10 Pet Gift Ideas for Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and More Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

My Fuzzy Valentine 10 Gifts for Pets That Show Your Love

Heart-shaped toys tasty treats and Valentine s Day attire for dogs cats and other animals

Getty Images Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Surveys show that people admit to cuddling their dogs more often than their partners, and to preferring time with their pooches over time with significant others or family members. "What pets provide on a regular basis is joy and purpose — someone to think of other than yourself,” says Melissa Prestinario, 50, a pet owner from Eugene, Oregon. Pet owner Melissa Prestinario with golden retriever Crosby. Courtesy Melissa Prestinario Working from home and social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic means people have spent more time with their pets than ever before. Those animals play a central role in combating loneliness, says Nancy R. Gee, the director of the Center for Human–Animal Interaction at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. "I hear it all the time: ‘If it weren't for my dog, I would've been in huge trouble during this pandemic,' ” Gee says. “Companion animals are making a major difference in our lives." And pet owners don't mind pampering their furry friends. Prestinario feeds her tuxedo cat, Nash, wild-caught tuna mixed with kibble or human-grade cat food made from chicken. Her golden retriever, Crosby, has a subscription to BarkBox, a company that sends customized boxes of themed toys and treats to pets every month. (The “Sit. Stay. Spa Day!” theme included a squeaker toy that resembled a detox drink.) Her pets will definitely get some extra affection and treats on Valentine's Day, and Prestinario doesn't mind dipping into her budget for that. "We like to spoil our pets because we love them unconditionally,” she says. While caring for them is a lot of work, Prestinario says, the payoff is “all the funny things they do keep your spirits up — and, of course, cuddling in bed at night is always good, too." Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > 1. Gourmet treats. Protein-packed, vitamin-enriched, with locally sourced ingredients, high-end dog biscuits and bites can deliver nutrition and taste. Consider the from Wüfers ($39), which features pink and white iced confections, or a from the Dog Bakery ($34.99). Dogs also love something meaty, like the (free of salt, sugars, fillers, chemicals and preservatives) from Farm Hounds ($50 for the Just Organs assortment box). “Fireworks go off in their heads,” says Megan Williamson, manager of the Whole Dog Market in Atlanta. “Once they have a taste for it, their eyes light up and they're like, ‘What can I do for that?' ” There are lots of local pet (and human) bakeries that cook up special treats for dogs, too, so check your area for options. 2. Heart-shaped toys. They're made out of rope or rubber. Some are soft, some squeak. However they're made, these loveys guarantee hours of fun together. You can find lots to choose from, including this (Amazon, $12.99), this red (Petco, $10.99) or (My Other Best Friend, $13.99). 3. Valentine outfits. Why shouldn't dogs dress to impress? Personalize a (Mark & Graham, $45) or a advertising free kisses (Yappy, $14.99). Or let your pet spread Valentine vibes with a (Muttropolis, $26).

Presents for cats

4. Teaser toys. Cats love to chase and pounce, so indulge their predatory instincts with some interactive toys. This has won several awards and uses batteries for casting and reeling string that will entrance your cat (Hammacher Schlemmer, $39.95). Leigh Daniels, owner of All About Dogs & Cats in Springfield, Missouri, filled with catnip for her three cats (Chewy, $7.99). “I started moving it from room to room,” she says. “The cats are like, ‘Oh my gosh, where did that come from?' ” AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe with pet-friendly acrylic yarns (Etsy, $9.95), a bejeweled (Petco, $11.99), or a that evokes love and Paris (PetSmart, $6.37) will make sure that your feline friend is accessorized properly. 6. Homemade goodness. Candy and chocolates are dangerous for cats, so whip up something simple in the kitchen to present on a platter. The internet is chock-full of recipes featuring , or in a for dessert.

Gifts for smaller animals

Rabbits:
7. Something to gnaw on. encourages chewing, promoting clean and healthy teeth, and alleviates boredom (101Rabbits, $7.99). These do the same but are infused with organic peach and pineapple juice — combining a toy and treat in one (Etsy, $2.94). Guinea pigs: 8. Grooming kit. Everyone wants to look their best on Valentine's Day, and a nice for your “piggies” will reduce shedding, prevent hair balls and keep nails under control (Amazon, $12.94). Toss some special salad mix — and even some cilantro — in the food bowl for a special treat. Reptiles and amphibians: 9. Live plants. They improve living quarters by providing fresh air and helping to keep tanks clean. Replicate the feel of a tropical forest with in multiple sizes (LLLReptile, $2.99 each for small varieties). Cameron Austin, a salesman at Scales ‘N Tails in Lakewood, Colorado, suggests different kinds of ficus, bromeliads or peperomia: “They definitely make [the enclosure] look and smell a lot better.” 10. New furniture. Branches, bark and man-made devices (Amazon, $13.19), (Reptile Supply Co., various prices) and (Zilla, various prices) allow pets to climb, bask and hide. More on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS