As we find ourselves in the midst of the holiday season, most of us plan to celebrate the season with family and friends.
For many, this includes four-legged, furry family members as well as feathered and scaly pet friends.
The inclusion of pets in holiday celebrations has been a growing trend in the United States, as many Americans consider pets to be an intricate part of the family dynamic.
Due to this ongoing devotion to our beloved pets, American pet owners are expected to spend over $136 billion each year on the family pet.
Although a good portion of this amount is spent on veterinary care, food, grooming and training classes, there is still a significant amount of these funds designated to be spent on our pets during the holidays.
According to PetExec.com, the amount of money spent on holiday pet gifts varies greatly depending on the pet owners age.
The average amount an American household spends on holiday gifts for their pet is just under $50, but both Millennials and Gen Z are expected to spend closer to $100 on their pet this holiday season.
Top holiday gifts include toys, holiday-themed treats, and personalized essentials like food bowls, collars, tags, and apparel.
Festive holiday outfits, sweaters, and other apparel are also extremely popular pet gifts, with matching human/pet outfits and pajamas as a top seller in many stores.
It is understandable why many pet owners who consider their pets a full fledged family member would want to show their love with a generous gift at the holidays, but there are also several pet-friendly holiday events where you can share the gift of your time with your pet this holiday season.
Join in the fun of participating in The Blu Dot Seapawt Portrait Contest, Holiday Edition at Boston’s famed Seaport area at 141 Seaport Blvd. in Boston.
Blu Dot invites you to snap your best photo of your pet on location at Seaport to enter this holiday contest.
Pet owners are encouraged to dress your pet in their most festive attire for the holiday season, then post your photo on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag your photo @bludot and @seaportbos to be considered for this contest.
The contest is not exclusive to dogs, as any fury, feathered or scaly pet is welcome to participate.
Winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to Polkadog Bakery and all bragging rights that come with such a prestigious award.
For more information on this event, email kpatterson@bludot.com.
On Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 celebrate the holidays with your four legged friends at Trillium X Tandem X Harks Yappy Hour.
This holiday event is from 6 to 8 p.m. at 50 Thompson Place in Boston, and will surely get you in the holiday mood as the atmosphere surrounds both you and your pet with the warm glow of seasonal lights, holiday decorations and a friendly community vibe.
This seasonal space is welcoming to both cats and dogs, with areas designed for pets to play and socialize while humans can mingle and get into the holiday spirit with fellow pet lovers.
Events include free treats from Polkadog Treats, complimentary activities for cats and dogs, professional portrait opportunities, themed photo ops, and sessions with a pet psychic.
For the humans, there will be renowned craft beers, and seasonal bites to sample.
Best of all, this event is free to the public! No reservations are required, but expect this fun and popular event to be busy.
What better way to ring in the New Year, than to do it with your trusted canine companion at your side.
On Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, say goodbye to 2024 and welcome in 2025 at New England’s only dog friendly party.
Park 9, located at 48 Waters Ave. #1 in Everett is a combination of full service bar and indoor dog park area providing entertainment and camaraderie for dogs and their owners under one roof. They also offer dog daycare and other canine events.
This event is designed to encourage friendships among fellow dog owners in a festive environment.
All dogs must be registered in advance with Park 9 and have a pass to enter the event.
Participating dogs must be at least four months old, socialized for group play, and be current on all required vaccinations.
Doors open at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and tickets must be purchased for this event in advance at www.eventbrite.com.
For a full list of rules and to register your pet for this event, visit www.park9dogbar.com.
Before time runs out this year, celebrate man’s best friend in a festive way that only a loyal family member and friend deserves.
Whether you buy your pet a favorite toy, dress them from head to paw in festive apparel, or spend quality time at a pet friendly event, keep in mind the best gift you can give is your unconditional love and support, because after all, that is the exact gift your pet gives to you every day.
