Who’s been a good boy this year? Your furry friend, obviously. They delivered much-needed company and cuddles during a rough year, and what better way to show your thanks than with a great holiday gift? We asked the SmarterTravel pet-owners what their dogs, cats, and other assorted animals can't live without. The result: this pet-approved gift guide.
Petmaker Pop-Up Soft-sided Dog & Cat Playpen
Although it’s designed for cats and dogs, this playpen works for bunnies too and is a lifesaver in COVID times. It is easy to travel with and allows my parents to visit my new pet in the driveway instead of coming inside. It is also a must-have for keeping animals in a smaller space after surgeries or to recover from injuries. — Rosie Steinberg
Furbo Dog Camera
One day, we’re going to be allowed to leave the house again, and when we do, your dog is really going to miss you. Fortunately, if your dog loves food more than she loves you, she won’t be sad any longer when you distract her with treats from the Furbo Dog Camera. This fun, wifi-operated gadget, lets you see, talk, and toss treats at your dog from anywhere in the world. — Caroline Teel
Furry Mice Cat Toys
Although she’s not a very effective predator as an indoor cat, these cat toys have my cat fully convinced she is the queen hunter. She’ll bat them around for hours and happily chase them around the house. She’ll present them to me as if she brought them from outside, which is truly adorable. These toys are a great way to get an otherwise sedentary cat active. — Torie Davids
GoDog Toys
My dog loves these toys from GoDog. They are extra-durable, so they last much longer than most toys, which she tends to shred to pieces within an hour. They can also be put through the washing machine, so if one ends up outside in the rain, it can still be washed and turned into an indoor toy. Plus, they are all super cute and animal-themed; we have the gator and dragon. — Sarah Tobin
Bonito Flakes
My old roommate’s cat would sprint across the house at the slightest hint that someone might be considering opening the Bonito Flakes bag. It’s just dried, shaved fish, but that cat would do literally anything to get her paws on them. There were several bags of chips that she tore apart in the hopes that they might contain Bonito Flakes, and there was little she would not do for them. — Matthew Coleman
Armarkat Cat Tree
This is my cat’s absolute favorite thing in the world. She’s gotten so much more playful since I put this in the apartment. She loves the scratching poles and doesn’t scratch our furniture as often now, which is a great bonus. My favorite is when she runs as fast as she can all the way to the top and then immediately falls asleep. So cute! — Torie Davids
Oxbow Small Animal Hideout
I got this hideout (in large) for my 4-pound bunny and it is her number one sleeping spot. It doesn’t have a bottom, so it is very easy to clean, and she tips it on its side and upside down for different sleeping configurations. Not to mention it is super space-efficient and can be easily folded to bring on the go. — Rosie Steinberg
