Holiday Shopping for Pets

Bartonsville, Monroe County - It seems every year more and more pets are making Santa's "nice list." Retail analysts say more than half of dog owners and more than one third of cat owners will buy holiday presents for their pets.

Debbie Fox of Lehighton is Christmas shopping for six dogs this year. She smiled,"They like to open their little presents just like kids do." Debbie considers her pets family and makes sure they have plenty of gifts under the tree. She explained, "Every year they get new beds, they get all new toys and they get all new chewies."

Debbie works at Flemming Pets Yuppy Puppy in Bartonsville. Lots of people buy Christmas presents for pets there. Chelsea Archer works at the shop. She said, "A lot of people definitely think that their puppies are part of the family now. They treat them like they are just another kid in the family." And just like the other kids they get toys and treats like cookies. Chelsea said, "They'll buy goody bags and stuff to put in stockings for their family's dogs."

And since everyone needs to look good in the holiday photos, Christmas Canine Sweaters are becoming popular. "It's definitely festive," smiled Chelsea.

Retail analysts say it's not just a trend to buy gifts for your own pets. It's also a growing trend to buy gifts for other people's pets.

Holiday shopping is becoming fun and festive for the whole family, people and pets.