Share the love with personalized dog and cat gifts

By Michelle Banks

Pet ownership has jumped in the last three decades like a black Lab leaping into a pond to retrieve a plastic duck. According to Forbes magazine, two-thirds of all U.S. households (nearly 90 million homes) own at least one pet. That’s up from 56 percent in 1988. And 97 percent of pet owners consider their dogs, cats or other pets part of the family.

Whether you run a veterinary clinic, a dog grooming service, a boarding facility or just have a business whose customers and employees own pets (that’s pretty much the rest of us), you can boost your marketing efforts with custom pet gifts.

If you ever brought your pampered pooch to a pet groomer (either at a big-box store or a local shop), Lady or Bowser probably came home wearing a custom dog bandana with the business logo on it. This extra touch reminded you to book your canine’s next appointment and gave you that warm feeling of getting a little bonus.

While dog-related businesses may stock a large variety of pet swag, from personalized dog bowls to custom leashes, your business can track down a few fun items that will get tails wagging and pet owners perking up their ears and eyes!

Here are a few ideas from Michelle, our custom pet products expert in 4imprint’s Merchandising Dept., to focus on fidos and felines while also getting your business noticed:

1. Stress pet health with collapsible water bowls and poop bag dispensers

Healthy dogs and cats need a ready supply of fresh water at all times. Company wellness programs promote an active lifestyle, but it’s easy to push your four-legged friends too hard in hot weather. Some dog breeds in particular are prone to overheating. Dogs also can pick up diseases at dog parks and walking trails, especially if they come in contact with contaminated feces. Help keep your active pets safe by carrying a collapsible custom water bowl with your water bottle and cleaning up after your pet. Custom poop bag dispensers are handy for responsible pet owners and the animal-loving businesses who support them!

2. Promote a run/walk event that’s pro pet: Bandanas, leashes and more

Many businesses and charities sponsor community run/walk fundraisers that include pets and their owners. It’s a way to promote exercise and raise some much-needed funds for local animal shelters and draw public attention to the cause. Your “Doggy Dash” packet could include a low-cost personalized dog bandana and a custom dog leash, both printed with the business logos of sponsors. Your shelter can also sell their branded water bowls, custom water bottles, dog tags and more at the event.

Pet Bandana

One of our customers, Agatha, found the perfect custom dog bandana from us to raise awareness for a local animal rescue! Check out her story here in #Swaggingrights and qualify to get your special gift when you submit a photo of your products being used!

3. Keep pets safe at night with specialty collar tags and lights

Keeping Fido fit and trim is important, and he can help you stay active, too. Many of us who work in the daytime find a nighttime dog walk the only option. A reflective custom pet collar tag is a great idea to make sure your pooch gets spotted as you walk or run on the sidewalks and streets of the neighborhood. Outfit your employees for safe evening travels (with or without their pet) with our nice selection of branded custom flashlights, too!

4. Have dog, will travel: Traveling with pets is becoming easier

“A rising number of hotels and airlines are becoming more pet friendly, making it easier to travel with pets,” Michelle said. Pet care is expensive for travelers, so some pet owners are finding it’s more cost-effective to bring their beloved pets along, especially on shorter road trips, Michelle explained.

Your business can make it easier for dog and cat owners to travel with a custom collapsible pet bowl with your logo or a printed pet water bottle. Both these practical promo gifts will please pet owners and help them see that you share their love for animals! Give yourself a dog biscuit!

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