The average pet owner is set to spend up to £50 pampering them this Christmas according to research by Support Adoption for Pets.
But what about the dogs out there who have nothing?
Who are living on the streets and who are a lifeline as companions for their owners?
Earlier this year we wrote about Jade Statt who along with fellow vet Sam Joseph founded StreetVet, an organisation who helps homeless dogs and their owners.
Each weekend Jade and her team of volunteers help dogs in London, Brighton and Bristol and they are expanding across the country.
At Christmas, they’re asking for animal lovers to support their shoebox appeal so a homeless person can treat their dog.
Giving a small gift means so much to the dogs and their owners.
Jade said: “These dogs are so loved, and their owners do all they can all year round to make sure they are fed and healthy.
“They often feed their dog before they feed themselves and Christmas is a difficult time. It’s cold and it’s emotional as it’s seen as a time for family and celebration.
“For some people, their dogs are all they have. Of course they want to treat them and give them a gift like any dog owner.
“So we’re asking people to spare a thought for them and donate so their dogs can have a present too. We’d love people to donate through the StreetVet scheme.
“But if you live away from London and want to help a homeless person and their pet, simply put together a box with some of our suggested items and take it directly to them.”
Suitable donations include a coat, ideally medium or large, collars and leads, collapsable bowls, food and biscuits, strong chew or rope toys and Christmas toys and treats.
To drop off a parcel, you can visit Park vets in Sidcup (and their branches), Bishops Storford Veterinary Hospital, Saffron Walden Veterinary Clinic, Good Companions in Stanstead Abbots, Chestnut Vets in Ware and all the Village Vet practices.
If you’re outside London and would like to help, the StreetVet team are putting together boxes with donations from their Amazon Wishlist.
Or if you’d like to help a homeless dog and their owner in your area, Jade suggests making a box up of the items above and taking it to them.
Since setting up StreetVet earlier this year, Jade, 38, and her team of more than 50 vets and nurses has helped over 100 dogs.
They give dogs a health check on the street, worm, vaccinate and treat skin complaints and if further treatment is needed they can arrange for a surgery to facilitate it.
She’s also been blown away by the support of the vet community, pet brands and food manufacturers who have made donations to help the dogs.
Jade said: “It’s time like now, following the overwhelming support from my colleagues, drug companies, vet practices and the industry as a whole for StreetVet that I feel very proud to be part of the veterinary profession.”
Follow Jade and the StreetVet team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and read how Jade and Sam’s journey began.