Pets Are the Main Character: 9 in 10 Pet Parents Say Holidays Feel Incomplete Without Them
From matching outfits to special meals, pets are becoming the heart of holiday traditions—and this year’s FurPetVo survey confirms it: our furry friends aren’t just part of the celebration; they’re the heart of it.
Key Takeaways
- Pets are central to holiday traditions, with nearly 9 in 10 pet parents including them in celebrations.
- Gift-giving is booming: 78% of pet parents buy at least one present—and many pets receive multiple gifts, holiday meals, and their own stockings.
- Millennials and Gen Z go all out—from dressing pets in matching outfits to planning pet-friendly holiday trips.
- Even small and exotic pets are celebrated with toys, treats, and festive habitat décor.
Pets Are the Holiday
Our pets aren’t just on the sidelines—they’re the hosts of the holiday season. Whether posing for photos, supervising gift wrapping, or “helping” bake cookies, pets are front and center for every moment.
Nearly 9 in 10 pet parents (88%) say the holidays wouldn’t feel complete without including their pets in the festivities.
- 60% plan to feature pets in holiday photos or cards.
- 45% have already picked out matching outfits or accessories for the big day.
- 40% of pet parents admit pets steal the spotlight.
The Season of Giving (and Treating)
Pet parents are making sure their furry friends have their own spot on the nice list:
- 78% plan to buy at least one gift for their pet.
- 47% will buy three or more gifts for their animal bestie.
- Over half (54%) of pets get their own holiday stocking.
- 38% say pets “assist” with wrapping and unwrapping—and 25% try to unwrap presents early.
- 51% of pets will enjoy a special holiday meal or treat.
Gen Z and Millennial pet parents spend the most on holiday gifts for their pets, with 21% spending $100 or more—compared to just 13% of Gen X and 4% of Boomer pet parents.
The most popular splurge gifts include:
- New toys or interactive gadgets
- Cozy sweaters, PJs, or festive accessories
- A health and wellness treat—like a pet spa day or DNA test
In 21% of households, pets open their gifts first—before their humans do.
Together Is the Trend
Whether at home or on-the-go, pets set the agenda—and pet parents build their holiday plans around them:
- 24% plan to bake or cook pet-safe holiday recipes.
- 43% will play in the snow with their furry friend.
- 21% will visit a holiday light show—with their pet along for the ride.
- 8% will even take their pets caroling!
- 22% adjust their holiday plans so they can bring pets along.
Cats vs. Dogs: The Naughty/Nice Showdown
Each pet celebrates the season in their own unique way—but trends emerge when comparing dogs and cats:
Top Roles During the Holidays
| Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|
| 30%: Holiday helpers (always by my side) | 25%: Chill observers (napping through it all) |
| 24%: Treat hunters (just here for the snacks) | 25%: Holiday helpers (always by my side) |
| 18%: Curious chaos-makers (getting into everything) | 23%: Curious chaos-makers (getting into everything) |
| 15%: Main characters (stealing the spotlight every year) | 17%: Treat hunters (just here for the snacks) |
| 13%: Chill observers (napping through it all) | 9%: Main characters (stealing the spotlight every year) |
Naughty or Nice?
When ranked on behavior, dogs narrowly edge out cats for the top of the Nice List:
- Dogs: 53% very nice, 22% sometimes nice/sometimes naughty, 19% somewhat nice, 6% somewhat naughty, 1% very naughty
- Cats: 43% very nice, 27% sometimes nice/sometimes naughty, 19% somewhat nice, 9% somewhat naughty, 2% very naughty
Most common mischievous behaviors:
- Cats: Unwrapping/attacking presents (43%), getting tangled in decorations (28%), climbing the Christmas tree (30%), knocking the tree over (14%), yowling at delivery drivers (5%), counter-surfing (26%), “protecting” the home (13), chasing guests (7%)
- Dogs: Tracking snow indoors (28%), yowling/howling at delivery drivers (35%), “protecting” the home (28%), getting tangled in decorations (14%), counter-surfing (16%), unwrapping presents (26%), chasing guests (12%), knocking the tree over (10%)
Because Every Pet Deserves a Celebration
Pet parents are making the season magical for small and exotic pets—including guinea pigs, bunnies, birds, and more:
- 43% give them a new toy, perch, or enrichment item
- 35% buy or make special holiday treats
- 27% dress them in safe, holiday-themed apparel or accessories
- 27% include them in family photos or holiday cards
- 24% give them extra attention or playtime
- 22% set up a mini “holiday corner” or display around their habitat
Holiday Names and Nicknames
Top trending holiday pet names: Bailey, Angel, Cookie, Holly, Cocoa, Joy, Candy, Coal, Bell, Frosty
Top holiday pet nicknames:
- Grinch — perfect for pets channeling their playful naughty side
- Santa Paws — for pets who are sweet all season long
- Snowpaw, Snowball, Jingle Paws, Twinkle Toes, Snicker Doodle, Stinkerbell, Roscoe the Red Nose Doggy, Elffy, Santa’s Helper, Reinda
Gen Z and Millennial Pet Parents Are Extra (and We Love Them for It)
- Wardrobe dept: 47% dress their pets in sweaters or hoodies—more than double the number of Boomers (21%). Over a third (35%) go all in with matching family pajamas.
- Santa-coded: 38% of Millennial pet parents sign their pet’s gift “from Santa”—twice as popular as among Boomers (19%).
- Camera roll (and hearts) full: 64% take holiday photos with their pets; 51% include those snapshots in holiday cards.
- Wheels up: 47% bring pets on holiday trips, and 36% adjust travel plans to ensure their furry companions can join.
- Travel treats: 21% buy souvenirs or gifts for their pets while traveling.
New Year, New Tricks: Pet Parent Resolutions We’re Obsessed With
Here are some standout 2026 pet parent pledges from the FurPetVo community:
- “Play more rock for my parakeets. ZZ Top is their favorite to bop to.”
- “Spoil my pet with regular massages.”
- “Make bath time a vibe so he actually enjoys it.”
- “Bring home a sister for my dog for a built-in best friend.”
- “Book cat-friendly hotels so my cat can travel with me.”
- “Make homemade chicken strips weekly.”
- “Upgrade to an automatic litter box, so our smart home is smarter.”
- “Better shedding control in the new year because HAIR. EVERYWHERE.”
- “Help my herding dog chill so he stops ‘herding’ me all day.”
- “Install a pet door so my cat can strut to his catio on demand.”
Want to give your pet the best holiday ever? Explore curated gift guides for dogs and cats at furpetvo.com, whip up a special DIY holiday-themed treat, and send a letter to FurPetVo Claus for a chance to fulfill your pet’s ultimate Christmas wish.
