By Laura Entis
Photograph by kandypix—iStockphoto/Getty Images
DECEMBER 1, 2016, 6:00 PM EST
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Owners
From the high-tech to the hand-knit.
It’s never been a better time to be a pet in America. Our national love for dogs and cats (plus, to a lesser degree, rodents, birds, and reptiles) has created a $60 billion industry. The flood of money means come gift-giving time, there are thousands of products specifically designed to spoil your pet.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of items you can wrap, and then unwrap, for your pet this holiday season.
For the tech obsessed
Nuzzle collarNuzzle collar
Nuzzle collar Created by former Apple industrial design chief Robert Brunner, the GPS-enabled smart collar is compatible with iPhones and Androids, which means worried owners can track their pets’ location on their phones. Imagine how short Homeward Bound would have been if Chance, Shadow and Sassy had received collars for Christmas. $189.99
Whistle collarNatalie and Cody Gantz © Nat and Cody Gantz 2015
Whistle GPS Pet Tracker collarThink of it as a Fitbit for pets. The device, which attaches to the collar, allows owners to track their pets’ activity via a free smartphone app. If Fluffy is being lazy and not getting her steps in, Whistle makes sure you know about it. $49 for the device, with monthly service plans starting at $6.95.
Poof trackerPoof
Poof Another wearable option for pets, Poof measures activity and tracks calorie intake. The device also serves as a diagnostic tool. Per the company’s website: “A dip in activity, a spike in sleep, or too many calories per day are all signs it’s time to take your pal in for a checkup or change their routine.” $39.99 for a model that comes with a replaceable battery, $49.99 for a model that comes with a rechargeable battery.
For the pet who has everything
ZencrateZenCrate
Zencrate A dog bed, just smarter. Equipped with Wi-Fi, Zencrate aims to reduce canine anxiety with motion-activated soothing music, sound insulated walls, and a programmable fan. Think of it like a Nest home system, for your dog. Pre-orders start at $450 (expected ship date: April 2017).
Barkbox subscriptionBarkBox
A BarkBox subscription For a monthly fee, BarkBox sends your pup a box filled with four to six toys and treats. The company lets owners specify what their dogs’ likes and dislikes, and curates accordingly. $20 per month for 12 months, $24 per month for 6 months, and $29 for a one month membership.
For the health-conscious
Puptato chipsPuppy Cake
Individually wrapped meals Each one of Just Food for Dogs’ prepackaged, handmade meals, which comes in flavors including turkey and whole wheat macaroni, turducken, and venison and squash, is approved for human consumption. Made in Southern California, they include detailed calorie and nutritional information and can be shipped across the country. $3.45 to $6.95 for a 7-ounce meal.
Puptato chips These “guilt free” snacks are “dried, not fried” and “virtually fat free,” which makes them good for canines with particularly sensitive stomachs. Order a bag of puptato chips your dog, grab a bag potato chips for yourself, veg out on the couch, and call it a perfect night. $4.99 for a 2-ounce bag.
For the fashion-forward
Aviator hat and scarf set.All You Need Is Pug
Aviator hat and scarf setWant your dog to stand out at the park? Consider an aviator-themed, hand-knit scarf and hat—together, they’ll make your pooch appear as if he’s about to take flight. Best of all? The set is custom made to your dog’s exact measurements, so Fluffy’s abnormally large head shouldn’t be a problem. $44; available on Etsy.
Shabby chic cat collarSweet Pickles Designs
Shabby chic cat collar If your cat was a person, would she gravitate towards flowery dresses, combat boots, and an overall boho hipster aesthetic as seen in Portlandia? If the answer is yes, or even a “maybe,” then this pink and navy flower-patterned collar, handcrafted in Portland, Ore., makes the perfect present. $12.99 to $13.49.
Bamboo knit fleece hoodie The hypoallergenic, sustainably sourced, comfortably soft hoodie features a harness opening on the back, so pups don’t get tangled before going on a walk. Most importantly? It’s really, really cute. $46 to $56, depending on the size.
For the practical-minded
Cat stroller Ever tried to walk a cat? It’s a recipe for disaster. Luckily, there’s a more convenient option for owners who want to take an amble with their feline companions: a stroller for cats. Just latch your cat in, and you’re ready to go. $199.99.
Figo pet insuranceFigo Pet Insurance
Figo Pet Insurance In exchange for a monthly fee, the web-based insurance company—which allows users to track claims by app—will pick up the cost for unexpected expenses, including emergency surgeries or vet visits. For dogs, premiums average about $35 a month.
Petcube PlayPetcube
Petcube Play The video feature allows owners to keep an eye on their pets when they’re out of the house, and the two-way audio feature allows for more conversational updates. It’s like a baby monitor, just more high-tech. $199.99.
We’ve included affiliate links into this article. Click here to learn what those are.
Photograph by kandypix—iStockphoto/Getty Images
DECEMBER 1, 2016, 6:00 PM EST
The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Pet Owners
From the high-tech to the hand-knit.
It’s never been a better time to be a pet in America. Our national love for dogs and cats (plus, to a lesser degree, rodents, birds, and reptiles) has created a $60 billion industry. The flood of money means come gift-giving time, there are thousands of products specifically designed to spoil your pet.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of items you can wrap, and then unwrap, for your pet this holiday season.
For the tech obsessed
Nuzzle collarNuzzle collar
Nuzzle collar Created by former Apple industrial design chief Robert Brunner, the GPS-enabled smart collar is compatible with iPhones and Androids, which means worried owners can track their pets’ location on their phones. Imagine how short Homeward Bound would have been if Chance, Shadow and Sassy had received collars for Christmas. $189.99
Whistle collarNatalie and Cody Gantz © Nat and Cody Gantz 2015
Whistle GPS Pet Tracker collarThink of it as a Fitbit for pets. The device, which attaches to the collar, allows owners to track their pets’ activity via a free smartphone app. If Fluffy is being lazy and not getting her steps in, Whistle makes sure you know about it. $49 for the device, with monthly service plans starting at $6.95.
Poof trackerPoof
Poof Another wearable option for pets, Poof measures activity and tracks calorie intake. The device also serves as a diagnostic tool. Per the company’s website: “A dip in activity, a spike in sleep, or too many calories per day are all signs it’s time to take your pal in for a checkup or change their routine.” $39.99 for a model that comes with a replaceable battery, $49.99 for a model that comes with a rechargeable battery.
For the pet who has everything
ZencrateZenCrate
Zencrate A dog bed, just smarter. Equipped with Wi-Fi, Zencrate aims to reduce canine anxiety with motion-activated soothing music, sound insulated walls, and a programmable fan. Think of it like a Nest home system, for your dog. Pre-orders start at $450 (expected ship date: April 2017).
Barkbox subscriptionBarkBox
A BarkBox subscription For a monthly fee, BarkBox sends your pup a box filled with four to six toys and treats. The company lets owners specify what their dogs’ likes and dislikes, and curates accordingly. $20 per month for 12 months, $24 per month for 6 months, and $29 for a one month membership.
For the health-conscious
Puptato chipsPuppy Cake
Individually wrapped meals Each one of Just Food for Dogs’ prepackaged, handmade meals, which comes in flavors including turkey and whole wheat macaroni, turducken, and venison and squash, is approved for human consumption. Made in Southern California, they include detailed calorie and nutritional information and can be shipped across the country. $3.45 to $6.95 for a 7-ounce meal.
Puptato chips These “guilt free” snacks are “dried, not fried” and “virtually fat free,” which makes them good for canines with particularly sensitive stomachs. Order a bag of puptato chips your dog, grab a bag potato chips for yourself, veg out on the couch, and call it a perfect night. $4.99 for a 2-ounce bag.
For the fashion-forward
Aviator hat and scarf set.All You Need Is Pug
Aviator hat and scarf setWant your dog to stand out at the park? Consider an aviator-themed, hand-knit scarf and hat—together, they’ll make your pooch appear as if he’s about to take flight. Best of all? The set is custom made to your dog’s exact measurements, so Fluffy’s abnormally large head shouldn’t be a problem. $44; available on Etsy.
Shabby chic cat collarSweet Pickles Designs
Shabby chic cat collar If your cat was a person, would she gravitate towards flowery dresses, combat boots, and an overall boho hipster aesthetic as seen in Portlandia? If the answer is yes, or even a “maybe,” then this pink and navy flower-patterned collar, handcrafted in Portland, Ore., makes the perfect present. $12.99 to $13.49.
Bamboo knit fleece hoodie The hypoallergenic, sustainably sourced, comfortably soft hoodie features a harness opening on the back, so pups don’t get tangled before going on a walk. Most importantly? It’s really, really cute. $46 to $56, depending on the size.
For the practical-minded
Cat stroller Ever tried to walk a cat? It’s a recipe for disaster. Luckily, there’s a more convenient option for owners who want to take an amble with their feline companions: a stroller for cats. Just latch your cat in, and you’re ready to go. $199.99.
Figo pet insuranceFigo Pet Insurance
Figo Pet Insurance In exchange for a monthly fee, the web-based insurance company—which allows users to track claims by app—will pick up the cost for unexpected expenses, including emergency surgeries or vet visits. For dogs, premiums average about $35 a month.
Petcube PlayPetcube
Petcube Play The video feature allows owners to keep an eye on their pets when they’re out of the house, and the two-way audio feature allows for more conversational updates. It’s like a baby monitor, just more high-tech. $199.99.
We’ve included affiliate links into this article. Click here to learn what those are.
