Petco’s holiday appeal includes digital element

Cute cat videos and funny dog tricks are everywhere on the Internet so it only stands to reason that Petco would unleash customers’ creativity with an Instagram contest as part of a larger holiday initiative.



Petco is encouraging shoppers to enter its holiday photo contest from Nov. 23 to Dec. 18 by submitting photos of their pets showing holiday spirit by following @petco and posting photos with #JoyLovePetsContest on Instagram. A winner will be selected every Friday and will receive a $1,000 Petco gift card.



The initiative is part of a broader holiday program at Petco designed to appeal to the more than half of pet owners who will buy their pet a gift this holiday season. For example, the retailer is appealing to the following pet shopper segments:



Interior Designer: For those who like on-trend home designs and want their dog's goodies to blend in, Petco offers a Home and Hearth Collection of classy and chic treat jars, tree ornaments, placemats, pet beds and throws designed to blend in perfectly with existing decor.



Do It Yourselfer: On November 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Petco is offering customers an opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind "Paw Art" ornament for pets sponsored by Natural Balance. If pets would rather strike a pose, Petco stores will host their annual "Photos with Santa" event on December 6 and December 13, 2014. On those two Saturdays, pets and their families can dress in festive attire and take a keepsake holiday photo.



World Traveler: Highland holiday dog toys feature a touch of Scottish pride with red and green plaid hats and kilts. A Nordic collection is also available which features animals dressed in traditional Viking garb.



Fashionista: Style conscious pet owners are being appealed to with an offering of knit products, including the Simply She Wag-a-tude Holiday knit sweaters that feature holiday designs such as a snowman or the words "I heart Santa." The Petco Holiday Argyle Sweater features a red, black and green design for an understated holiday look.



Last-Minute Shopper: Pre-packaged, ready to go gift sets are available for procrastinators. A cat gift set contains a ten-pack of cat toys wrapped in holiday box. A dog gift set comes with either eight small and medium toys or seven medium and large toys.



The Philanthropist: For families that want to give back this holiday, customers can donate to the Petco Foundation's Tree of Hope fundraiser, sponsored by Halo, Purely for Pets. Shoppers can donate from Nov. 22 through Dec. 28. Funds raised through Tree of Hope support the Petco Foundation's work with animal welfare organizations.



The Hanukkah Gift Giver: Petco is offering a Kosher Bone Dog Toy, Hanukkah Dreidel Dog Toy, Hanukkah Gefilte Fish Dog Toy and a Time for Joy Hanukkah Bandana.