ABC Newsreports that an Associated Press-Petside.com poll found that 52% of pet owners plan to buy presents for their pets this holiday - a big jump of 9% from 2008. ABC News also talked to representatives from Petsmart and Petco. The big pet product retail chains are also noticing the trend.
"I think what the economy has really shown this year, is that people really view pets as part of their family," said Jessica Whit, spokesperson for Petsmart, a nationwide pet retail chain. "We have holiday toys and treats and for the past few weekends we've had Santa here to take pictures. It's $9.95 for a photo and collectable frame. $5 of it goes to Petsmart charities."
In Houston, Texas, PETCO Assistant Manager Lucy Herrera said more of the holiday toys have been selling than the regular toys.
"There is definitely an increase in people buying stuff for their pets even with everything going on -- it hasn't slowed," she said. "They're still going to make sure that their pets are taken care of above all else."
Tt is fun to give pets a special treat or toy on Christmas and the items typically don't cost very much.
