Britain's love for its canine companions reaches new heights each festive season, with dog owners across the nation projected to spend a staggering £293 million on Christmas gifts for their pets this year. A recent study commissioned by fresh dog food brand Different Dog, which surveyed 1,000 people, sheds light on just how integral dogs have become to family celebrations.
The Nation's Pampered Pooches
The research highlights extraordinary trends in festive pet care. It found that a quarter of the UK's 13.5 million dogs will be invited to open presents by the tree with their human families. Furthermore, 13% of owners plan to set a place for their dog at the Christmas dinner table, and nearly a quarter (23%) admit to spending as much on their dog as on their partner or children.
Psychologist Dr Audrey Tang comments on this deep bond, stating, "Pets are like family and in today’s world they can even often offer more consistent and reliable emotional support than people."
Meet Sid, the Whippet with His Own Sofa
This national trend is embodied by Vita Woods, a 39-year-old innovation professional from Coventry. She lives with her husband TJ, 36, their two children, and their two-and-a-half-year-old whippet, Sid. For Vita, Sid is unequivocally part of the family, a status reflected in his lavish Christmas spoils.
"Last Christmas when we had all the family over there was no room for Sid on the sofa… so I bought him his own - for £4000," Vita reveals. This extravagant purchase is just the beginning. She has also bought Sid around £150 worth of presents, including a new bed, jumpers, and toys shaped like a wine bottle and a turkey.
Vita confesses, "I’ve definitely spent more on him than my husband, and that is true of energy and time too. Sorry TJ! If you include Sid’s sofa then I’ve spent way more on him than both the children put together too."
A Spoiled Dog's Life
Sid, described by his owner as a "loveable fool" and "majestic athlete" when chasing squirrels, enjoys a life of luxury. Beyond his personal sofa, he has his own armchair—usurped from Vita's mother—and wears Christmas pyjamas and a special coat. His owner's favourite purchase is a pair of doggy antlers he wears on trips to a local dog deli.
The family's commitment extends to their car, which Vita swapped for a hatchback to ensure Sid's comfort on journeys. At Christmas, the vegetarian household will prepare a turkey dinner specifically for Sid. "Christmas Day is the best day of the year for Sid - it’s a big feed," Vita says.
Expert Advice for a Pet-Safe Christmas
With such indulgence common, Dave Martin, Group Director of Animal Welfare at IVC Evidensia, the UK’s largest vet group, offers crucial advice for navigating the festive period with pets.
Presents: "It’s lovely to include pets in the festive celebrations, but I’d always recommend making sure that gifts are designed for pets to make them safe and suitable - such as chew toys, puzzles, and pet-friendly treats."
Exercise & Routine: He emphasises maintaining daily walks to keep dogs physically and mentally healthy, even during the busy holiday.
Social Stress: Pets shouldn't be left alone for more than four hours. Providing fresh water, a comfortable space, and leaving the TV or radio on for company can help them feel secure.
Vets: For those travelling with pets over Christmas, Martin advises finding the emergency number for a local vet in advance.
As Vita Woods and millions of other UK dog owners demonstrate, for many, Christmas truly is a time where every member of the family—including the four-legged ones—gets to share in the festive joy and spoils.
