Posted on 2nd October 2024
by Jacqui Vear
In the world of promotional products, standing out means being creative and thinking about the lifestyles and values of your key contacts. As consumer preferences evolve, so should your approach to giveaways. For many audiences, a common denominator is pets.
As of 2024, dog ownership in the UK remains strong, with an estimated 10.6 million pet dogs across the country, residing in 28% of households. (1) Dog ownership levels are typically higher in rural rather than urban areas, higher still when you look at families with children. Pooches are popular pets within certain jobs roles too; farmers, healthcare and education workers, and increasingly young professionals and remote workers. (2)
For many, dogs are considered part of the family, and anything that enhances their pets’ lives is highly valued. The emotional bond that dog owners have with their pets can translate into a positive association with your brand.
Dog accessories are not only practical but also highly visible when in use, often daily. This builds brand impressions, not only with the dog owners, but fellow pet owners and animal enthusiasts.
In today’s digital age, pets have a major presence on social media platforms. Branded dog products are perfect for generating user-generated content. When your contacts post pictures of their pets interacting with products that carry your brand, they are effectively advertising your brand to their network of followers, expanding your reach organically.
By offering dog accessories, your brand aligns itself with the values of pet owners, showing that you understand and share their love for animals. This alignment is particularly important as consumers increasingly choose to support businesses that reflect their own values and lifestyle choices. Moreover, offering pet-friendly products positions your brand as caring and considerate, which can foster greater loyalty and trust.
There are options to select dog accessories that have a lower impact in the way that they are made, whilst ticking all our boxes of being practical and made to last. This adds an extra, positive dimension to the stories behind your brand marketing strategies.
Here are a few products set to capture the attention of dog-loving audiences.
Long printed dog lead, made from rPET, that originates as recycled plastic bottles. It comes with a heavy-duty G clip fitting and dimensions of 140 x 2.5cm. The leads are produced in a Pantone colour of your choice and can be screen printed in up to three spot colours on one side.
Dog rope frisbee with a resistant cotton rope and cotton core in red, white and blue. One colour artwork is prominently printed in the centre of this playful product.
Dog treat pouch that is lightweight yet durable, with a Velcro strap and drawstring top with toggle closure. It is made from 600D polyester and 210D nylon, whilst available in many standard colours.
Wheat straw dog poop bag dispenser, a convenient and lower impact product made from wheat straw plastic, a high-quality food-grade material. The flecking in the subtle colour options reflect the origins of the material. The dispenser has a removable end for easy refilling and had a plastic clip, enabling it to be clipped onto a lead or clothing.
Collapsible silicone dog bowl, the ridges in the sides of this silicone bowl, enable it to be folded down and pushed back up for convenient storage and use on the move. It is available with or without a carabiner and is produced in a Pantone colour of your choice as standard. Your brand can be reflected through a one colour print to the base of the product. Silicone is considered a lower impact material compared to plastic as it is made from sand, rather than requiring the mining of crude oil for its production, and it will not breakdown and create microplastics.
As more consumers seek out products and companies that resonate with their lifestyles and values, offering branded dog accessories can be a strategic marketing tactic. It’s an approach that taps into a passionate community, whilst creating the kind of visibility that support brand awareness and loyalty. Let us know if you’d like to know more about our recommendations.
Sources:
1 – Paw Report 2024
2 – UK Pet Food PETS Reports 2023-2024