and toys make the perfect gift for the pet on your list this holiday season and with so many options it could mean they get more presents than other family members. Data from the Pet Poll also shows that a quarter of Ontario dog owners and Atlantic Canada cat owners will get more gifts during the holiday season for their pet than their spouse/partner. PetSmart delivers entertaining options like the Merry & Bright™ Holiday Santa Dog Toy and the https://www.petsmart.ca/cat/toys/electronic-and-interactive/merry-and-brightandtrade-holiday-tree-spring-swatter-cat-toy-55989.html. Pet parents can also surprise their pets with quirkier gifts like the Merry & Bright™ Holiday XL Pickle with Santa Hat Dog, and pre-filled stockings tailored for cats and dogs.

Pet parents are also increasingly including their pets in holiday celebrations. Get them ready for the occasion with special outfits like the Merry & Bright™ Holiday Elf Pet Costume. For those chilly days at home, help your pet get cozy by the fireplace in a https://www.petsmart.ca/dog/clothing-and-shoes/sweaters-and-coats/merry-and-brightandtrade-holiday-knitted-penguin-pet-sweater-55297.html and the Merry & Bright™ Holiday Tree Hut Pet Bed.

Of course, not every pet appreciates a complete outfit, holiday accessories like the Merry & Bright™ Holiday "Believe" Santa Pet Bandana, the colourful Merry & Bright™ Holiday Tie Collar, or the twinkling Merry & Bright™ Holiday Naughty & Nice Cat Collar are equally merry ways to get dressed up for any party. And to get your pet's attention during the photo op, try squeaking the Merry & Bright™ Holiday Bite Shield Candy Cane Dog Toy.

PetSmart is also giving pet parents the chance to give back while they shop with PetSmart's Philanthropic Collection. Shoppers can choose from an adorable plush dog, cat, bunny, lamb or unicorn, complete with a squeaker that will delight pets and kids alike. Ten per cent of the purchase price of any Chance and Friends stuffed toy will be donated to PetSmart Charities of Canada to fund animal-assisted therapy programs at children's hospitals.

Santa Claus is Coming … to PetSmart!

This year, PetSmart is hosting a series of free in-store events to further celebrate the season. On Nov. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. local time, the national in-store Holiday Gift Giving Event will feature seasonal samples, an opportunity to test out new toys, exclusive offers and even activities like dog cookie decorating.

Sample Saturday takes place on Dec. 7 from noon to 2 p.m. local time, letting dogs and cats sample treats to make sure they'll be the perfect stocking stuffers for the holidays.

During two weekends in December, PetSmart is making special arrangements with Santa Claus himself. Saint Nick will visit PetSmart stores nationwide for free photos and festivities on Dec. 14-15 and again on Dec. 21-22, from noon to 4 p.m. local time. Remember to download the PetSmart app to check into the event for 100 free Treats points and to use fun photo filters to use during the event!

*A total of 1,600 pet owners were surveyed—800 dog owners and 800 cat owners by DART Insight and Communications Inc.