British company thortful shares birthday study about dogs and pet parents

Celebrating your birthday is a beloved pastime for humans and dogs alike. While the dogs might not understand, their humans do.

In a recent study shared by the British greeting company: thortful, pet parents might be shortchanging you. It might even be for what you think though as this study dives deep into what people are willing to pay for their pets.

Of course, receiving a gift or money is always nice, but you can’t exactly give your pets money unless you’re buying them something. Even so, British pet parents are spending a bit more on their pets sometimes than their human friends and family.

Considering that pets are just as much a part of our family, this might not shock some but completely flabbergasted others.

thortful and Dr. Becky Spelman shares some insights into pet birthdays.

The major takeaway from the study and something I was shocked by is that 54% of British pet parents are spending more on their pets than their own family for their birthdays. While it might seem shocking, it does make a lot of sense. You want your pet to feel love on their birthday and the best way to do that is to buy them a special treat, get them a toy, or grab something extra for them.

The survey also shared how pet parents decide to celebrate: “According to thortful’s survey, 50% of people spend lots of money on their pet’s birthday because they simply can’t help but spoil them. Almost a third (30%) said that they even buy them a birthday cake, and 61% buy them a birthday present.” This doesn’t surprise me in the slightest as I’ve always given my dogs and cats a special treat on their birthday.

If you’re wondering about the reason behind it all, Dr. Becky Spelman spoke about that. Spelman is a psychologist and founder of a private therapy clinic. In speaking about the study, she highlighted something all pet parents think of: “Pets bring joy, reduce stress, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Their unwavering loyalty and non-judgmental presence make them deserving of our affection, kindness, and efforts to enhance their well-being.” Given how pets make us feel, it all comes full circle.

Of course, everyone feels differently but I know that regardless of how much or how little you do, your pets will appreciate it. If anything, it might explain why you’re compelled to pick something special out for your pet while just grabbing a gift card for a family member.

Were you surprised by what this study shared? Let us know in the comments!