Friday, December 01, 2006

Pampering With Pet Gifts: The Fur-Raising Figures

Article Title: Pampering With Pet Gifts: The Fur-Raising
Figures
Author: IPRWire Staff Writer

Are you looking for the perfect pet gifts? Join the club. With
pet ownership on the rise, Americans are now spending double
what they did ten years ago. As pets become more valued as
family members, more people than ever are looking to treat them
with gifts and holiday celebrations.

Don't believe it? Consider the following facts:

* 78% of people greet their pets before their spouses when
returning home.
* 39% of pet owners display their pets' pictures somewhere in
the home.
* 92% of dog and cat owners consider their pets to be family
members.

Obviously, this evolution of the family pet from plaything to
family member only strengthens the desire of owners to treat
their pets as family members in every way possible. Choosing
and purchasing pet gifts is just a natural extension of this
phenomenon.

Despite these overwhelming numbers, those buying gifts for
their pets must be in the minority, right? Not necessarily.
Over 139 million cats and dogs (that's not even counting birds,
fish, or exotic pets!) currently reside in households across the
United States. Out of this number, approximately 63 million are
dogs and 77 million are cats. That's a lot of pets! But how
many actually receive presents from their owners or participate
in holiday events? The numbers are surprising:

* Over 31 million dog owners give their dogs Christmas gifts.
* Almost 40 million cats are given Christmas gifts.
* Approximately 13 million cats celebrate birthdays with their
families.
* Not to be left out, nearly 10 million dogs receive birthday
celebrations, as well.
* On average, individual pet owners buy approximately $113
worth of dog toys and treats for each of their dogs each year.
* Cat owners aren't much further behind, spending just over $72
a year on each of their cats each year.

It only stands to reason, then, that sales of gifts for pets
have skyrocketed during the last few years. However, variety
has as well. Those looking for the perfect pet gifts find that
stores (both online and the brick-and-mortar variety) cater
more and more to the ever growing segment of pet owners looking
to spoil their creatures with special goodies.

Owners today lavish pets with everything from jewelry to
designer clothing. The advent of online pet businesses catering
to pampered pets only adds to the amount of products available
on the market today. No longer do customers have to search for
hard-to-find pet boutiques or hope that the local pet warehouse
carries what they are looking for. Now pet owners can order
presents for their pets with the simple click of a mouse.

Whether you are looking for the perfectly studded leather
collar or just a special treat, today's growing pet market
almost certainly guarantees success finding it. Deciding which
pet gifts to choose from the wide assortment, however, may not
be so easy. Want to treat your own pampered pet with something
special? Visit http://www.bigpawdesigns.com today for unique
and affordable choices.


About The Author: Welcome to http://www.bigpawdesigns.com!
Since 2002 we have made dogs hip, cats cool and pet lovers
pleased. Shop online: dog gifts, pet gifts, dog lover jewelry,
dog lover gifts and many pet gift ideas.