Gifts for pet owners
Gifts for people who love their pets
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Furhaven orthopedic dog bed, Luxe Lounger
An orthopedic bed supports a large dog's joints.
Check price on AmazonWhat to look for: A size for the dog and a washable cover.
The best gifts for pet owners are things their pet will use daily: a bed, a harness, a slow feeder, chew toys, a cat tree or scratcher. Check the pet’s size and chewing habits first, and avoid food and treats if you do not know their diet.
At a glance
Pet owners will take a gift for their dog or cat more seriously than one for themselves. The trick is to buy something sized, safe and suited to the pet’s habits.
Ask the owner two things: how big is the pet, and does it destroy toys? Those answers decide almost everything.
How to choose
- Check size and weight. Beds, harnesses and cat trees depend on it.
- Match the chewer. Heavy chewers need durable toys; gentle dogs enjoy soft ones.
- Think enrichment. Puzzles, lick mats and slow feeders slow eating and reduce boredom.
- Pick for the household. A water fountain or grooming tool saves the owner effort too.
Food and treats are a risk if the pet has allergies, so ask or choose a plain one.
All the picks
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Furhaven orthopedic dog bed, Luxe LoungerOur pick
An orthopedic bed supports a large dog's joints.
- Look for:
- A size for the dog and a washable cover.
- Best for:
- Large and older dogs.
-
rabbitgoo no-pull dog harness
A no-pull harness makes walks easier on both ends of the leash.
- Look for:
- A snug size and reflective strips.
- Best for:
- Dogs who pull.
-
Ruffwear Front Range dog leash
A sturdy leash with a padded handle is a daily item for walks.
- Look for:
- A strong clip and a comfortable handle.
- Best for:
- Dog owners.
- Skip:
- if the dog needs a retractable leash.
-
KONG Classic stuffable dog toy
The KONG is the stuffable rubber toy that dogs have loved for years.
- Best for:
- Dogs who chew.
-
Outward Hound Fun Feeder slow bowl
A slow-feeder bowl keeps a gulping dog from eating too fast.
- Look for:
- A size for the dog and a non-slip base.
- Best for:
- Dogs who inhale food.
-
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson dog brick puzzle
A treat puzzle gives a smart dog something to do.
- Look for:
- A level of difficulty for the dog.
- Best for:
- Smart and bored dogs.
-
Chuckit! Classic launcher with ball
A ball launcher saves arms and tires out a fetch fan.
- Best for:
- Fetch fans.
-
Zuke's Mini Naturals dog training treats
Small, soft treats are the standard for training and rewards.
- Look for:
- A resealable pouch and natural ingredients.
- Best for:
- Dog owners.
-
LUKITO lick mat for dogs and cats
A lick mat slows down eating and is a calm activity for anxious pets.
- Look for:
- A suction base and dishwasher-safe.
- Best for:
- Dogs and cats.
-
Globlazer F70 Pro heavy-duty cat tree
A cat tree gives indoor cats a place to climb, scratch and watch.
- Best for:
- Indoor cats.
-
SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate scratching post
A tall sisal post saves the couch from claws.
- Best for:
- Cats who scratch the sofa.
-
MeoHui retractable wand cat toys
Interactive wand toys give cats a good workout with their human.
- Look for:
- A pack with replacement attachments.
- Best for:
- Cat owners.
-
PetSafe Drinkwell ceramic pet fountain
A fountain encourages cats and dogs to drink more.
- Best for:
- Cats and picky drinkers.
-
FURminator deShedding tool
A deshedding tool cuts down on loose hair around the house.
- Best for:
- Owners of shedding dogs.
-
Yeowww! catnip banana toy
The banana toy is a catnip-filled cat favorite.
- Best for:
- Cats who love catnip.
What to skip
- Rawhide and small toys that can be swallowed.
- Costumes unless the pet likes them.
- Treats with unknown ingredients.
- Anything for a pet you have not asked about.
For a stocking, see stocking stuffers for kids or fill one with small pet items. For the human, try gifts for homebodies.
The walk and the couch are separate lists: gifts for dog owners and gifts for cat lovers, plus the dog stocking and the cat stocking.
Questions people ask
What is a good gift for a dog owner?
A durable chew toy, a comfortable bed, a no-pull harness or a slow feeder. Choose the right size, and check whether the dog is a heavy chewer before buying toys.
What should I give a cat owner?
A scratcher, a wand toy, a cat tree or a water fountain. Cats are particular, so pick something that matches how the cat already plays.
Are treats safe to give as a gift?
Only if you know the pet’s diet. Many pets have allergies or sensitive stomachs, so a toy or a bed is a safer choice than food.
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