The 10 States Least Likely to Buy Their Pets a Gift, Ranked
Not every state is overflowing with pet stockings, holiday toys, and birthday treats. While millions of Americans happily spoil their pets each year, a new nationwide analysis shows that some states rarely, if ever, splurge on non-essential gifts for their animals.
Researchers compared pet spending, toy and treat trends, and searches for pet-specific gifts to create a simple 0–8 Pet Gift Likelihood Score. Lower numbers mean one thing: pets in that state are getting the basics, but not much beyond that.
Here are the states where pet gifting is the least common.
10. Oklahoma — Score: 1.31
Oklahoma pet owners spend steadily on essentials, but there’s very little interest in toys or seasonal gifts. Treats see moderate activity, but gifting as a whole is uncommon. Most households appear to prioritize practicality over holiday-style splurges.
9. Wyoming — Score: 1.46
Wyoming has above-average curiosity for cat toys, but gifting drops sharply after that. Sparse population and limited retail options make it less likely for pet parents to browse or buy extras. Even online trends show minimal engagement with gift-focused products.
8. Vermont — Score: 1.51
Despite high pet ownership, Vermont ranks low in treat and gift activity. Spending leans heavily toward food, wellness, and vet care rather than toys or accessories. Pet parents here simply don’t show the same seasonal buying spikes seen in higher-ranking states.
7. Kansas — Score: 1.54
Kansas sees steady essential spending, but gift searches barely register. Toys and treats show moderate interest, yet holiday or birthday splurging is rare. The data suggests a “needs first” mentality rather than discretionary pet shopping.
6. Rhode Island — Score: 1.58
Rhode Island’s low placement is driven by minimal treat-related activity and almost no gift-focused behavior. Pet spending is strong overall, but residents seem far less interested in enrichment items. This creates an unusual contrast compared to New England neighbors.
5. Nebraska — Score: 1.79
Nebraska pet owners buy food and essentials consistently, yet they’re not browsing for extras. Gift searches and treat trends rank among the lowest in the region. Seasonal buying patterns also remain flat, even around major holidays.
4. Louisiana — Score: 1.81
Louisiana shows healthy interest in toys, but gifting drops off almost entirely after that. Treat purchases are modest, and holiday splurges aren’t common. The state’s gifting scores suggest a focus on simple enrichment rather than year-round indulgence.
3. Iowa — Score: 1.89
Iowa ranks low on nearly every gifting metric, from toys to treats to seasonal extras. Residents appear to prioritize practical spending over pampering. Even during peak holiday months, gift-related searches stay unusually quiet.
2. Idaho — Score: 1.94
Idaho scores well for dog treats but nearly bottoms out for everything else. Toys and gift products barely register in search or purchase data. The state’s pet economy leans heavily toward basics rather than discretionary buying.
1. South Dakota — Score: 0.52
South Dakota sits at the very bottom of the ranking. Across toys, treats, and gift-specific products, activity is almost nonexistent. Experts note that rural living and smaller retail markets play a major role in shaping these spending habits.
Why These States Lag Behind
Pet nutritionist Dana Harris explains the divide:
“South Dakota and Montana pet owners love their pets but focus on essentials like food and vet care. Gift-giving isn’t widespread due to lower population density and limited retail options.”
In other words: it’s not about affection — it’s about access, lifestyle, and practicality.
If you’re curious which parts of the country go all-in on treats, toys, and holiday splurges, the companion piece breaks down the states most likely to spoil their pets. And for anyone who does love picking out something special for their furry family members, there’s also a roundup of the best holiday gifts for pets this year — curated by a pet parent who knows exactly what gets tails wagging.
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