Australian Veterinary Association president Mark Lawrie

said: "You don't need to spend a fortune on your pet to let them know how much they mean to you.

"One of the best things about having a pet is that they don't care if you forget to buy them a present at Christmas time, or on their birthday for that matter."

While there is no need to spend a fortune on gifts for them, there are some simple things you can give and do to spoil them:

■A new name tag on your pet's collar so they can be easily returned to you if they get lost.

■A new frisbee or rubber ball for your dog so you can spend time playing together.

■A bell for your cat's collar to help warn off birds and any other wildlife.

If you are travelling over the Christmas holiday, think about taking your pet with you if possible.

There are websites and books that will tell you where your pet will be welcome.

"Pets play such a positive and beneficial role in our lives all through the year," Dr Lawrie said.

"Spending time with them over the holidays really is the best gift you can give."