New Zealand is a nation renowned for its love of pets, and new research from Afterpay has revealed investment levels in our furry friends is stronger than ever, with over 54% of Kiwis willing to forgo their own self-care to treat their four-legged friends.
The research sheds light on the profound relationship between New Zealanders and their pets with a significant portion willing to invest in the best care possible. Whether it is investing in high-quality nutrition, a selection of fun toys or top-notch grooming, pet owners are seeking ways to enhance their pets’ lives.
The insights highlighted that caring and pampering for pets is also a positive investment in the pet-owner’s wellbeing, with 60% declaring it brings them happiness and makes them feel good about themselves. Similarly 59% of Kiwis were motivated to treat their pets as an expression of love and a way of giving back to their furry friends, who are so important to their overall wellbeing.
Despite the obvious burden, it’s clear love doesn’t cost a thing in the eyes of pet owner, with almost 78% claiming the positives of owning a pet outweighs the financial costs of pet ownership.
However, 69% of pet NZ owners do agree that pet ownership comes with unexpected ad-hoc costs that can be difficult to budget for and over a third admit that the cost of pet ownership is more than they expected.
Additional findings include:
– Pet care over self care: One-fifth of Kiwis pamper their pets on a daily basis, and over 65% will pamper their furry friends weekly. In comparison, only 25% of Kiwis will pamper themselves weekly – with the majority (over a third) opting to treat themselves once a month
– Pet perks: Toys, premium pet food and snacks were the top three favourite ways Kiwis choose to treat their pets, followed by opting for premium pet items such as beds & food bowls and non-essential grooming.
-Self care go-tos: Kiwis, like their pets, prioritise good food all round with 71% treating themselves by dining out or premium food products. Travel, investing in hobby related products and premium beauty and salon days also came out on top for ways New Zealanders treat themselves.
– Pet positives: It’s clear pet ownership, no matter the financial cost, is a positive return of investment with 76% of pet owners noting the sense of companionship and connection as the most positive impact on their lives. 68% claim their pets improve their mental health and overall happiness and 61% cherish the unconditional love they provide.
– Managing costs: almost half of Kiwis (48%) do not have a specific budget to manage the cost of pet ownership, rather opting to manage ad-hoc with funds available to them and cutting costs elsewhere or utilising credit cards.
In an effort to encourage New Zealanders to invest in their own self-care while up-keeping their pet friends, Afterpay has partnered with Animates to create a pop-up salon where a select group of customers had the chance to be pampered alongside their pooches in the ultimate act of self-care.
Whether it was a stunning blow dry for themselves or a chic new mane for their canine, it was an unforgettable wellness experience for all. Post salon session, guests were treated to an exclusive ‘pawtraits’ photography session, where they posed for a ‘furmily’ portrait with their pooches and showed off their beautifully styled manes.
Katrina Konstas, EVP, Country Manager and Head of Sales APAC at Afterpay, says “We’re thrilled to partner with Animates, highlighting the convenience and flexibility of Afterpay being available in the pet care category. Our research underscores the strong bond that Kiwis share with their pets, and we’re proud to offer a solution that enables them to prioritise their pets’ wellbeing, and ultimately their own too, without compromise.
“Our pop-up salon is an incredible opportunity to treat our customers and their loyal companions, and we hope it inspires more Kiwis to treat and care for their pets but also themselves. We seek to support those managing the invaluable but often unexpected costs of pet ownership in this country, with our innovative and interest free ‘pay it in four’ payment solution.”
“From pet stores and pet groomers to hair salons and everything in between, Afterpay is available instore and online, in places you wouldn’t believe”.
Nathalie Moolenschot, General Manager Marketing, at Animates
“We aim to enhance the joy of pet ownership by consistently providing convenience and value to pet parents and their companions. Partnering with Afterpay was an obvious and additional step in delivering this.
While the benefits of having a pet are immeasurable, we understand that expenses can add up. In addition to having a passionate team of pet advisors in-store and advice online, we continuously invest in opportunities to make pet ownership more economically viable, enabling happiness for pet parents and their pets.
The pop-up salon was a great way to bring moments of unexpected happiness to NZ through our love of pets”
Powered by Fuseworks and Truescope - Media monitoring, insights and news distribution for New Zealand organisations.