New pet gift ideas

New pet gifts are best when they cover the things people forget to buy: towels, storage, cleaning kit and something to keep the animal busy.

Avoid anything sized, flavoured or breed-specific until you know what the pet actually tolerates.

Genuinely useful

• Old towels and a proper microfibre drying coat or mitt.
• An airtight food storage tub, which nobody buys themselves.
• Enzyme cleaner for accidents - unglamorous and instantly used.
• A snuffle mat, lick mat or puzzle feeder for the settling-in weeks.

Nice rather than needed

• An engraved tag with the pet's name and the owner's number.
• A photo frame ready for the first proper picture.
• A pet first aid kit or a spare lead for the car.
• A voucher toward the vet, groomer or training classes.

Skip these

• Collars and harnesses - sizing and fit are personal and often wrong.
• Food and treats, unless you know the exact brand they have been advised to use.
• Toys with squeakers for a household with a baby, or anything with loose parts.
• Anything breed-specific if the pet is a rescue of uncertain heritage.

What to write in the card

• Congratulations on the newest and hairiest member of the family.
• Wishing you many happy walks and very few chewed shoes.
• So pleased for you both. Bring them round when they're ready.
• Welcome home to the new arrival. Sleep well while you still can.

Browse all cards

How to write it so it lands

• Buy the boring thing - it is the one they will use daily.
• Ask before giving food or treats.
• Give it a week or two; the first days home are busy enough.

Where to shop next

• Dog birthday party ideas
• Cat birthday ideas
• Pet birthday messages
• Gotcha day ideas
• Pet friendly party ideas
• Pet safe birthday cake and treats
• Pet loss keepsake ideas
• Pet guides
• All guides
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

What do you buy someone who has just got a dog?

Practical things they will not have thought of: drying towels, an airtight food tub, enzyme cleaner and a puzzle feeder.

Should you buy toys for a new pet?

Sturdy, one-piece toys are fine. Avoid anything with small parts, and check with the owner for puppies and kittens.

Is a vet voucher a good gift?

It is one of the most useful, particularly in the first year when vaccinations and neutering come round.