‘Tis the season for tinsel, treats, and tail wags! After all, Christmas isn’t just a holiday for the humans these days. More and more Americans are including their canine companions in the festivities, from gift-giving to holiday-themed photoshoots. 

The Special Reports Team at Onevet.ai surveyed 1,000 dog owners online to learn more about their holiday plans for their pup. Keep reading to discover how dog owners will be celebrating Christmas with their four-legged friends this year. 

Christmas Gifts for the Family Dog

  • 89% of American dog owners plan to buy their dog a Christmas gift this year.  
  • Among these respondents, the majority (37%) plan to buy at least two presents for their dog, with just over a quarter of dog owners (26%) aiming for three presents.
  • The majority of dog owners (27%) also anticipate spending $25-$50 on their dog’s Christmas presents this year, while 1 in 4 dog owners will spend anywhere from $75 to over $100 on the perfect gift for their canine companion. 
  • Almost a third of surveyed dog owners (31%) say they plan to spend more on their dog’s Christmas presents this year than they did last year. 
  • Nearly 1 in 4 dog owners (23%) plan to buy their dog’s Christmas gift before buying for other family members. 
  • The majority of dog owners (32%) plan to purchase their dog’s Christmas gifts in-person at a big box store rather than online. When asked about the main reasons for using their store of choice, 48% cited more cost-effective options as a contributing factor.  
  • Toys and treats (including bones) are the most popular gift choices for dogs, with 81% of dog owners opting for these items. 27% of dog owners also plan to buy accessories such as collars, tags, hats, and boots, while 26% plan to buy their dog a new bed.  

Christmas Activities with the Family Dog

Christmas is more than just gifts under the tree, however. There are numerous activities that occur throughout the nation during this time of year, and many Americans plan to include their dogs in those holiday activities as well. 

  • 47% of U.S. dog owners plan to include their dog in holiday family photoshoots this year.
  • Over a third of dog owners (34%) will dress their dog up in a special holiday outfit to celebrate the season. 
  • 30% of dog owners plan to make their dog a special Christmas dinner or homemade treat for the holidays. 

It’s the most wonderful time of year, so it only makes sense that we’d want to spend it with our favorite form of companionship. As it turns out, that companionship often comes from a furry friend. 

When asked whether they’d prefer to spend the holidays with their dog or with their in-laws, 89% of dog owners amusingly chose their canine companion. 

This holiday season, whether you find yourself snuggled up by the fire with your pup, trotting through a winter wonderland, or sharing a special holiday treat, the Special Reports Team at Veterinairans.org wishes dog owners across the nation a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Here’s to a season filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of doggy kisses.

*The survey included in this report was administered online via the survey platform Pollfish on November 13, 2023 and included no less than 1,000 respondents.