What to Get a Pet Parent, According to Pet Parents

Aside from serving as a stimulating activity for pets, puzzle treat dispensers can be a great way to encourage slow(ish) snacking. Nicky Besuden, CR’s associate director of new ventures, recommends this dynamic treat dispenser—"My dog loves all the treat puzzles.”

Shopping editor Mary Beth Quirk’s recommendation comes in the form of this cheeky toy that’s bound to please. “It can keep my cat happy and playing for a long time,” she says, “and I can tell she loves it—to the point that her love of chewing on it has required me to get a regular banana subscription to keep her supplied. Plus, she’s just super-cute when she grabs it in her paws and bunny-kicks it to death.”

“My cat absolutely loves this three-way tunnel,” says CR’s digital product manager Merideth Mergel. The pop-up tunnel is foldable—so it can be easily stowed away when not in use—and is a prime spot for napping and playing.

How is this for an easy stocking stuffer? At just under $2, this plush teddy bear—with a removable squeaker in tow—is a no-brainer. “Kong has a line of soft squeaky toys that have replaceable squeakers that they love and last long,” says Besuden.

Barkbox’s Super Chewy subscription box comes with two toys and two full-sized bags of treats, which can be customized for allergy and diet preferences. “I have three dogs and they seem to know when the monthly box arrives (maybe because toys are scented),” says CR’s Theresa McDermott. “They have monthly themes and we get the Super Chewer toys, which are pretty indestructible.”

Prices start at $39 for a one-month subscription.

Dog sweaters may fall under the category of nice to have, but it’s hard to deny just how cute they look in them. “My husband bought our dog a reversible cashmere sweater from Naadam one year for Christmas,” says former CR writer Perry Santanachote. “‘You looked at me like I had lost my dang mind,’ he said. I remember thinking it was the most ridiculous thing to get a Pomeranian (of all breeds!), especially one that does not play dress up like some other small dogs. But then he gently slipped it on her, and my heart melted. She looks so freaking adorable in her sweater and it makes her butt look even poofier. She wears it on all her evening walks in the winter, and it’s really held up. No pilling or anything. I wish I could say the same for my own sweaters.”

In a recent evaluation of the best dog beds, our editors said this had a sturdy and structured appearance and feel. The cover is removable and machine-washable and comes in three sizes to accommodate dogs up to 90 pounds. It ranges from $139 to $249 depending on size, with two layers of foam construction (including memory foam), a soft nylon-polyester-olefin cover that fits tautly over its rectangular cushion, and raised bolsters around all four sides. 

Full disclosure: I don’t have a dog. But I am an aunt to an incredibly sweet Frenchie who spends many a staycation in my apartment. To say that he loves this shaggy doughnut bed would be an understatement. He lounges in it throughout the day and sleeps in it at night. He has the same version at home as well as another one at his grandparents’ home. Available in four sizes and just as many colors, it’s machine-washable to boot.

“I succumbed to Instagram ads for this impossibly fluffy cat bed, and it did not disappoint,” says CR health and science writer Catherine Roberts. “I can’t speak to the anti-anxiety claims, but both our cats love it and play subtle mind games over which one of them gets to claim it for days at a time. I also got one for my friends’ very picky cat, and she turned out to love it too.” This cat bed is available in four sizes and five colors. “I prefer the unicorn rainbow ice cream color. I wish they made it in human size,” adds Roberts.

File this under one very cute scratching post. Amanda Arnold, senior manager of business analytics at CR, recommends this version because her two cats love it. Bonus points for the cactus motif that adds a fun twist to the concept. Featuring a sisal wrap construction, this model is available in two sizes: 22 inches and 31 inches tall.

In evaluating the best pet cameras, the Furbo dog camera was our editors’ top choice, thanks to its aesthetically pleasing design and camera with a wide viewing angle. The ability to choose a voice prompt for the treat toss is a bonus. The device’s basic app features include live view, toss treats, talk to and hear your pet, and get barking alerts. The Nanny cam subscription includes cloud recording, advanced barking alert, Doggie Diary (a video summary of the day that you can choose to save to your device), activity alert, selfie alert, and person alert. And yes, you can still use the Furbo if you have a cat. 

Learn more about the Furbo dog camera.

“I have a deep fear that my cat doesn’t drink enough water and will end up with kidney issues,” says Stephanie Davis, a senior marketing manager at CR. And if you’re a cat parent who shares that sentiment, a water fountain may be the answer. “She won’t drink still water from a bowl and wasn’t keen on one other fountain before this—the filters are also easy to change for this one—but she loves this one for some reason.”

A cat water fountain was by far the most popular product pick, according to my colleagues. Joe Novotny, a CR marketing associate, recommends this version from Petlibro: “The pump has a five-level filtration system, a translucent container for seeing when water is running low, and comes with a cleaning brush as well.”

“I have two of these, and they’re great because they encourage the cats to drink more water,” Arnold says. “Cats notoriously don’t usually drink enough water, so having these help keep their water cleaner and the kitties healthier!” The fountain comes with a filter inside and is dishwasher-safe to boot.

This automatic feeder allows pet owners to schedule up to three meals a day, in any desired quantity, Arnold says. The device has a maximum capacity of 26 cups and can be programmed to give out meals as small as 2 teaspoons. Psst! Act fast, this one’s currently on sale for 60 percent off its original price.

For those looking to splurge (or take a breather from scooping up litter) this automatic, self-cleaning litter box can be a saving grace. “I have this, and would have loved it if someone would have bought it as a gift since it’s quite pricey,” Arnold says. “I’ve had it for about three years now, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever purchased, like ever!” You can also buy a bundle on Amazon that includes accessories like a mat, ramp, and a fence to help contain litter.

For CR’s digital marketing manager, Diana Ortiz, an ideal pet tracker comes in the form of an Apple AirTag. They wear them in their collars when we’re away on vacation and I have someone watching them, says Ortiz.

The Bluetooth-based AirTag tracker can be a saving grace for travelers—or those with pets that are inclined to run off. As with other trackers, the tiny device gets attached to any item you want to monitor. If the item goes missing, the AirTag relays its location via Bluetooth to other nearby iPhones, which discreetly convey that info to you. AirTags work best if you’re looking for them within Bluetooth range (roughly 30 feet of your own phone). But, that said, there are millions of iPhones and other Apple devices roaming around out there to help if you find yourself searching, say, a park or a school campus for the keys you dropped. They simply need to have the “Find My” feature activated.

As seen in: First Look: Apple AirTag

Light-up leashes and harnesses are another must for McDermott, who notes that it can be helpful for dog walkers to wear something reflective when out for nightly strolls. This rechargeable LED dog collar features two light modes—a gentle glow and a flash—and can be operated by an easy push button.

Traveling with pets can be a hassle but having a designated space for them to hang out can be a big help. “My dogs love their Petmate house,” says Ortiz. “They like enclosed spaces so they love chilling out in there. As a pet owner, I like it because it is very lightweight, portable, and collapsible.”