Pampering With Pet Gifts: The Fur-raising Figures

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.