Christmas 2020’s going to the dogs ...they deserve it
BRITAIN’S dog owners are set to spend £162 million on their canine companions this Christmas as a thank you for their support this year.
A survey of 2,000 dog owners found almost three-quarters will be treating their animals during the festive season – spending an average of £21.92 per pet.
With an estimated 10.1 million dogs in the UK, that means 7.37 million will receive presents such as treats (72%), soft toys (63%) and bones and chews (47%). Other popular gifts include a ball (31%) and a new collar (19%), according to the research by Guide Dogs.
Guide Dogs is attributing pet owners’ generosity to a thank you for the love and support they have received from the animals during the pandemic – with three quarters of respondents saying their dogs helped them more than they could have imagined.
Dog owners in London will be spending the most (£34.33), followed by those in the North West (£23.14), North East (£22.94) and West Midlands (£22.87).
Dr Helen Whiteside, head of research at Guide Dogs, said: “2020 has been a difficult year but it has also been a reminder of why we regard dogs as man’s best friend.
“While we love festive food and gifts, it’s important to make sure to check everything is safe for our pets and we recommend owners give them ‘dog safe’ treats and presents.”
The study also found that more than half of dog owners (58%) get excited about buying presents for their pets at Christmas.
Almost half of owners (45%) will also be making the dog a special Christmas dinner – with 73% of the pets eating at the same time as the family.
Guide Dogs train more than 1,000 dogs – helping the clever canines provide a unique service to people in the UK who suffer from sight loss. It is estimated to cost £63,000 to breed, train and support a guide dog from birth to retirement, with money raised from donations, competitions, and the online shop purchases.
Visit guidedogs.com or check out the Guide Dogs shop at guidedogsshop.com