The Ultimate List of Gifts for Pet Lovers

Gift-giving gets so much better when we tailor gifts to the interests and hobbies of the people we’re shopping for – and this becomes even more true when shopping for pet owners! This comprehensive gift guide explores many options for pet lovers, spanning everything from personalized pet items and trendy gadgets to innovative toys and exotic pet essentials. Whether you’re shopping for a devoted dog owner, a cat connoisseur or a reptile enthusiast, there’s something here to spark joy in every pet lover's heart!

Here are over 40 unique gift ideas for your favorite furry friend or pet parent on your list this year:

Gifts for Pet Lovers

Whether the person you’re shopping for has a dog, cat, bird, pocket pet, or something even more exotic our list of the perfect gifts for pet lovers has something for everyone and can be personalized to their pet, no matter the species or breed!

Custom Pet Portraits

If there’s one thing pet owners love almost as much as their pet, it’s pictures of their pet – don’t believe us, check out any pet owner’s camera roll! Commissioning a custom portrait of someone’s pet makes for a great gift because it turns a favorite photo into a beautiful work of art that can be stylized to match anyone’s tastes or home decor. You can find artists offering custom pet portraits in a variety of styles, from watercolor to detailed pencil sketches and everything in between.

Pet-Themed Jewelry

Necklaces, bracelets, or rings featuring paw prints or pet silhouettes make perfect gifts for pet lovers of all kinds. These pieces are not only stylish, but also sentimental, allowing them to keep a reminder of their pet with them everywhere they go.
 

Personalized Pet Accessories

Personalization and monograms aren’t just for people! They add some fun flair and personality to pet accessories like collars, harnesses, leashes, bandanas, and more. Personalized pet accessories take practical, every day items and make them just a little bit more special – which owners are bound to love!

Pet Subscription Boxes

Make mail day a little more exciting for a pet lover in your life with a tailored pet subscription box! These boxes, often delivered on a monthly basis, are filled with toys, treats, and accessories, and become a gift that a pet and their owner can enjoy for months to come.

Pet Care Books

If you’re looking for a gift for an avid reader or a new pet owner, then look no further than your local bookstore. Pet care isn’t always as easy as it seems, but thankfully, pet care experts from around the world have written dozens of books on just about every pet care topic you could think of. And don’t think these books are all boring pet care instruction manuals! There are numerous options for more exciting books that share details on cooking for pets, advanced training, and hobbies and sports.

Pet-Themed Home Decor

Are you shopping for a friend whose pet is basically their whole personality? Cushions, blankets, or wall art featuring pet motifs are a tasteful nod to their love for their pets that add a cozy and personalized touch to their living space.

Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser

Pet cameras, especially those equipped with treat dispensers, are a great gift for busy pet owners who may have to be away from their pet for extended periods of time during the day. These smart cameras allow owners to monitor and interact with their pet remotely and can offer peace of mind while they give their pet a treat from afar..

Pet-Friendly Plants

Do you have a friend who is just as obsessed with their house plants as they are with their pets? Help them combine both of their passions with non-toxic plants that are safe for pets to be around and enjoy. Options like catnip plants can even let their pets get in on the fun of being a plant owner.

Customized Pet Calendars

Those who enjoy organizing their schedules with personal touches would love a  calendar featuring photos of their pet or pets similar to theirs. You can create a custom calendar featuring their favorite photos of their pet or even find pre-made calendars with photos of a certain breed or species that they’re particularly fond of. With this gift, every month brings a new adorable picture to make organizing their schedule that much more enjoyable.

Pet-Themed Apparel

If you’ve got a trendy and fun pet owner on your gift list, pet-themed apparel may just be the perfect gift. From socks with paw prints and shirts featuring specific breeds to customized hoodies with their own pets' faces on it, you’ll be able to find something for every pet lover. And we guarantee these will be a lot more fun to receive than the plain socks you pulled out of your stocking as a kid!

Interactive Pet Toys

Toys that engage pets mentally and physically are a win in any pet owner’s book. Puzzles or toys that mimic prey are great options to keep both cats and dogs entertained for hours, while also burning off some energy.

Pet Grooming Kits

Make maintaining their pet’s hygiene easier and more efficient with a grooming kit for at home use in between haircuts and baths. Look for comprehensive grooming sets with brushes, shampoos, and nail clippers for beginners or more high-end individual products for someone with more advanced skills or a pet that requires a lot of at home grooming maintenance.

Pet Travel Gear

For pet owners on the go, you can’t go wrong with gifting them some gear to help them get their pet from destination to destination in style and comfort. When looking for gifts, think about practical items like car seat covers, portable water bowls, or travel carriers.

Adoption Donation in Their Name

For pet lovers who love to give back and support animal focused charities and organizations, donations to a local animal shelter or rescue can be a meaningful gift with a huge impact.

Corgi with owner and holiday presents.

Gifts for Dog Owners & Their Pups

Smart Dog Collars

Tech-savvy dog owners will love a smart collar equipped with GPS tracking and health monitoring features. These high-tech accessories can not only help dog owners keep track of where their dog is and what they’re up to, but also access health and activity insights that contribute to a better understanding of their well-being. There are numerous models of smart collars, all with different features, and fitting almost every price range, so whether you’re gifting to a tech expert or someone just getting interested in smart pet tech, you’ll have options.

Durable Dog Beds

Give the gift of comfort that lasts with a durable dog bed! Designed to withstand chewing, scratching, and all the damage an active puppy can dish out, these beds are made with tough materials that still offer comfort and support. Dog beds and bedding of any kind are a great gift for any owner who loves to snuggle up with their pup and spend a cozy night at home.

Interactive Dog Toys

Toys that challenge dogs mentally, like puzzle feeders or snuffle mats, make great gifts for owners of intelligent and active dog breeds. These toys can keep dogs engaged and reduce boredom, promoting good behavior. Check out some of our favorites for dog enrichment.

Customized Dog Bowls

For dogs and owners who have a special sense of style and flair, customized dog bowls can make a great gift. These personalized dishes can feature a pet’s name, fun designs, or even unique colors to match a home’s decor. This gift for dog owners is the perfect blend of style and practicality.

Dog Training Classes

Training is the gift that keeps on giving throughout a dog’s entire life. Gifting a dog owner training classes is a great way to help them bond with their dog, while also learning new skills or good habits. From basic obedience to advanced tricks, these classes provide expert guidance tailored to a dog’s needs and abilities, and can be tailored to fit whatever level of training experience a dog already has.

Portable Dog Water Bottles

If you’re looking for a gift for a dog owner that is always on the go or in the great outdoors, a portable water bowl or bottle is a great gift option that can be used almost anywhere. These handy bottles combine a water container and a built-in bowl, making it easy to provide a quick drink during walks, hikes, or road trips.

Dog Grooming Services Gift Certificate

A day at the spa isn’t just a good gift for your friends! A gift certificate for your dog to visit their favorite groomer is a great way to help pamper them and give a dog owner a break from their usual grooming expenses – a win-win in our book! Before buying a gift certificate, check with the recipient and double-check that you're using their preferred groomer and that the amount on the certificate will cover the expense of their dog's grooming needs, as prices can vary depending on breed, coat type, coat length, and size.

Dog-Friendly Travel Gear

Make their next road trip a breeze and help their pup ride in style with dog-friendly travel gear! From comfy car seat covers and portable crates to travel-friendly bowls and leashes, these accessories can promote both comfort and safety, giving any dog owner some peace of mind, no matter where their next adventure is taking them.

Dog Activity Trackers

When it comes to pet parents, they’re often just as obsessed about their dog's health as they are their own. Help them keep tabs on their dog’s fitness and health with a dog activity tracker! These wearable devices monitor activity levels, sleep patterns, and even provide health insights. Ideal for tech-savvy pet parents or dogs with specific fitness goals, this gift is both fun and functional for promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Personalized Dog Leashes

Walk time is about to get a whole lot more stylish. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: pet owners LOVE personalized pet gear and leashes are no exception! Leashes can be customized with a dog’s name, a fun design, or a favorite color. These can be an especially great gift for multi-dog households where having designated leashes for each dog is important.

Eco-Friendly Dog Toys

Toys made from sustainable or recycled materials are perfect gifts for dog owners who are conscious of their impact on the environment. Bonus points if you’re shopping from brands that have made sustainability statements that contribute to healthier, happier dogs and a healthier planet.

Dog-Friendly Baking Kits

The best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach and dogs are no exception! Give owners and their pups something to bond over in the kitchen with dog-friendly baking kits. With easy-to-follow instructions, these kits will have you whipping up tasty – and dog safe – treats in no time. Who knows, you even might help a dog owner discover a new passion for baking.

Heavy-Duty Dog Toys

Designed for strong chewers and active dogs, heavy-duty dog toys are built to withstand intense play and tough bites. Made from durable materials like reinforced rubber or nylon, these toys can stand up to tug-of-war, fetch, and endless chewing, and provide long-lasting entertainment, without the need for frequent replacements.

Custom Dog DNA Kits

Not every dog is a purebred, and dogs, especially those that were rescued or adopted can come in some crazy mixes! Dog DNA Kits can give owners insights into their dog’s breed composition, health traits, and even possible genetic risks associated with their lineage. If you know a dog owner who’s curious about what breed they have on their hands, this would make a great gift!

Dog-Friendly Outdoor Gear

Get your favorite dog ready for anything in the outdoors with some dog-specific outdoor gear. From durable hiking booties and cooling vests to protective paw wax and rugged backpacks, this gear ensures pups are ready for any outdoor adventure.

Cat sitting on holiday presents.

Gifts for Cat Lovers & Their Cats

Interactive Cat Trees

If there’s one thing cats love, it’s perching high above everything else and observing their surroundings– and yeah, probably napping too. Cat trees that feature multiple levels, scratching posts, hiding spots, and dangling toys offer endless entertainment while satisfying a cat’s natural instincts. You can even get specially made cat trees that match an owner’s interests or the aesthetic of their home.

Personalized Cat Collars

Dogs shouldn't be having all of the fun when it comes to rocking personalized gear. Custom accessories can feature a cat’s name, a phone number, or even fun designs to reflect their unique personality. Stylish and functional, personalized collars are perfect for helping lost kitties find their way home too!

Automated Laser Toys

You probably knew this would be on our list because it’s always a cat favorite and great gift for cat lovers to implement into their playtime routine. Perfect for busy pet owners, automated laser toys provide interactive fun and exercise for cats, even when their humans are away.

Personalized Cat Beds

Is there anything cuter than a cozy kitty? Well maybe a cozy kitty snuggled up in a personalized cat bed. Soft, stylish, and available in various fun shapes and colors, they make an ideal cozy retreat for napping or relaxing.

Catnip Gardens

Trying to find the perfect gift for a cat lover who is also a plant parent? Look no further! A cat nip garden is a great gift that combines two of their favorite things – trending to their plants and spoiling their cat! Pre-made kits include everything needed to grow fresh, organic catnip at home, offering a fun and sustainable way to keep kitties entertained.

Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

Simplify a cat owner’s routine with a self-cleaning litter box! These innovative boxes automatically scoop waste, keeping the litter fresh and reducing daily maintenance. Perfect for busy pet parents or those seeking a cleaner, odor-free home, self-cleaning litter boxes offer convenience and comfort for both cats and their humans.

Cat Scratching Pads

Cat scratching pads are designed to satisfy a cat’s natural scratching instincts, these pads come in a variety of shapes and textures, from cardboard to sisal. Ideal for claw care and stress relief, they make a practical and engaging gift for any feline household. Bonus: many include catnip for added fun!

Heated Cat Bowls

For cat owners who live in colder climates, heated cat bowls may be one of those gifts that they never knew they couldn’t live without! These innovative bowls prevent food and water from freezing, making them perfect for outdoor cats or those in chilly environments

Cat Grooming Kits

Give cats the spa treatment they deserve with a cat grooming kit! These all-in-one sets typically include brushes, nail clippers, and combs, helping pet owners maintain their cat's coat and hygiene at home. Ideal for cats who shed or need regular grooming

Cat Carriers

Know a cat lover who’s always on the go? A cat carrier may just be the perfect gift for them. Designed with safety in mind, these carriers come in various styles—from soft-sided to hard-shell—providing a cozy space for cats during vet visits or trips.

Cat Puzzle Feeders

Stimulate your cat’s mind and slow down mealtime with a cat puzzle feeder! These interactive feeders challenge cats to work for their food, promoting mental engagement and slowing down rapid eating.

Cat-Themed Stationery

For the cat lover in your life, add some feline flair to everyday writing with cat-themed stationery! From playful notepads and pens to cute greeting cards, this stationery brings a touch of personality to any desk or home office.

Customizable Feeding Mats

Make mealtime mess-free with a customizable feeding mat! These mats protect floors from spills while adding a personal touch, featuring custom designs, pet names, or fun patterns. Made from durable, easy-to-clean materials, they offer both practicality and style.

Wrapping Up

From personalized pet accessories to the latest in cutting edge smart pet care technology, this gift guide has something for every pet lover. There’s nothing better than spoiling your favorite pet parent and their pets, and we hope this guide helps you get the perfect gift!

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Contributing DVM