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Best Gifts for Pet Owners

Dec. 02, 2017
4 min read
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We all know that the holidays are centered around loved ones: your pets, of course. At home, they are boss, taking the prime spot on the bed and getting all the attention. When you're traveling, they are in tow, exploring the world and taking photos right beside you. This holiday season give gifts that make traveling easier and more fun for both you and them. Here are 10 gift ideas any pet lover should get their paws on.

1. GADGET: WHISTLE 3 GPS PET TRACKER

Just like humans, pets can be adventurous in new places, eager to take off and wander around new surroundings. No matter where in the world you are, never lose your pet with this GPS device.

2. Cosmetic: Fresh Scent Pet Candle

When traveling, both you and your pet can get a little smelly. And when sharing small hotel rooms, that can be a problem. Take along these scented soy wax candles to let off aromas you and your pet will both love. Buy: uncommongoods.com, $28

3. TRAVEL BAG: OUTWARD HOUND DOG BACKPACK

If your dog is going to be traveling with you, he or she needs a backpack too! This one is easy to strap on, comfortable and can carry everything from treats to water bottles.

4. Book: National Geographic's The Dog Lovers Guide to Travel

This book tells you everything you need to know about traveling with your pet from where to sleep, eat and even drink with your furry friend. Get the collectible version so you can enjoy stunning photos and dream about adventures to come.

5. Accessory: Wollgord Pet Umbrella

Don't let a rainy day hamper your day of fun. This leash has an umbrella at the end of it, so it keeps your pet dry (and moving) no matter what the weather is.

6. Comfort: KRITTERWORLD SNUGGLE BLANKET

Sometimes traveling can be scary, forcing you and your pet to push boundaries. Bring along this safety blanket to make them feel snuggly and safe even in the most exotic locations.

7. Subscription: BarkBox

Every month, no matter if you are home or abroad, this subscription service sends your pet treats, toys and accessories. And they are themed (think Chewrassic or Throwbark Thursday) so you never know what will come next. Buy: BarkBox.com, $21/month

8. Gift Card: ED Ellen DeGeneres at PetSmart

Ellen DeGeneres has created an entire line of pet accessories for PetSmart; there are toys, scratchers, even houses for your pet. Any pet lover will have a blast using a gift card on these adorable products. Buy: PetSmart.com, toys start at $3

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9. Random: Pet Pass

It's not just humans who like to show off which stamps they've amassed on their travels; pets need their own collection. The Pet Pass is a passport for pets, so the whole family can keep track of where you've been. Buy: Etsy.com, $10

10. Charity: Puppies Behind Bars

Want to support pets doing good in the world? Puppies Behind Bars is a New York City-based nonprofit that helps prison inmates train service dogs that get paired up with wounded war veterans. Everyone wins. Buy: Puppy Behind Bars, $10+

Prices accurate as of publication date. Check out more TPG gift guides here and the TPG guide on the best cards to use for holiday shopping.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. If anyone on our team wouldn’t recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldn’t recommend it on The Points Guy either. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners.
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Rewards

2 - 6X points
6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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Annual Fee

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Recommended Credit

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Excellent/Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
    75,000 points
  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.