28 last-minute gifts for pet lovers
Let this be the last gift guide you read (seriously, you don't have much time).
I love gift giving because it’s an opportunity to think deeply about a person: what they like, what they need, what they’d love but wouldn’t get for themselves. But I am also a person who forgets to do her holiday shopping on Black Friday and needs a deadline, such as the five days left until Christmas, to get her moving.
So if you’re reading this now and still have people on your list, consider yourself officially on notice. Let this be the last gift guide you need to cover the pet lovers in your life.
The one who loves rescues
Merch from their favorite animal rescue
If you know where they adopted their pet from, check to see if there’s any cute merch that goes toward supporting the organization. I’ve had my eye on these hoodies from Wags & Walks, an LA-based rescue where I adopted my first dog, Gemma.
A donation toward a rescue is always a thoughtful gift during the holidays, when shelters may see an influx of surrendered or abandoned animals. With more resources (including fosters), rescues are able to pull more at-risk pets from shelters and increase their chances of survival.
I’m including links for the rescues I’ve adopted my dogs from or have interacted with, but support the ones local to you or your giftee!
Grounds & Hounds coffee
Grounds & Hounds donates 20% of its profits toward rescue organizations, so it’s a win-win all around. Now through January 15, a portion of every purchase of the Rescue Roast is going to the Beagle Freedom Project, which rehabilitates and rehomes animals that were used for animal testing. (If coffee isn’t their thing, go for their ceremonial matcha or dog-themed mugs.)
Embark DNA kit
Your rescue-loving friend or relative can finally stop guessing what unique combo of breeds their rescue mutt is.
The one who loves quirky decor
LEGO Tuxedo Cat
Conveniently perfect for cat lovers who are also allergic to…cats.
Dachshund ceramic planter
A cute and compact ceramic planter to keep your friend company on their desk.
Pyropet candle
Black cats aren’t just for Halloween! Perfect for the more gothically inclined friend.
The one who likes matching with their pet
Carhartt chore coat
For dogs who want to be stylish and warm.
Oh yeah, and for the human.
The one who loves gadgets
Furbo 360º dog/cat camera
Thank you to my brother, who got me a Furbo when I adopted my first dog, Gemma. I consider this a must-have for pet parents: not only does the camera allow you to check in on your pets while you’re away, it also doubles as an effective security camera, thanks to the 360º swivel and speaker/microphone that you can control from your phone.
The cat version (in black) comes with a feather toy and treat tosser, while the dog version (in white) just has the treat tosser.
The smart litter box
Oh ho ho, you didn’t think I’d forget about the smart litter box, did you? If you live in a multi-cat household (or have a loved one who does) and feel like balling out, look no further than Pet Libro’s AI-assisted litter box.
The one whose dog is always itchy
The medicine cabinet gift basket
These gifts may not be glamorous, but they are effective. And what’s better than a gift that’s actually useful? Chlorhexidine (at a 2-4% dilution) is a safe and effective antiseptic to treat an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast, fungi, and other issues that can cause itchy paws and skin in dogs and cats.
Here’s my favorite way to keep my dogs’ paws clean and itch-free, especially after a muddy day outside in the grass:
Pour a splash of chlorhexidine into a tall plastic tub (like an old deli soup container) and fill to the top with warm water.
Dip your pets’ paws into the tub.
Use a soft nail scrub brush to remove dirt and debris.
Rinse with clean water.
For itchy ears, go for the vet-recommended GOAT: Mal-A-Ket Plus TrizEDTA Flush (really rolls off the tongue, right?).
Soak a piece of non-woven gauze (it’s softer than standard gauze) with the solution. Fold the gauze into a compact triangular shape.
Massage the solution into your dog’s ear canal and wipe up any debris.
Let them shake their ears, and then go in with a clean gauze to dry the ear out.
Dog is Human multivitamin
One of my former dog walking clients said these multivitamins helped keep her Cavapoo’s fur silky soft.
The one who’s always on the go
Beis Sport Sling
I’ve talked about this bag before and I’ll do it again. This is my favorite dog walking bag, hands down.
Baggu foldable bags
Bags so cute they’ll remember to bring them to the grocery store.
Springland dog travel water bottle
I have my eye on the 44 oz. bottle to keep Gemma and Pippa hydrated during their morning runs, but go for the size that best suits your situation.
The one who has kids
Veterinarian play set
Plant the seed now for the next generation of veterinarians.
Cat night light
Quiet things down before bedtime with this soft, silicone night light molded in the shape of a sleeping cat.
The one who likes staying in the know
A yearly Tail Mail subscription
Wink, wink. It’s less than 1 cup of coffee a month.
Looking forward to kicking off a new year of Tail Mail with you all.