Nearly 80% of pet owners agree they are most excited to spend the holidays with their pets than other human family members, according to a new Petco survey.* Petco is helping customers make the most of this quality time with the retailer’s new Retail Brand “Merry Makings” collection specifically designed to inspire meaningful moments with the pets they love throughout the season.

More than 11 million pets came into our homes during the pandemic, creating a whole new generation who are closer to their pets than ever before and eager to involve their pets in the holiday festivities. Nearly 75% of respondents give gifts to their pets during the holidays, with about half of them spending more on gifts for their pets than other family members.* Petco’s Private Brand holiday collection is the perfect solution for these eager gift-givers with more than 400 unique and festive items for dogs, cats and small animals, all priced under $40. The collection features exclusive items, including holiday card-worthy pet and pet parent matching apparel, essential supplies ranging from beds, collars and leashes to adorable toys, healthy treats and fan-favorite advent calendars. Pet parents can also treat their pets to stylish, sustainable, adventure-ready products from the winter collection of Petco’s fashion brand, Reddy, as well as top national brands including Wild One, Canada Pooch and Harry Barker.

With more pets in homes than ever before this year, Petco is making it easy to include pets into all the special moments of the season:

• The Anticipation: The holidays create opportunities to find new ways to bond with their pets and preparing for the celebration can be just as fun as the holiday itself. To get in the holiday spirit, customers can deck the halls with novelty beds and throws; help mitigate nerves and anxiety in their pets with calming treats and chews; start the holiday countdown with treat- or toy-dispensing advent calendars for dogs, cats and small pets; and get their furry family members holiday-ready with a routine veterinary check-up.
• The Family Photo: Pet owners can commemorate the season with a family holiday photo with their pets. Create a cohesive look with matching hats and sweaters or get seasonally inspired with a Gingerbread Man Dog Sweater, Christmas Tree Cat Cape or Secret Santa Bearded Dragon Costume. Pets will be on their best behavior with the help of in-store or virtual dog training and ready for their close-up with Petco’s Holiday Grooming Package featuring a seasonal gingerbread spritz and limited-edition holiday bandana.
• The Feast: Food is a central part of any holiday gathering, but common foods, such as turkey skin, grapes, raisins, bones, onions, sweets and spices, can be harmful to pets. Families can create a safe holiday spread with a selection of novelty chews and toys like the Merry Makings Dandy Canes Chicken-Flavored Rawhide-Free Dog Chews or Pie Plush Toy. WholeHearted treats can also add holiday cheer for pets with vanilla-flavored “churros” from the WholeHearted Bakery Collection for dogs or with new, protein-rich freeze-dried cat treats. If a pet accidentally ingests toxic food or other material, contact a trusted veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
• The Gifts: Holiday shoppers are sure to find the perfect gift for every pet and pet parent on their shopping list with Petco’s wide selection of stockings, stocking stuffers, apparel, toys and gift sets. Petco also offers an array of gifts that keep on giving such as a Vital Care membership, PupBox subscription and gift cards.
• The Adventure: Adventure awaits during the holiday season, making it the ideal time to outfit pets in the latest gear like the Buffalo Check Beanie or Reddy Lightweight Primaloft Puffer to help keep them cozy and warm during wintertime outings and travel. Pet parents can also help four-legged friends travel with ease in a Reddy Backpack Carrier or Buffalo Check Sling, and invite them to stretch their legs with a fun Candy Printed Dog Collar and matching leash.

The joy and convenience Petco is bringing to pets and their parents this holiday season comes to life in two new ad spots – “Making Holiday Memories Together” and “Holiday Needs Delivered Same Day” – from the retailer’s “It’s what we’d want if we were pets” platform.