Family
published : 2023-09-28
Dog 'pawty': 3 pet owners share why they spend hundreds of dollars on their pets' birthday parties
One pet owner said she spent roughly $300 on her dog's first birthday party
Happy birthday! Americans across the country celebrate birthdays every day — and sometimes even for their beloved pets.
Approximately 66% of U.S. households own a pet in 2023, with roughly 65.1 million of those households specifically owning a dog, according to the American Pet Products Association.
Pet owners share why they've chosen to throw birthday parties for their pets, and to what extent they go to celebrate a four-legged member of their family.
Sandra Macedo is the proud owner of a one-year-old long-haired Dalmatian named Ryder.
Ryder recently had his first birthday party in Atlanta, Georgia, including invitations, a cake, piñata, decorations, and gifts.
The content creator told Fox News Digital that the birthday party probably cost her about $100 and she'll definitely be hosting one every year for her precious pup.
Macedo said she's always wanted a dog like Ryder and considers him her 'soul dog.' She believes that dogs deserve a birthday celebration dedicated to them.
Another dog owner, Erika Ekman, celebrates her Golden Retriever named Lady just like she would a friend.
She considers Lady a very important family member, so she wants to make her birthday special every year.
Ekman threw Lady a birthday party inviting her best dog friends and 12 people, spending more money on the party than she would for her husband.
She believes that celebrating Lady's birthday is an opportunity for the dogs to socialize and interact in a controlled and safe environment.
Ally Diaz, a bridal makeup artist from Palm Springs, California, threw an extravagant first birthday party for her dog, Sunny.
Diaz wanted to reunite Sunny with his eight siblings for the party, which was a unique and memorable occasion.
The dog owner and her family made favor boxes filled with toys and treats for the dogs, and dressed them up in cute attire for the party.
In total, Diaz spent about $300 on the backyard event with 25 humans also in attendance, and she considered it absolutely worth it.
She believes that hosting a birthday party for dogs is a great opportunity for them to socialize with each other and for the owners to connect with other animal lovers.
Dog birthday parties are growing in popularity, and these pet owners plan to continue celebrating their dogs' birthdays each year.
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Brittany Kasko is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital.
