Petplan Pet Insurance Finds Spa Days, Swarovski Crystals Among "Howl-i-Day" Gifts for Furry Family Members

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Tis the season to celebrate with family and friends – and that includes the furry, four-legged ones! According to an online survey conducted by No. 1-rated Petplan pet insurance of more than 6,600 American pet parents, 89% said they have purchased holiday gifts for their kitties and canines, with examples ranging from tasty treats and treasured toys to custom clothing, spa days and Swarovski crystal-encrusted collars.  

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And while crystal collars and spa days may seem like exceptions to the rule, Petplan's survey reveals that even in this chilly economy, pet parents are planning to splurge on their furry family members. According to Petplan's survey, 68% of pet parents estimate they will spend more than $20; 28% will spend more than $50; and 8% will spend more than $100 on presents for their pets this year. 

The survey also found that many pet parents considered some big-ticket purchases, such as a larger house (with a big yard, of course) or a new car, to be "gifts" to their pets.

"We have long known that pets are considered part of the family, so we're not terribly surprised by the survey results," says Natasha Ashton, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Petplan. "Pets spend all year showering us with unconditional love, and we want to show them our thanks by including them in this special time of year. We give them gifts, stuff their stockings, make them special treats and include them in our holiday cards, just as we would the rest of the family." 

But gifts are far from the only way pet parents include their four-legged family members in their traditional holiday celebrations, according to Petplan's 2011 holiday survey results:

• Season's Greetings – 62.5% of survey respondents reported having their pets pose for the holiday greeting card family photo, and 71% say they sign their pet's name on the card.
• Special Stockings – 76% of pet parents who took the survey reported that their pets have their own stockings to hang by the chimney with care.
• Visions of Catnip & Cookies – A lucky 80% of pets will enjoy special holiday treats while their family feasts, according to pet parents. To see a full menu of healthy, seasonal recipes perfect for your pet, visit Petplan's "Vets for Pets" blog.

For tips and information on keeping your pet healthy throughout the holiday season and beyond, visit www.GoPetplan.com.

ABOUT PETPLAN


Top-rated pet insurance provider, Petplan, is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine's list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. Petplan's fully customizable policies provide coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet as standard, and meet the coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. Petplan policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group, rated A+ by A.M. Best (2010). For information, about Petplan pet insurance, visit www.GoPetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.

SOURCE Petplan