Gifts that Give Back for Pets and Pet Parents

Looking for the paw-fect gift for the animal lover or pet on your holiday list this year? Look no further

From dog treat advent calendars to pet-friendly house cleaners, these gifts all benefit animal charities—so they are gifts you can feel good about giving.

1. Petite Paws dog daycare, from $140

Socialization, playtime and exercise: doggy daycare is the holy trifecta of awesome for canines. Plus, it saves owners a walk in the pouring rain on those miserable Vancouver winter days. Get the pup—and pet parent—on your list a package to their favourite dog daycare. Petite Paws in Vancouver’s Olympic Village, which exclusively admits dogs under 30 pounds, cares for your small-breed dog like they’re a member of their own family. Petite Paws posts videos and pics on Instagram throughout the day so you can see what Fido is up to. Five-day packages start at $140 (New dogs must be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on their shots and undergo an assessment).
Benefit: With every 5- and 10-day daycare package purchased, $5 and 10 respectively is donated to the BC SPCA or the dog charity of your choice

2. Dog advent calendar, $39.95

Get four-legged kiddos in on the holiday countdown fun with this Christmas dog treat advent calendar from Falvai Creative. Starting December 1, open the doors to reveal a high-quality treat every day right up until Christmas morning. The calendar is filled with three treat flavours: organic grass-fed beef, wild Pacific salmon and natural peanut butter. Other ingredients include carrots, oats, pumpkin, flax and kale. Made with love by Vancouver Island’s Kali Wags. 
Benefit: $10 of every calendar sale benefits Paws for Hope Animal Foundation when you write ‘Paws for Hope’ in the notes-to-seller field

3. Dog cabin sweater, from $35

Keep Fido warm on chilly winter days with this very Canadian cabin sweater from RC Pet Products. The tight-knit weave—a blend of cotton and acrylic—has a stretchy rib collar and versatile fit. Available in multiple sizes so it will work for pint-sized pups like Yorkies, all the way up to Huskies and large breeds. It’s machine washable and comes in two colours: red or burgundy.
Benefit: RC Pet Products is donating 100 per cent of all profits from the sale of cabin sweaters on the BC SPCA online store

4. Pet-friendly house cleaning, from $150

Let’s face it: houses can get messy when there are four-legged friends around. Give the pet owner in your life the gift of a sparkling home with organic and pet-friendly house cleaning services from AspenClean. The Vancouver service’s cleaners love pets, and will even re-fill Fido’s water dish. Unlike other cleaning systems, its house-brand products are tough on pet messes without harming the environment—or your pet’s health. AspenClean products are vegan, not tested on animals and certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. (They smell fantastic too.) Book your cleaning services and purchase products online or purchase goods at Whole Foods. Gift cards are a great holiday gift for the animal lover in your life too!
Benefit: Partial proceeds of cleaning services and products benefits the BC SPCA
Bonus: Use the code BCSPCA for 10 per cent off products online

5. Leash clothes, from $18

With slogans like “Dogs Before Dudes” and “I Just Want to Hang With My Dog,” these shirts are the perfect apparel for the dog lover on your Christmas list. All slogans come in either tank top, t-shirt or cozy sweatshirt. Oh, and they have mugs too. Prices range from $18 to 40. Purchase at Leash Loft & Spa in Coquitlam and shipping is available.
Benefit: All proceeds benefit Vancouver-based dog rescue L.E.A.S.H. Animal Welfare Society to help pay for vet bills and spay/neuter procedures

6. PAWks anti-slip dog socks, $9.99

Have an older dog in your life that could use a little extra traction? These PAWks anti-slip dog socks from RC Pet Products provide extra tread for senior dogs or canines with hip and knee trouble. The decals on the machine-washable, cabin-style booties have a paw print decal that increases grip on hardwood floors. There’s also an adorable matching sweater available. Sizes vary from XXS to XL.
Benefit: RC Pet Products is donating 100 per cent of all profits from the sale of PAWks on the BC SPCA online store

7. GoFetch dog walking and pet boarding, starts at $25

Hailed as Airbnb for pets, the Vancouver-based GoFetch website and app connects pet owners with trusted and reliable pet sitters and dog walkers in the area. Detailed profiles of each provider include their accommodation, outdoor space, experience with animals and client reviews. There are 500 service providers in the Vancouver area alone. A gift certificate for the animal lover in your life can help them get away for an impromptu pet-free weekend without worrying about finding trustworthy accommodation for Fido.
Benefit: GoFetch will donate $1 to the BC SPCA for every service booked in December
Bonus: BCLiving readers can enjoy 25 per cent off their bookings by using the code BC25OFF

8. Cozy couch blankets, $32.99

Made from super-soft—and super washable—micro-fleece and faux fur, these couch blankets are perfect for people and pets. Available in 12 different colours and patterns, including paw prints and buffalo plaid, there make a great gift for pet lovers or anyone who likes to snuggle with Fido on the couch during cold winter nights. Get them at PetSmart.
Benefit: 10 per cent of retail sales will be donated to PetSmart Charities of Canada, which helps local animal welfare projects

9. Collectible cuddle buddies, $5

Fun for kids and pets alike, these holiday-themed characters squeak when squeezed. Choose between “Chance” the dog, “Lucky” the cat and “Hope” the bunny. Grab this bargain at PetSmart.
Benefit: 10 per cent of retail sales will be donated to PetSmart Charities of Canada, which helps local animal welfare projects

10. Spud deliveries

This holiday season, give the animal lover on your list the gift of skipping the pet store and lugging home huge bags of dog food and cat litter. Organic grocery delivery service Spud has expanded to include a wide variety of pet items, with a focus on sustainable, local and wholesome ingredients. Offerings include dog and cat food, treats, cat litter, care items and biodegradable poop bags. Gift cards are also available.
Benefits: Spud supports Vancouver-based dog rescue L.E.A.S.H. Animal Welfare Society
Bonus: Use code CRVAN-MATDAH for $20 off your first order of $50 or more

11. Catlendar, $15

Purr-fect for the cat lover on your list. This 2018 “Catlander” calendar features more than 15 cats and kittens rescued by VOKRA—Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue—laid out in a unique, magazine-style format. Available for purchase online and at dozens of retail outlets across Metro Vancouver.
Benefit: All proceeds support the rescue of more than 1,400 kitties each year

12. Personalized pet presents, from $24

This holiday season, get personal with the pet and pet lover on your list. Make Vancouver on Granville Island has a great collection of items for you to choose from. Customize the pillow or bandana of your four-legged friend or, if you want to buy and go, pick up an “I love all the dogs” or “I love all the cats” t-shirt, tote or tea towel!
Benefit: 25 per cent of proceeds from personalized pet items benefits the BC SPCA

13. Dog-calming essential oil, $25

Scented with chamomile and lavender, this ‘Sweet Dreams Darling’ essential oil blend promotes relaxation for both people and pets.  Spray the Happy Spritz blend on Fido’s bed and around your pup to help ease nervousness and separation anxiety. Oh, and it smells great too!
Benefit: A portion of proceeds benefits animal charities, including Love Leo Rescue

14. The Dawg Pack subscription box, $77 per season

The Dawg Pack is a B.C.-based subscription box designed specifically for your four-legged friends. You and your canine kids will receive a selection of carefully curated items, ranging from treats and toys to useful accessories. Certainly saves time heading to the pet store and continues providing joy throughout the year, with deliveries every 90 days.
Benefit: Partial proceeds from each box sold benefit orphaned dogs who are still searching for a “forever home”