Kiwis are rolling out the red carpet, or at least the chew toys, as pet birthdays become the hottest celebration in town.

From pup-friendly cakes to full-blown parties, pet insurance specialist PD Insurance uncovers how four-legged family members get the VIP treatment on their special day.

With candles, treats and tail-wags galore, could your pet’s birthday be the next big bash?

“Well, for a growing number of Kiwi pet parents, that’s definitely the case,” said Michelle Le Long, chief operating officer of PD Insurance.

“Pets aren’t just getting older, they’re getting parties. Some are going all out, and that’s no surprise when you consider how much our pets mean to us.”

PD Insurance’s April 2024 survey results prove it: when asked if a pet’s special day warrants a celebration, a whopping 71.3% answered in the affirmative.

How do they mark the occasion?

Often with parties that include both human and pet guests. These can be generous affairs, too, with 40% of those throwing a bash whipping up pet-safe cakes and treats, 53% splashing out on gifts and 49% showering the furbabies with extra love.

One owner even confessed, “My dog gets a McDonald’s cheeseburger on their birthday,” while another shared, “We hit a pet-friendly dinner spot for a treat or small ice cream.” Whether it was the pet parents, or the pooch or kitty enjoying the sweet treat, wasn’t revealed.

Party planners unleash the fun

Pet birthdays aren’t just backyard barbecues any longer. Internationally, bakers and event planners are cashing in, offering everything from $100 pup picnics to $5000 extravaganzas with pro photographers.

Custom invites, agility courses, and playlists of bark-worthy tunes – services once reserved for human kids – are now tailored to fur-kids too.

“New Zealand’s catching up to global trends,” said Le Long.

“In the US, pet parties are a multimillion-dollar industry. Here, we’re starting to see bakers mastering peanut butter pupcakes and planners decking out venues with paw-some flair.”

Take Pawty Planners, who reported a 30% jump in bookings since 2023.

“It’s not just a birthday, it’s an experience,” Le Long added. “Kiwis love a good celebration, and furbabies are the perfect reason.”

Millennials and Gen Z lead the pack

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the younger generations driving the trend of treating pets like family – or even fur-kids.

PD Insurance’s Generation Pet Survey found 67% of Kiwi pet owners see their pets as babies, with millennials and Gen Z topping the list at 74%.

Delaying parenthood or home ownership, many younger Kiwis have the flexibility and disposable income to go all out.

A $500 doggy bash feels more like a milestone than a splurge.

“They’re not just pets, they’re little legends,” said Le Long.

“Younger generations are rewriting the rules of pet parenting, one birthday bone at a time.”

Status, swag, and social bonds

Hosting a dozen dogs with swag bags and a three-tier cake is more than a treat – it’s a dazzling display of love that shows you’re pouring your heart into making your pup’s day outstanding.

“It’s a fun way to celebrate,” Le Long said. “You’re recognising your pet as an important part of your life and making the day memorable for them – and you.”

What’s next: Barkchella and beyond?

With pet influencers like Doug the Pug setting global standards, NZ’s pet parties could get wilder.

There’s potential opportunity knocking, and the potential for “Barkchella” festivals or “Pawshion Week” runway struts (who remembers the movie Marmaduke … and the canine surf compo?).

“Perhaps we’re not far off a pet party reality show,” said Le Long.

“Kiwis love a good spectacle as much as anyone. Add pets, and it’s gold.”

There is, she asserts, a reason for the popularity of cat (and dog) YouTube videos.

Humanisation: Finding a healthy balance

Why the fuss? Pets are cherished companions, often cuddling up close, popping up on social media and curious about our celebrations.

“We connect deeply with them because they’re part of our lives,” said Le Long.

“But while it’s important to celebrate and nurture the bond, its equally vital to respect their unique needs as animals. Humanising our pets can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.”

For now, it’s about keeping it safe and fun. But safety first: “Have fun with your pet parties but keep things sensible. Skip the chocolate or just keep it for yourself. For the pets, opt for vet-approved goodies,” she advised. “A happy, healthy pet’s is always the real gift.”