2019 gift guide: Great Christmas presents for pets and pet lovers

We think of our pets as four-legged family members, so this holiday season, why not give them something extra special under the Christmas tree?

A new survey from Rover found that 25% of Canadian pet parents say their animals will receive more gifts this year than other members of the family. And 60% said they would get a stocking for their pet too.

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This year’s roundup of fantastic presents for pets and pet lovers features something for everyone on your list. There are clothes (for animals and people alike), washable home decor, activities, pet services, and subscriptions that will keep the spirit of giving alive long after the holidays are done.

Dog daycare

Hate leaving Fido at home alone? Give the gift of socialization, exercise, and playtime with a gift card for play days at Jet Pet Resort (Olympic Village, North Shore, and YVR). Olympic Village and North Shore offer live pet cams so you can check in on your soul-mutt throughout the day in real time.

Bonus: This holiday season, each of the Jet Pet Resorts will be paw-ing it forward by making a donation to local animal charities.

Matching people and pet PJs

Snuggle up on the couch for movie night with Fido and the whole family in these matching buffalo plaid pyjama suits ($59, Indigo). With sizes in adult, kids, baby, AND pet — complete with button-bum flaps — how perfect would these be for the annual howl-iday photos?

Personalized ID tags

Say “I ruv you” to your companion animal with personalized ID tags. With dozens of designs to choose from, you can personalize by your home province and pet’s unique personality — couch potato, diva, etc. — and there’s space for contact and medical info and vet’s contact. Comes in two sizes based on your pet’s weight.

Bonus: 35% of proceeds are donated to Vancouver Humane Society when you use this link.

The ultimate Canadian dog shirt

With a lightweight jersey lining and snap-front closure, the Beaver Canoe iconic red plaid shirt embraces Canadian style and is easy to put on Fido for the perfect fit — and holiday Instagram pics, obviously ($29.99 to $39.99, PetSmart).

A cozy vegan fur throw 

Perfect for layering on your bed, or cuddling up with your four-legged friend on the couch, this vegan faux fur blanket from Urban Barn is the ultimate indulgence for hanging at home during the holidays ($149, Urban Barn).

Bonus: Until Dec. 15, $5 from the sale of each vegan blanket or bedspread benefits provincial welfare organizations and shelters through its Blanket the Country program. In BC it’s the BC SPCA.

Super comfy doggo gear

The most popular item in its “Dog Collection,” this Tell Your Dog I Say Hi crewneck is super cozy and fleecy inside ($58).

Bonus: Vancouver’s Big Wild Boutique donates 5% of profits to a different animal rescue organization each season.

Customizable pet socks

Upload your favourite photo of your pet and — BAM — get them on a pair of really comfy socks. Custom works from DivvyUp start at $24.

Bonus: For each pair bought, DivvyUp donates a pair of socks to a homeless shelter.

Flannel Christmas bow ties

Bow-wow! Make your doggo Instagram-ready for the holidays with these Christmas flannel bow ties from Vancouver’s Danes and Divas that attach to any collar. Available in 4- and 5-inch widths, based on the size of your four-legged friend (Etsy Canada, $19).

Cozy dog walking boots 

Bye bye wet feet! With a water-repellent shell and ultra posh faux fur lining, the Lhotse boot (Native Shoes, $160) create an oasis for your feet on those soggy winter dog walks.

Bonus: 5% of holiday sales from every pair sold benefits the BC SPCA thanks to its “Kind to All Kinds” ambassador initiative.

Midnight floral dog towel

Make bath time more fun with a beautiful floral towel to dry your pup with (Big Wild Boutique, from $21). Comes in two sizes.

Bonus: Handmade in Bali, 25% of proceeds from these 100% cotton, washable towels goes to fund sterilizations and vaccinations of animals in developing countries.

Lugging bags of pet food and cat litter home from the store is for suckers! This year give the gift of convenience to the Metro Vancouver pet owner on your list with pet product home delivery from SPUD. The online retailer has a wide assortment of food, treats, toys, and care items for cats and dogs alike, with an emphasis on supporting local and organic retailers. Use code CRVAN-MATDAH for $20 off your first order.

Benefits: SPUD supports Vancouver-based dog rescue LEASH Animal Welfare Society, Hives for Humanity and Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary.

Pet-friendly washable rug

Say goodbye to the classic dog owner equation of “Muddy dogs + rugs = disaster.” Ruggable Founder Jeneva Bell created a line of machine-washable rugs after her dog ruined her new rug because the odour from a pet accident wouldn’t come out. The two-piece rug systems (waterproof and stain-resistant rug cover, plus rug pad) are hypoallergenic and non-toxic, and they come in hundreds of cute designs for every decor (Rugs from $109).

Benefits: Ruggable supports A Sense of Home, a charity that creates homes for kids aging out of foster care.

For the toy-killing doggo

For the dog who likes to tear out the stuffing of their toys, they’re in for a surprise when they learn the OMG! Surprise Toy ($11.99, PetSmart) has a second toy inside.

Meowbox

The gift that keeps on giving. Vancouver-based Meowbox will send five to seven unique cat toys and goodies to your house every month through its handy subscription service ($29.95, free shipping). For every Meowbox sold, the company donates a can of cat food to a shelter through its One Box Can program.

Pet boarding and walking services

This cozy fleece dog jacket is one of TeckleKlub’s bestselling items, and for good reason. Made in Canada, it comes in an easy-on, easy-off fit for doggos of all sizes, has a reflective collar and can be monogrammed with Fido’s initials ($34, TeckleKlub)

Benefit: 10% of proceeds benefit SAINTS, an end of life sanctuary for pets.