I read an article yesterday predicting that, despite the recession, over £27,000,000 will be spent on Christmas gifts for our pets this Christmas.

Apart from the usual dog beds, cat beds and rabbit hutches, flashing antlers and collars with bells on are just some of the gifts that dogs, cats, guinea pigs and rabbits across the UK can expect to wake up to on Christmas morning.

The survey carried out for a leading pet charity noted that abpit half of the UK’s pet lovers are determined to buy their pet a present this Christmas and that the majority of those pet lovers will be spending an average of £4.00 on their pet.

It seems that women are more likely to buy a present for their pet than men are, but that those men who do treat their pets usually spend far more money on them than women do.  The survey revealed that over a quarter of men are very happy to splash out £10.00 or more on their pets – which is more than twice the national average.

Did you know that the most generous pet owners are aged between 25 and 34. Not only do these pet owners usually buy their pet a Christmas present, but they also spend more on them than any other age group !!

It would appear from the survey that pet owners living in the London area are the least likely to buy a Christmas present for their pet, despite earning the highest wages in Britain !!

Pet lovers in Yorkshire and Humberside said they would normally buy their pet a present at Christmas and this would more likely be a food treat such as a bone or chocolate drops, whereas pet lovers in the South of Englands are more likely to treat their pets to toys.

A director of animal welfare at the Charity commented that a lot of British people think of their pet as a member of the family that should receive a Christmas present just like the rest of the family. 

I thought it was really heartwarming to read that our country is still, in the main, a nation of animal lovers, but we should all spare a thought for the puppies and kittens who will be bought as Christmas presents this year and who then become unwanted pets next year.

ideas-4-pets ask you to please think twice before purchasing a pet for a Christmas present – these are living, breathing creatures who have to be loved and cared for throughout their lifetime.  They rely on us for their every need – love and attention, food, water, warmth and exercise.  Please make sure you want to make this huge commitment before you purchase.