Pets to be pampered this Christmas

PAMPERED Ipswich pets are set to be utterly indulged this Christmas.

An Australian Companion Animal Council study found that pet ownership pumped $6.02 billion into the Australian economy last year.

Gourmet foods and edible treats, toys, bedding and grooming, pampering and veterinary treatment made up most of the costs associated with keeping a cat or dog.

It also found people treated their pets as another member of the family, which included buying them gifts for Christmas.

North Ipswich Pet Shop owner Jason Bazeley said the results were not surprising.

Mr Bazeley said it was becoming common for people to include the family pet on their Christmas list.

“Pets are treated like children, in some cases better than children,” Mr Bazeley said.

“They want them to be part of the whole festive thing.”

He said spending ranged from a couple of dollars for dog or cats treats to the hundreds for a top of the line cat scratching post.

“Last year we had someone buy a play gym for a hand-raised parrot,” Mr Bazeley said.

“Considering when they bought the parrot it probably cost around $100, to spend $300 for a play gym is pretty extravagant.”

Mr Bazeley said Christmas present ideas included bowls filled with treats, a new kennel for the dog or even ornaments for the family fish.

Clea Sandler, owner of Gold Coast-based luxury online pet boutique Snooty Paws, said people were increasingly treating their pets as another member of the family.

“Children aren’t the only ones who will be looking under the tree this Christmas,” Ms Sandler said.

“Christmas is by far our busiest time of year, with people buying Christmas collars, toys, stockings and yummy treats for their pets.”