According to the results of a recent poll conducted by the Associated Press and PetSide.com, the majority of pet parents are planning on tucking a gift under the tree for their dog or cat this year, despite the fact that many are cutting back on their gift budgets.
"Despite the recession, the pet industry has grown five percent in the past couple of years and is forecast to grow another five," said Tierra Bondali, a pet lifestyle expert. "If you're depressed or having a hard year, what can make you feel happier than that wagging tail?"
The poll indicates that a 53 percent of pet guardians will give Fido or Whiskers a gift this year, a full percentage more than indicated in last year's poll. Surprisingly, that percentage is slightly higher among families affected by recent job loss.
The poll also revealed different gift-buying tendencies among different types of pet owners. Women are more likely to buy gifts for their pet than are men, while dog parents are more likely to purchase a holiday pet-treat than are cat guardians.