Pets in for a treat this Christmas as pet owners buy gifts as thanks for lockdown companionship

Pet adoptions surged during the pandemic,[1] with companionship the key driver for many Australians faced with months at home due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns. 

With the gift-giving season on the horizon, pet brands are preparing for a spending frenzy on gift packs, treats and toys as new and long-time pet owners acknowledge the role pets play in supporting good mental health and wellbeing in challenging times.

Since the start of the pandemic, more than two million Australian households have welcomed a pet as part of the family,[2] with around 70% of Australian households now owning a pet.

Australia is renowned as a pet-loving nation, with pets outnumbering the human population. 90% of owners report that pets have a positive impact on their lives.[3] Some pet owners consider their pets beloved family members,[4] and around two-thirds speak to their pets as though they understand the words.[5]

Companionship (49%) and support for mental health and wellbeing (18%)[6] are the top benefits of pet ownership and welcome for many Australians challenged by isolation and disconnection caused by COVID restrictions and lockdowns this year. 

As Australians experienced more time at home online learning, working and apart from friends and family, for many, pets filled the gap as motivators, entertainers, and confidants.

Katrina Thomson, Founder of Australian personalised pet brand, IdPet says that this year, in particular, pets have played the heroes at home, helping to ease emotionally and mentally difficult periods resulting from COVID-induced restrictions.

“We share a bond with our pets that helps us get through challenging times in our lives. Over the past 12 months or more, our pets have been our friends, playmates, exercise buddies, and they are always there with unconditional love and support when we need it,” Ms Thomson explained.

“Millions of Australians have spent more time at home this year, and that has made the bond with our pets even stronger. We’re predicting that many pet-loving households will be buying gifts for their fur-friends this Christmas to say thanks and to show just how much their support this year has meant.”

Cindy Barker is pet-mum to Poodle, Willow and Bichon Frise Luigi, who admits spending upwards of $10,000 on her fur-kids and their care each year.

“I buy them gifts because it makes me and them happy. They both have their own unique personalities. Willow is a chilled lady-like princess who is very graceful. Luigi is an adorable little punk who came to us as a rescue. They are like children to me, so I’m happy to spoil them to make them look good and be happy.”

Cindy says she has bought Willow and Luigi orthopaedic beds, coats and outfits, bandanas, treats, collars, leads and various toys. 

IdPet creates personalised gift packs, collars, leads, clothing and more for dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds. Treats and toys are among the most popular gifts leading into Christmas, including personalised ornaments and Christmas stockings that double as keepsakes.

In addition, for the first time this year, IdPet has partnered with Indigenous artist Bigi Nagala to showcase indigenous art across IdPet's range of pet products. Bigi Nagala's artwork showcases the spirits between man and dingo connecting with the intention of protection, loyalty and devotion for eternity. The artwork forms the print design of various IdPet products including, pet collars, leads, and harnesses. 

For more information about IdPet, visit www.idpet.com.au.

ENDS

Editor's Note: Katrina Thomson and Cindy Barker are available for interviews on request.

Media Contact: Maria Crema, Crema PR, m: 0402 239 929, e: maria@cremapr.com.au. 

About IdPet

IdPet is an Australian owned and operated personalised pet products brand. IdPet began in 2013 and is a small business dedicated to offering fun personalised products with personality. Every item is lovingly customised from IdPet’s production studio in Melbourne, Victoria Australia. IdPet’s founder, Katrina Thomson is a passionate pet lover. The inspiration for the business and products come from Katrina’s own fur family members, with the Max the Spoodle being the original IdPet C.E.O. Katrina’s other fur-kids are Sid (rescue Toy Poodle) and Neo (cheeky black Spoodle). 

[1] https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2021/08/11/pet-adoption-australia/

[2] https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/australian-pet-ownership-reaches-record-high-during-covid-pandemic/news-story/3d6bafa280bd2715056c28a4961aeecd

[3] https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ANIM001-Pet-Survey-Report19_v1.7_WEB_low-res.pdf

[4] https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ANIM001-Pet-Survey-Report19_v1.7_WEB_low-res.pdf

[5] https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ANIM001-Pet-Survey-Report19_v1.7_WEB_low-res.pdf

[6] https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ANIM001-Pet-Survey-Report19_v1.7_WEB_low-res.pdf