Britons worship their dogs and cats so much, more than a third of UK pet owners (34%) are spending more on them this Christmas than on their kids. While 32% awkwardly admitted that their furry companions will even outshine their partners with gifts under the tree, making them a third of the UK's most indulged household members.
And the research commissioned by Co‑op Insurance shows the nation's pet obsession is only growing – with 33% of us set to spend more on our pets this year than on Christmas 2024. But the festive frenzy doesn’t stop there – with almost two-fifths (36%) saying their pet’s Christmas outfit will cost more than their own, with owners forking out for everything from matching jumpers to festive costumes.
Meanwhile, 62% of pets will have their own stocking hung up this year, while two-fifths (42%) will even get an advent calendar — joining in the daily countdown to Christmas alongside the rest of the family.
Meanwhile, almost one in three (30%) owners say they will be going on holiday over the festive period, and of those, over three-quarters (77%) will be bringing their pets along with them, saying they "couldn’t bear the thought of leaving them at home".
Andrew Nevitt, Head of Pet at Co-op Insurance, said: "It appears that this year, Britain’s pets have become the real stars of the festive season.