40 Percent Of ID, UT, WA Pet Owners Throw Em Parties, Data Finds

What's a birthday without a party? Balloons, candles, snacks, and song are all associated with gatherings that celebrate living to see another year, and some people honor their pets in a similar fashion.

Pets are considered part of the family to many. So, it only makes sense that we celebrate their birthdays just as we would if it was a human relative.

Our golden retriever just turned three (21 in dog years) on February 2. I accompanied my wife to the dollar tree a few days ago to prepare for "Whisky's" big day. Party hats, chew toys, and wrapping paper, and we were out the door for about $12.

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A Survey Estimates That As Many As Four In 10 U.S. Pet Owners Throw Birthday Parties For Them

The shopping wasn't done yet. We decided to make a steak for our boy's birthday celebration. Since we have two new, 5-month-old chocolate lab puppies, they'd need to eat as well. Since meat is so damn expensive these days, that was another $16. So, we spent a total of roughly $30 preparing for our dog's party.

READ MORE: Is It Abusive To Walk Dogs In Hottest Part Of Day In Idaho?

A U.S. survey (Minties Fresh Bites) recently found that 40 percent of dog owners have thrown full on birthday parties for their pets. In the United Kingdom, that percentage was even higher at 60 percent, according to another study by Moon Pig.