Dental practices use branded pet products as patient and referral gifts: a bandana, plush toy or bowl printed with the practice's name and colors, handed to a patient or sent to a referring office. PrideBites makes these to order with a free mockup, minimums set per size and per design, and production of six to eight weeks before shipping.

This guide is for the practice owner, office manager or marketing lead at a dental office, orthodontic group or multi-location dental service organization deciding whether a pet gift suits the patient experience.

Last updated: October 2026

Why would a dental practice give pet gifts?

Most dental offices already hand out a toothbrush, and patients forget it by the car. A gift that includes the family dog is remembered, because it speaks to something patients care about. Roughly 95 million U.S. households own a pet (APPA), so a large share of any patient list goes home to one.

The gift also does a quiet marketing job. A branded bandana on a dog at the park carries the practice name to people who never saw the office, and a plush toy on the living room floor keeps it in view. For a practice that grows by word of mouth, that is a low-cost reminder with a friendly tone.

Where does a pet gift fit in a dental practice?

• New patient welcome. A small gift at the first visit, especially for families, sets a warm tone.
• Milestones. Finishing orthodontic treatment, completing a long procedure or reaching a loyalty anniversary.
• Referral thank-yous. A gift to a patient who refers a friend, or to a referring office, that is more personal than a gift card.
• Community events. Dental health fairs, school visits and local festivals where a branded item makes the booth memorable.
• Reception and review prompts. A display at the front desk, or a gift tied to leaving a review.

For a related approach in another health setting, see the veterinary clinic guide, and for gifting as part of a loyalty effort, the loyalty program guide.

What should a practice choose?

• Bandanas. One size, light and easy to hand across a desk, with room for a logo.
• Plush toys. A dog toy in the practice's colors or mascot. The Original PrideBite is the award-winning flagship.
• Bowls. A useful home item that keeps the practice name in the kitchen.
• Cat toys. Plush catnip toys, so cat owners are included.

Start with one or two one-size items. They avoid the size question and are the simplest to order and store.

How do minimums work for a practice?

The minimum order quantity is per size and per design, and sizes cannot be mixed to reach a minimum. One-size items such as bandanas and toys are the simplest place to start for that reason. Custom plush can go down to 250 units for a design, and quantity price breaks apply at thresholds that vary by product. The minimum order guide explains the rules in detail.

A multi-location group can use one design across offices and order it as a single run. For recurring gifting, the corporate pet gifting program guide explains how to plan it.

What is the timeline?

Production is six to eight weeks and does not include shipping time. Custom plush can vary by complexity. Count back from the date you want gifts in hand, add transit, and add the design and approval step in front of that.

The design step is free. A custom mockup typically comes back within about 48 hours with no cost and no commitment, which gives the practice something concrete to approve. Free samples are available through an account executive.

Safety and sourcing

All products are safe for dogs and cats and are Proposition 65 compliant after safety testing. Manufacturing is in China and India, and shipping is by UPS and DHL.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best first gift for a dental practice?

A bandana or a plush toy. Both are one size, so the per-size minimum is simple, both are easy to store and hand out, and both carry a logo clearly enough to keep the practice name visible after the visit.

Can we put our logo and colors on the product?

Yes. Products are made to your colors, logo and artwork. The process starts with a free mockup, typically back within about 48 hours, so you can approve the design before anything is ordered.

Can several offices share one design?

Yes. A group practice can use one design across locations and order it as a single run, which helps meet the minimum for that design.

Do we need pet industry experience?

No. PrideBites handles design, production and fulfillment from brief to doorstep and has worked with more than 500 brand partners. The practice brings its brand and its patients.

See your practice on the product

The fastest way to judge whether a pet gift suits your patients is to see your name on it. Start a project for a free mockup, no cost and no commitment, or read more about industries PrideBites works with.