10 Dec 2025
Australians are spending more than ever on their beloved pets, with $16 billion* going towards food and $5.5 billion on veterinary services each year. On average, that’s about $3,300 per dog and $2,100 per cat. This surge in ‘human-style’ pet care shows a clear shift in how Australians view their fury friends like family members - placing greater emphasis on premium diets and tailored services to ensure their companions enjoy the highest level of comfort and wellbeing.
Aussie pet owners are set to spend over $1 billion on their pets this Christmas.
1 in 3 Aussie pet owners (31 per cent) admit they will spend more on their pets than some of their human relatives.
More than half (57 per cent) will prepare or buy a special festive meal for their best mate.
2 in 5 Aussie pet owners have plans to dress up their pets in festive costumes.
With Christmas just around the corner, new research from leading pet retailer, PetO, reveals Aussie pet owners are set to spend over $1 billion on their pets this festive season. They are embracing festive costumes, special meals and gifts for their furry friends, helping to make this season one of the busiest yet for pet retailers.
Our four-legged friends from up and down the country will be pampered this Christmas, with their owners set to spend around $80 on average on treats and toys, which brings the total spend to over the billion-dollar mark. And for a special few, expect even more pampering, with 13 per cent of Aussie pet owners set to spend an astounding $200 or more on their pets this Christmas.
Michael Hollis, CEO of PetO says this trend is not surprising. “While many pet owners in the past have used the Christmas sales to stock up on essential items, we’re seeing rapid growth in the types of products that you’d expect to see under the Christmas tree, from toys to special treats.”
“This trend is why we’re predicting a 15 per cent uplift in sales this Christmas compared to last, but most importantly it’s great to see this festive cheer being passed on to our beloved pets.”
2025 is well and truly the age of pet humanisation, with many Aussies treating their pets with the same (if not more) level of love as members of their immediate family, with 1 in 3 Aussie pet owners (31 per cent) admitting they will spend more on their pets than on some of their human relatives.
But count yourself lucky if you do receive a present this Christmas, as 2 in 5 (43 per cent) would rather spend on their pets than some family members!
Aussie pet owners are making sure their pets don’t just look the part this Christmas - they’re getting a seat at the table too, with 3 in 5 (57 per cent) stating that they will prepare or buy a special festive meal for their four-legged family members.
“Pets are family, and we want to make sure they’re part of every tradition, whether that’s posing for photos with Santa or enjoying a festive feast with the rest of the family,” said Mr Hollis.
This research comes as Aussies up and down the country are ramping up their present preparations to find the perfect gift for their two-legged – and four-legged – friends and family to put under the Christmas tree.
For those on the hunt for the paw-fect present for their best mate this Christmas, Joy Fong, General Manager of Product & Brand at PetO, says Christmas toys are topping gift lists this year.
“We’re forecasting a 20 per cent growth in toys this festive season as more Aussies pick gifts that are cute, practical and guaranteed to bring Christmas cheer - and plenty of playtime,” said Ms Fong.
“This Christmas we’re seeing strong demand across a range of festive pet gifts — from Australian-themed toys like Fuzzyard’s Wallace the Wombat and Errol the Echidna, to limited-edition seasonal favourites from KONG that our customers look forward to each year.”
Treats are also expected to be one of the most popular presents pet owners place under the tree this year.
“They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, and pet owners are proving it by picking up everything from Barney’s Barkery’s handmade Christmas cookies to the trusted year-round favourites like Fit ’n’ Flash and Joy Dog Treats.”
Whether your buddy is begging for new toys, craving treats, in need of a sparkly new collar or ready to rock an adorable Christmas outfit for the treasured annual photo with Santa Claus, PetO has you covered.
With 58 stores nationwide, PetO is Australia’s largest family-run pet retailer, providing everything from a huge range of pet products to grooming services and on-site vets at select locations. PetO also provides same-day delivery, 30 minute click-and-collect and the PetO Pals Loyalty Program – making it more convenient and beneficial for pet owners to access everything they need.
Christmas goodies (and much more) are available now across all 58 stores as well as online. Find your local store and learn more via PetO.com.au.
About PetO:
PetO is a family-owned and operated pet-specialty store based in Sydney, NSW. Founded by brothers, Nick Greenhalgh and David Rowe, PetO prides itself on being the cat and dog specialists, offering quality advice and exceptional customer service to pet lovers since 2006. PetO’s houses an extensive range which includes more than 5,000 cat and dog products across 200 brands. In addition to its brick-and-mortar presence, PetO offers a seamless online shopping experience, with a loyalty program boasting over 250,000 members and convenient options such as two-hour delivery or thirty-minute click-and-collect services.
Editor’s Notes
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 654 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th - 17th November 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adult pet owners (aged 18+).
*Sourced from PIAA (Pet Industry Association of Australia)