95% of Americans admit to buying Christmas gifts for their pets

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61% said they also buy birthday gifts for their pets, while 11% buy them Valentine's Day presents
On average, money spent on a pet gift is about $36, but many people admit to dishing out nearly three times that amount
One man revealed he takes his dog out to fancy restaurants, while another said he gives his pet bubble baths

Published: 18:05 EST, 19 November 2015 | Updated: 19:25 EST, 19 November 2015

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For many pet parents across the country, their cats and dogs are like their family. And people will do almost anything for their family, even if they’re small, fluffy, and can’t speak - from shelling out thousands of dollars for health care to spending hours brushing them, cooking them meals, and even managing social media accounts dedicated to them.

According to a survey by Rover.com of 1,000 U.S. pet owners, an incredible 95 per cent admit to buying Christmas gifts for their pets.

Christmas was the most popular occasion for pet gift giving, with 95 per cent of those who treat their pups and kitties purchasing a gift on that holiday, followed by birthdays (61 per cent) and, notably, Valentine’s Day (11 per cent).

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Over-the-top? Of 1,000 Americans polled, 95 per cent said they buy Christmas gifts for their pets, and one in 20 people admitted they spend more than $100 on the presents

More than a third of pet owners admit to buying their pet a present for every holiday and birthday, while 78 per cent said they only do it occasionally.

On average, money spent on a pet gift is about $36, but one in 20 people admit to spending more than $100.

'I buy a Christmas tree every year for my cat,' wrote one respondent, while another admitted to taking his dog out to a fancy restaurant.

Another pet owner explained: 'I do extreme things almost every day. From a nice bubble bath to brushing and even a steak dinner. She is not a pet but a member of the family.'

One in 10 take their pet to the groomers at least once per month, and only slightly less (eight per cent) admit to paying for regular pedicures.

More than 30 per cent of pet owners have brought home 'people food’ specifically for preparing or cooking for their pet, and seven per cent admit to doing so on a regular basis.

As for the top pet dishes, beef and chicken with a side of rice is a popular choice, but some admit to getting a bit more complex including 'chicken mac and cheese with pork chops', biscuits and gravy, and personal Thanksgiving dinners.

Plenty of pet owners admit to dressing up their little furry ones, with seven per cent claiming they do it on a regular basis, and 45 per cent admitting they have dressed up their pets at least once.

Of those who like to dress up their pets, 15 per cent say they do it every week.

Three per cent of pet owners admit to having dyed their pet’s hair, while another three per cent have a stroller for pushing their pet around town.

One in 20 pet owners admit to having made a social media account specifically for their pet. One in ten pet owners have also treated their cat or dog to some form of schooling.

'Our pets love us unconditionally, so it’s no surprise many pet parents treat their dogs like another member of the family,' says Brandie Gonzales of Rover.com, the nation’s largest network of dog sitters and dog walkers.

'Pet parents will go to amazing lengths to find nearby sitters who’ll let their dog sleep under the covers or even whip up a home-cooked meal - and those are just a few of the ways we show our dogs how much they mean to us,' she adds.

Pet illnesses are the number one source of stress for pet parents, with most owners ready and willing to shell out the big bucks to give their pets a long and happy life. The average topping out price was $2,320.

However, seven per cent of owners were willing to spend over $20,000 to ensure their pet’s health. Responders have sold cars, paid for specialist’s travel expenses and held bedside vigils for their ailing animals.

'I paid over $10,000 for chemotherapy and surgery when my dog got cancer last year,' remembered one diligent pet owner. 'He's over a year cancer free.'