ICR Survey Finds Dog Owners Edge out Cat Owners for Christmas Cheer

MEDIA, Pa. - (Business Wire) In spite of the economic climate, 68% of pet owners will buy their dogs and cats gifts this Christmas, according to a survey just completed by ICR/ International Communications Research, a full-service custom research company in Media, PA.
Dogs and cats love to play and since pet owners want happy pets, this holiday the number one present will be a toy, cited by 52% of those planning a gift. Another 24% of pet owners plan to buy special snacks or treats, especially among younger and middle aged pet parents (18-34 and 45-54 – 29%). The next most popular gift item is bedding and pillows, mentioned by 16%.
Cats may purr less since they are not as likely to get a gift; only 57% of cat owners say they are likely to buy a gift, vs. 71% of dog owners.
Not sure if the next item is something Fido or Snowball specifically requested, but 7% of pet owners say they will buy clothing for their pet, especially those 55-64 (13%), and those living in the Western US (16%).
The next few gifts mentioned tended to be more practical in nature, including a feeding bowl or dish (7%), grooming products (7%), and a pet carrier (2%).
Survey
The Pet Gift Survey is based on ICR’s EXCEL Omnibus study of 1,000 consumers 18+ interviewed by telephone (including cell phones) November 27-29, 2009. The margin of error is 3% at the 95% confidence level.
The EXCEL Omnibus survey is conducted by phone among 1,000 consumers weekly and includes both cell-phone users and a robust Hispanic sample. As a result, EXCEL represents an extremely reliable, representative sample based on rigorous sampling and methodology, and is used extensively not only by ICR’s business clients but also by academic, government and foundation partners.
ICR is a full-service market research company, providing research solutions addressing strategic and tactical issues in the US and 90 countries worldwide. For over 25 years, ICR has designed and implemented many marketing and opinion research studies among consumers, business professionals, physicians, and unique government and academic constituents. We provide our clients with direction in multiple areas, including product development, segmentation, brand building, advertising effectiveness, customer loyalty and social science research. For more information about ICR, please visit www.icrsurvey.com or www.ssrs.com.
ICR/International Communications Research
Chris Svoboda, 484-840-4321
csvoboda@icrsurvey.com,