If you’ve ever bought your dog a holiday present or hung a stocking for your cat, you’re not alone. American pet parents overwhelmingly opt to include their pets in their holiday traditions, and this year is no different. This report from Rover.com dives into the world of holiday pet spending statistics for 2019, based on a survey of 2,000 U.S.-based dog and cat owners.*

Pets are an integral part of family traditions

From prepping their pup a special dog-friendly dinner to giving the cat something to unwrap on the big day, more than three-quarters (77%) of pet parents plan to include their pets in their holiday traditions in some way. That said, dog owners (82%) are more likely to include their dogs than cat owners (67%) are to include their cats.

Most dogs and cats make the nice list

Families who participate in gift-giving traditions won’t be leaving out their pets this year, though dogs do have an edge on their feline friends: Dog owners (87%) are slightly more likely to purchase gifts for their dogs than cat owners (72%) are for their cats. Most lucky pets will also receive more than one present, with 68% of pet parents planning to purchase multiple gifts for their pets.

Pets are increasingly treated like kids in many American homes, and holiday spending habits can shine a light on how that plays out for some families. For example, one in five pets will receive more gifts than members of their human families this year.

Toys and treats are must-have gifts

The most popular gifts pet parents plan to give their pets this year are toys and treats—classics, if you ask us. However, a handful of dogs and cats will see new sweaters or booties, possibly a dog-friendly subscription box, or even some hot new tech, like a dog camera that dispenses treats or a trackable collar so they never get lost.

Online shopping just edges out brick-and-mortar

Pet parents nationwide are pretty evenly split on where they plan to buy gifts for their pets this year, with most buying online followed by big box store and local shoppers. Interestingly, dog owners (27%) are slightly more likely to shop local for their dogs during the holidays than cat owners (23%).

55% of pet parents plan to spend $25 or more on gifts for their pet this year.

Most dogs and cats have Christmas stockings

Two-thirds of pets have their very own Christmas stockings, whether or not they’re filled with gifts—firmly enmeshing them in their family’s holiday decor and traditions.

As these spending statistics and shopping habits reveal, dogs and cats are truly part of the family for most Americans and play a huge role in their holiday traditions. And while there are some slight nuances in how dogs and cats will be incorporated into the holidays this year, one thing is clear: Pet parents in the US are totally obsessed with their pets.

*For “The Pet Effect: 2019 Holiday Shopping Report” Rover.com conducted a survey via Pollfish in October 2019 among 2,000 U.S. adult pet parents.

Top Gifts for Dogs 2019

In the spirit of sharing the holidays with our beloved pets, Rover put together a series of gift guides for dog people this year. From stocking stuffers to Christmas morning PJs, these gifts get two enthusiastic paws up.