Mortgage lenders use branded pet products as client appreciation and closing gifts: a bandana, plush toy or bowl printed with the lender's name and colors, handed over at closing or sent after funding. 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 marketing lead, branch manager or loan officer team at a mortgage lender, broker or credit union lending group deciding whether a pet gift suits the borrower relationship.

Last updated: October 2026

Why would a mortgage lender give pet gifts?

A mortgage is a large and stressful purchase, and the lender is often forgotten once the keys change hands. A friendly, personal gift at closing stands out, and a gift that includes the borrower's dog is remembered, because it speaks to the new home and the household moving into it. Roughly 95 million U.S. households own a pet (APPA), so a large share of any borrower list goes home to one.

The gift also does a quiet marketing job. A branded bandana on a dog at the park carries the lender's name to neighbors who may be shopping for a loan, and a lender that grows through referrals benefits from that visibility.

Where does a pet gift fit in a lending business?

• Closing gifts. A small, personal gift that marks the move into a new home.
• Referral partner thank-yous. A gift to the agents and builders who send borrowers, more personal than a gift card.
• Borrower anniversaries. A thank-you that keeps the lender in mind for a refinance or the next purchase.
• Open houses and community events. A giveaway that people actually keep.
• Staff and team gifts. A branded item for employees who own a pet, as a complement to employee gifting.

For related approaches in housing and finance, see the real estate agent guide, the home builder guide, the moving company guide and the bank and credit union guide.

What should a lender choose?

• Bandanas. One size, light and easy to mail or hand across a closing table, with room for a logo.
• Plush toys. A dog toy in the lender's colors or mascot. The Original PrideBite is the award-winning flagship.
• Bowls. A useful housewarming item that keeps the lender's name in the new 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, store and ship. Keep the tone modest: a small, thoughtful gift lands better than an elaborate one.

How do minimums work for a lender?

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 lender with several branches can use one design across locations 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. A lender planning for the spring buying season should start well before it begins.

The design step is free. A custom mockup typically comes back within about 48 hours with no cost and no commitment, which gives the lender 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 mortgage lender?

A bandana or a plush toy. Both are one size, so the per-size minimum is simple, both are easy to store and mail, and both carry a logo clearly enough to keep the lender's name visible long after closing day.

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 branches share one design?

Yes. A lender with multiple branches 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 lender brings its brand and its borrowers.

See your lender on the product

The fastest way to judge whether a pet gift suits your borrowers 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.