Unique and Thoughtful Gifts for Dog Lovers

Key Points

  • Peace-of-mind toys make excellent gifts for dog lovers.

  • Try a pet portrait if you want a unique way to make a dog owner smile.

  • Thoughtful pet presents don't have to break the bank.

Calling all friends of pet parents! Finding thoughtful pet presents doesn't have to be complicated. No, seriously!

Gone are the days of searching far and wide for the perfect dog owner gifts. No matter what type of dog owner you're shopping for, the list below points you in the right direction; no leash required. No matter the occasion, you'll find some top picks here.

Furbo Dog Camera

Furbo Dog Camera

Photo source: Amazon

Any pet parent knows leaving your dog is never easy, especially for dogs — and dog parents — who suffer from separation anxiety. Enter the Furbo Dog Camera.  This camera eases your separation worries while making it fun to see what your dog is up to when you’re gone.

The Furbo Dog Camera gives you the ultimate peace of mind when you are away. It allows you to see, talk, and toss your dog treats while you aren't around. The camera offers real-time alerts that you customize in the app. A unique feature that other cameras don't offer is the emergency alert. This alert has the potential to save your dog’s life, especially if they push limits and end up in a dangerous situation.

The camera offers a 160-degree wide lens, allowing you to put Furbo out of your pet's reach. Furbo also works with Alexa, giving you the option to schedule treat tossing. Each camera also offers night vision, meaning leaving your pup overnight doesn't have to be stressful.

Certified applied animal behaviorist, Patricia McConnell, tells the American Kennel Club, "If your puppy is already conditioned to go into stress mode when they know you’re leaving them, try countering that reaction by using a high-value treat they really love and that you only bring out for important lessons and rewards."

Furbo's treat dispenser is great for teaching your dog that leaving is okay and they don't have to worry.

BarkBox Subscription

BarkBox Subscription

Photo source: Amazon

Humans love their subscription boxes, so why not gift one to a dog lover in your life? The BarkBox subscription comes from a dog-obsessed team that loves spoiling dogs nationwide.

Dog lovers love this box because each BarkBox subscription has two dog toys, two bags of treats, and one drool-worthy chew. The box comes in three different sizes to ensure the toy your pup gets is the right size for their needs. These toys are made from high-quality materials to entertain your dog for hours, ensuring that your pup gets the most out of their box.

The box offers a variety of toys. Whether your dog loves to chew or would rather carry their toy around and snuggle it, there is a toy for them. No matter your dog’s breed and preferences, this box offers you a variety you won't find anywhere else.

The treats and chews inside are all-natural and made with no wheat, soy, or corn to ensure happy dog bellies. There are also allergy-friendly boxes! The best part is that all this comes straight to your door monthly.

iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher

iFetch ball launcher

Photo source: Amazon

The iFetch ball launcher is the perfect gift for dog lovers with active dogs! Dogs need exercise, but sometimes their love for fetch does a number on your throwing arm.

The iFetch ball launcher is perfect for small breeds. Each iFetch comes with three mini tennis balls that slip into the machine without getting stuck. Just drop the ball into the top of the toy and wait for it to launch. You set the distance between 10, 20, and 30 feet, making it suitable indoors and out.

It's possible to train your dog to use this toy themselves. The top of the toy is the perfect height for your dog to drop the ball in without your guidance. The fun doesn't have to end when the batteries run out, either! Each toy has a power cord and a slot for six C batteries.

Calming Dog Ad

This family-owned company also thought of the bigger dogs and created the iFetch Too for standard-sized tennis balls.

The biggest drawback is that dogs who slobber heavily may cause the ball to stick or slip inside the machine. This toy isn't the best for dogs that drool or love throwing toys in water unless you have plenty of spare balls.

Ruffwear Urban Sprawl Dog Bed

Everyone needs a soft place to relax at the end of the day, and dogs are no different. After a hard day of fetch, the RUFFWEAR dog bed is the perfect place for your dog to wind down and relax.

The RUFFWEAR dog bed has your dog's comfort in mind. The two-sided mattress offers your dog the option of a firm or soft side. Some dogs enjoy melting into a fluffy bed, while others need the extra support a firmer bed gives their joints. The Urban Sprawl comes in a low-profile design in two sizes for medium or large dogs.

The Urban Sprawl has a removable cover that is easy to wash. Just throw it in the washing machine and let it air dry to avoid shrinking. 

Each bed has a handle making it easy to take your dog's bed anywhere!

Personalized Dog Collar

Blueberry Pet customizable dog collar

Photo source: Amazon

As far as unique gift for dog owners go, you can't go wrong with a personalized dog collar. A custom-made collar from brands like Blueberry Pet or Orvis allows you to give dog owners peace of mind should their dog ever get out.

Each collar comes embroidered with the dog's name and the phone number of their human. Tags get lost constantly, but a collar with critical information won't. Each collar is made from high-density webbing to ensure years of durability.

Choose from several base colors and contrasting lettering. With this personalized dog collar, you'll never have to worry about the numbers and letters being hard to read.

The biggest issue owners run into is the embroidering sometimes hides under the adjustment buckle. Depending on the dog's size and the length of their name, this is something to be aware of. It doesn't render the product unusable or unreadable, but it might affect the aesthetics. 

Whistle GO Explore Pet Tracker

Consider giving active pet parents the Whistle pet tracker for a unique dog gift. This unique tracker slides onto the dog's collar and holds all kinds of important information.

Using the AT&T nationwide network and Google Maps, track your dog and easily find their location. It eliminates the worry of losing your pet if they make a sneaky escape. Set up notifications to know when your pet leaves the designated safe area, and you'll know something is wrong immediately.

Track calories, activity levels, and different behaviors to ensure your dog is healthy. Everything compiles into the easy-to-read app data, which also lets you easily send a 30-day report to your vet.

The downside is that you need a Whistle pet tracker subscription. It costs about eight bucks a month but comes with access to on-demand veterinary help through phone or email. Not everyone wants a subscription-based tracker, which is the top complaint for many pet parents who want a tool to keep their pets safe.

Custom Pet Portrait

Portrait of six dogs with multicolor backgrounds.

Nothing says, “I know how much you love your dog,” like a custom pet portrait. Etsy is the top place to commission a custom pet portrait. Etsy provides different methods and mediums for creating a pet portrait and different price ranges.

A pet portrait is also a great way to memorialize pets that have passed on. It allows owners to keep their pet present in their homes. 

When considering giving a pet portrait, think beyond paint and canvas. A trendy medium in 2023 is needle felting, the choice of pet portrait artists like Anneli Kirby.

Unique Dog Gifts

Two small fluffy dogs in party hats with balloons in the background.

Finding the best dog gifts doesn't have to be a chore, no matter who you shop for. Big or small, this list has something for everyone.

Remember, thoughtful pet presents come from the heart, and any dog owner who receives a gift centered around their fur baby is bound to love it. Just be prepared for the zoomies that might happen after the wrapping falls to the floor.

For other insights into what pet parents want, subscribe to BreedExpert!

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