UK pet parents spend £1.7B on birthday gifts, parties, and treats. Discover why pet birthdays are now a growing, heartwarming trend across the UK.
UK Pet Parents Spend £1.7B on Pet Birthdays:
Pets are not just animals. They are family. Whether it is a dog, cat, hamster, or parrot, pet lovers in the UK are going the extra mile to make their pets feel special. A new survey has released something surprising. Pet parents in the UK spend a massive £1.7 billion every year on their pets’ birthdays. Yes, that is right, from toys to gourmet treats and even birthday parties, pets are getting the noble treatment.
People Celebrate Pet Birthdays:
In today’s world, pets are more than just companions. They are treated like children in many homes. Celebrating a birthday is one way for pet owners to express love, thanks, and joy for their soft friends. Many pet owners feel their animals give them emotional support, comfort, and unconditional love. So, throwing a party or buying a gift seems like a small return for all the happiness pets bring.
Survey Shows Big Spending:
According to a recent survey by Moonpig, UK pet parents spend around £1.7 billion yearly on pet birthdays. That equals more than $2.2 billion in U.S. dollars.
Here are some key facts from the survey:
- 64% of pet parents celebrate their pet’s birthday or “gotcha day.”
- Gen Z and millennials are more likely to throw parties for their pets.
- Older people (above 55 years) are less likely to celebrate, but some are open to trying it.
- Social media plays a big role 57% post photos or videos of their pet’s big day.
Top Pet Birthday Activities:
Pet birthday celebrations aren’t just about buying toys. Owners are going big with:
- Birthday parties with decorations, pet-friendly cakes, and games
- Toys and accessories like chew toys, balls, or cozy beds
- Gourmet treats such as organic food, pet-safe cakes, or homemade snacks
- Extra walks or playtime to make the pet’s day special
The average birthday spending on a pet is £80 ($100). That includes party planning, decorations, gifts, and food. Some people spend even more, especially when planning themed events.
Which Pets Are Most Celebrated?
Here’s a surprising part of the survey: guinea pigs, parrots, and hamsters get more birthday love than dogs and cats.
This shows that small pets, often kept indoors and closely bonded with their owners, are getting more attention than ever.
Greeting Cards and Gifts:
The love doesn’t stop at toys or treats. Some pet parents even go the extra step with greeting cards and decorations.
- 51% of people have signed cards from their pets to others.
- 47% have bought cards for their pets.
- Popular gifts include
- Chew toys (72%)
- Gourmet treats (64%)
- Extra playtime or walks (63%)
These thoughtful gestures show that pets are truly a part of the family.
Social Media & Pet Celebrations:
Social media is changing how we celebrate. Many pet owners now share their pets’ birthdays on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Cute party pictures and funny birthday hats are common. In fact, over half of pet owners post about their pet’s birthday online. It has become a trend and even a status symbol to show how much love and care you give to your pet.
Real Stories from Pet Parents:
Gia Belle the Mini Dachshund
One pet owner, Tuscany Wilson, shared how she spent $500 on her dachshund’s first birthday. She said, “My dog is like my child. I knew from day one that I wanted to throw her a birthday party.” She planned everything with Pinterest ideas, made sure the venue was pet-friendly, and created a safe, fun environment.
Cat Celebration for £100
Another owner, Elizabeth Cuevas, spent around £100 to celebrate her cat’s first birthday. She mentioned how special the cat was to her, being the first pet she got while living alone. Her favourite moment? Watching her cat enjoy his cake and new toys. These stories prove how meaningful these celebrations are not just for pets, but also for their owners.
Why This Trend Is Growing
There are many reasons why celebrating pet birthdays is becoming more common:
- Pet family: People now see pets as their children, especially younger generations.
- Mental health benefits: Celebrating small moments with pets helps people feel lucky and less lonely.
- Social influence: When you see others celebrating online, you want to do the same.
- More pet-friendly products: From pet bakeries to toy shops, the market now offers more fun options.
Some people may think this is “too much” or “wasteful.” But for many, it is simply a way to return love and happiness. Celebrating a pet’s birthday does not have to be expensive. Even a small treat or an extra pet can make your pet feel loved. If it brings joy to both the owner and the pet, then why not?
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Pet Birthday:
Want to celebrate without breaking the bank? Try these easy ideas:
- Make DIY toys or treats at home
- Plan a small picnic or playdate at a local park.
- Bake a pet-safe cake.
- Use recycled decorations or items you already have
- Create a photo for fun pictures.
Conclusion:
The bond between humans and animals has never been stronger. This new survey showing £1.7 billion spent on pet birthdays in the UK proves how deeply we care for our pets. Whether it is a small celebration or a big party, what matters is the love we share. So, next time your pet’s birthday comes around, do not be shy to throw a little party, snap some photos, and make it a day to remember. After all, they deserve it.
Posts
0 Comments