The magic of Christmas is setting in…
It’s that time of sharing, with its legendary gift exchange for family members and loved ones.
But what about our loyal four-legged companions who share our daily lives and joys? Who will be the most spoiled this year? How much are we willing to spend? Who feels attached to the idea of giving a gift to their pet—and what kind of gift is it?
Weenect, the leader in GPS trackers for dogs and cats, wanted to find out more. By surveying over 1,500 of its customers, clear trends and habits have emerged, shedding light on the role our pets play in the holiday festivities.
Reading time : 3 min
Our pets are not forgotten during the celebrations. An impressive majority (84.18%) of respondents plan to slip a gift for their companion under the Christmas tree. This affection varies slightly by species: dogs are a bit less spoiled (82.45%) compared to cats (86.39%), showing that our love for feline friends shines just as brightly during the holidays.
While the intention to give is clearly there, it often comes with moderation. The majority (81.28%) plan to spend less than €50, reflecting genuine affection without giving in to extravagance. However, a notable segment (16.53%) is willing to go further, considering a budget of up to €150.
When looking at the reasons why some pets won’t find a gift with their name on it this Christmas, opinions differ. A large portion (51.7%) believe that, despite all the love they have for their companion, giving a present to an animal feels a bit whimsical. For others (19.1%), the idea simply never crossed their mind — though who knows, that might change in the future. Some (16.1%) feel their pets are already spoiled enough on a daily basis and see no need to add an extra gift at Christmas. Finally, more practical reasons also emerge: not celebrating Christmas (6.7%) or budget constraints (6.4%).
The attention given to our pets varies noticeably across generations. Younger people, particularly those under 25, seem especially attached to the tradition of giving their pet a gift, with a strong tendency (nearly 95%) to do so. Conversely, older generations show less inclination, perhaps reflecting a different perception of the relationship between humans and animals. This finding — coupled with the fact that only 68% of those aged 65 and over plan to give a gift to their pet — may indicate a shift in attitudes. Younger generations, more likely to see their pets as full-fledged family members, thus mark a departure from older traditions.
At the heart of Christmas magic, women stand out for their festive generosity, particularly in the attention they give to their pets (16.95% offer gifts to them even outside the holiday season). They tend to manage their budgets carefully (2.65% more women than men set strict limits), yet often give in to spontaneous moments of affection (5.23% exceed their initial budget), highlighting how animal well-being holds an important place in their year-end spending.
The holiday season raises the question of how much is budgeted for gifts for our four-legged friends. Students (35.29%) and farmers (28.57%) stand out for increasing their spending to spoil their companions. In contrast, executives and retirees are more restrained, with only a small share (8.06% and 8.97%) increasing their expenses. On the side of reduced spending, students (17.65%) report more financial restrictions, while artisans and business owners (5.77%) seem less affected. Stability, however, remains the norm — particularly among executives (83.06%) — reflecting a methodical approach to festive spending. On average, most professionals maintain a consistent budget (72.11%), suggesting a loyalty to well-established habits despite economic fluctuations.
When it comes to spoiling our pets, certain gifts clearly stand out. Toys top the list (66.9%), reflecting owners’ desire to give their companions fun and playful moments. Treats (45.5%), those much-loved indulgences, come in second place. Accessories such as bowls, harnesses, or leashes (17.4%) and bedding (17.1%) are also popular, as are tech gadgets (15.9%) — a sign of a growing interest in combining pleasure and innovation. Cat trees and scratching posts (13.9%), essentials for our feline friends, round out the list. This variety of gifts shows a genuine desire to tailor each present to the personality and needs of every animal.
For everyone wishing to pamper their pet while supporting a noble cause, Weenect offers its Christmas Pack. Combining cutting-edge technology and solidarity, each purchase contributes to a charitable action: €5 are donated to an animal shelter, extending the magic of Christmas beyond our own homes.
This study highlights the prominent place our pets hold in French festive traditions. As true members of the family, they are at the heart of our attention, reflecting the diversity of perceptions and attitudes among the French. By offering tailored solutions, Weenect positions itself as a key player in this growing trend, continuously striving to strengthen the unique bond between humans and animals.
Press contact: presse@weenect.com
