Best for: A couch with a puppy in potty training on it.
The catch: It changes how the couch looks and feels.
The gift guide
Pick the person. We picked the gift.
Three gifts, by who it's for
- New puppy owner
Naturally It's Clean Carpet Upholstery Cleaner
Best for: Fresh pee on the carpet or couch, the kind a new puppy leaves.
The catch: Old stains need a few rounds.
- The one with the white couch
ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover
Best for: Dog hair on the couch and car seats, with no refills to buy.
The catch: Roll it back and forth. Learn the motion once and the couch comes clean.
- Dog who has everything
West Paw Toppl Treat Toy
Best for: Frozen stuffed treats, with a wide opening to fill.
The catch: Power chewers will out-chew it. Everyone else gets a toy with a job.
For the new puppy owner
The first months are pee on the rug, teeth on everything and a lot of training. Cover all three.
Best for: Teething puppies who gnaw on everything.
The catch: Not for strong adult chewers.
Best for: Puppies who would rather chew a stick from the yard.
The catch: Heavy chewers can shred it over time.
Best for: Training a puppy somewhere with lots of distractions.
The catch: They can crumble.
For the one with the white couch
The couch is now part dog. Pick the surface the hair is on.
Best for: Hair on clothes and dog bedding, pulled out in the wash.
The catch: It won't get every hair.
Best for: Couches, stairs and car interiors.
The catch: Limited battery and a small bin.
Best for: Sweeping hair off floors every day.
The catch: There's a knack to it, and it needs a rinse after.
Best for: Brushing loose hair out before it lands on the couch.
The catch: It takes some technique to use well.
For the dog who has everything
Another plush toy lasts a day. Something to work at lasts longer.
Best for: Dogs who eat too fast: it turns dinner into a game.
The catch: It can be noisy on hard floors.
Best for: Nose work: hide kibble and let them sniff it out.
The catch: Supervise strong chewers: the fabric is tempting.
Best for: Dogs ready to move up from beginner puzzles.
The catch: Smart dogs can outgrow it.
Best for: Slowing down fast eaters: spread the food on the mat.
The catch: It slides on smooth floors.
For the dog that hates bath day
Fewer full baths, a quicker clean in between, nails without the clippers and less loose coat to wash out.
Best for: Wiping paws after every walk.
The catch: Thick mud can take more than one wipe.
Best for: A quick clean between baths, no rinse.
The catch: It doesn't replace a real bath.
Best for: Dogs scared of nail clippers.
The catch: It takes longer than clipping.
Best for: Medium and long-coated dogs.
The catch: Not a great fit for very short coats.
For the cat person
Cats scratch, chew and hunt whatever you own. Give them something of their own to do it on.
Best for: Cats that scratch standing up.
The catch: It's a post, not a tower. Climbers who nap up high want a cat tree.
Best for: Large cats.
The catch: Needs assembly
Best for: Evening play before bed.
The catch: You're the motor. 15 to 20 minutes of swinging before bed does it.
Best for: Cats that like to chew.
The catch: Some cats shrug at silvervine. Keep a wand toy as the backup.
Still stuck?
Pick who it's for, the kind of gift, and a safe bet or a surprise. Out come gifts from our picks, for dog and cat people.
How we choose gift ideas
Every gift here is one of our product picks, matched to a real dog or cat habit. Each one comes with its catch, so nobody unwraps a surprise.