DOG owners across the UK will spend more on presents for their dog than they will for their closest friend this Christmas, according to new research found by Happy Place Index.

As the nation gears up for the festive break, new research reveals what dog owners have long known, our dogs aren’t just pets they’re family.

From joining in on Christmas morning gift exchanges to featuring in family photos, festive walks, and even ‘singing’ Christmas cards, the UK’s four-legged friends are being treated like lifelong best friends, cherished companions who make every home a happier place.

The festive period gives people a chance to fully appreciate this, they spend less time rushing around in work or life tasks and have more time to dedicate it to things, people and animals they love.

Brits consider their dogs to be apart of the family, They’re valued members of their households, 40 per cent think their dog as their child and another 49 per cent refer to them as their best friend, according to a new survey commissioned by Dogs Trust as part of their Happy Place Index, which spoke to 5,002 UK dog owners.

It is a scientific fact that dogs have the power to make us happier people. When you look at your dog, your brain produces more oxytocin. It works both ways, and recent studies have shown that just looking at each other causes your dog’s oxytocin levels to go up too.

This reinforced by the 87 per cent who agreed their dog’s happiness level impacts their own, 60 per cent have spent more time in nature since becoming dog owners, 28 per cent have met and socialised with more people, and 35 per cent feel less lonely.

On average, owners will buy their dog five presents at £25 each whilst giving their closest friend three presents at £35 each. That’s £20 more spent on dogs across the country.

Over 65 per cent, approximately 6.7 million households will sign their dog’s name in family Christmas cards this year, raising an average of seven cards, meaning there could be up to 46,900,000 paw-printed cards in circulation this month.

Actress and Dogs Trust supporter Suranne Jones, who recently visit the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Glasgow, said: “Christmas in our house definitely revolves around our dachshunds Mickey and Chase – they’re brothers, they’re inseparable, and they’re absolutely part of the family.

“They bring so much joy and comfort, especially at Christmas, and I honestly can’t imagine life without them”.

Our love of dogs knowns no bounds, and the social time we spend with our pets is clearly important to us. Over 59 per cent of owners have cancelled plans simply because their dog couldn’t join them. 18 per cent say they have done many times, rising to 26 per cent of Gen Zs and 24 per cent of Birmingham residents, and those living in homes without gardens are especially likely to cancel, 28 per cent have done so repeatedly, a sign that companionship often outweighs socialising outside the home.