Pet Christmas spending boom: Aussie owners splash cash

Australian pet owners have revealed they will spend a staggering amount spoiling their furry friends this Christmas, with many planning to splash out more on pets than human relatives.

PetO co-founder Nick Greenhalgh says Australians are including pets into their Christmases like never before. Source: Supplied

Australia’s pets are about to enjoy a very merry Christmas, with new research revealing owners are set to spend more than $1 billion on their furry friends this festive season.

The survey, conducted by national pet retailer PetO, shows the average owner will stuff up to $80 in treats, toys and festive accessories into their pets’ Christmas stockings, while a pampered few are expected to splurge $200 or more.

Pet-O co-founder Nick Greenhalgh says the trend is part of pets becoming more important in Australian families.

“The growing significance of pets really being part of the family is seeing households spend more on their cats, dogs and other pets,” Mr Greenhalgh said.

“Increasingly you’re seeing all the things that we get used to and expect as humans that’s beginning to filter into the into the pet categories.”

Founded in 2006 PetO has grown to have 58 stores nationwide, after acquiring 41 Petstock stores.

PetO co-founders Nick Greenhalgh (L) and David Rowe at the time of the acquisition of the Woolies assets. Source: Supplied

■ MOST READ: Australia’s top young entrepreneurs revealed

For many Australians, their four-legged companions are being treated as full members of the family. The survey found that one in three pet owners plan to spend more on their pets than some human relatives, while 40 per cent would rather buy presents for their pets than certain family members.

And it is not just gifts, more than half of owners – 57 per cent – plan to prepare or purchase a special Christmas meal for their pets, while 41 per cent intend to dress their animals in festive costumes. Over half, 55 per cent, will even include their pets in the family photo with Santa.

PetO CEO Michael Hollis said pets were becoming part of the Christmas Day festivities.

“We want to make sure they are part of every tradition, whether that is posing for photos with Santa, or enjoying a festive feast with the rest of the family,” he said.

“This trend is why we are predicting a 15 per cent uplift in sales this Christmas compared with last year. It is fantastic to see this festive cheer being passed on to our beloved pets.”

Some of the stranger gifts this year include a puppy advent calendar, giving dogs a treat for each day of Christmas, Santa wands to excite cats and a range of canine Christmas cookies.

PetO co-founder Nick Greenhalgh says pets are becoming a much more integral part of families' Christmases. Source: Supplied

For Christmas, toys are topping the wish lists this year, with a 20 per cent growth in toy sales forecast.

Popular gifts include Australian-themed toys such as Wallace the Wombat and Errol the Echidna, along with limited-edition Christmas products.

Treats are also a big hit. From handmade Christmas cookies to year-round favourites like Fit ’n’ Flash and Joy Dog Treats, pet owners are clearly embracing the adage that the way to a pet’s heart is through the stomach.

This boom in spending is part of a broader trend in Australia, with pet owners increasingly treating their animals as family.

Many are investing in premium diets, bespoke accessories and specialised services, with $16 billion going towards food and $5.5 billion on veterinary services each year.

On average, that equates to $3300 per dog and $2100 per cat, highlighting the growing trend of human-style pet care.

Originally published as Pet Christmas spending boom: Aussie owners splash cash