You know you've arrived as a member of the family when your name appears on the holiday shopping list.

So pets have arrived (as if there were any question).

see caption/Target (ENLARGE)

This holiday plaid dress is available at Target for $12.99.

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A recent survey by Pet Supplies "Plus" found that pet owners plan to tuck an average of 6.7 presents under the tree for their four-footed family members. Here are a few suggestions for Rover. (And don't worry, kitties will be covered next week.)

• Pet Steps by Petmate.

Small dogs need help getting up on beds. But some of the steps out there are too flimsy, too short, too heavy or too expensive. We loved Petmate's version. At 20 inches, they're tall enough for most dogs to reach the bed. They're stable yet lightweight, and at $39.99 suggested retail, they're affordable. Just remember, dogs won't climb these naturally like the stairs in your house. But a bit of training, with strategically placed cheese, should have your pooch trotting up them in no time. Available at PetSmart and Petco.

• Toy Cleaning Brush. Many dogs love Kong pet toys. And we love them because they keep our pets busy while we're away. But how do you clean the peanut butter out of the inside? This brush by Bamboo is the answer. Its Kong shape gets inside and there's even a little brush in the handle for the top hole. A suction cup on the bottom holds it up to air dry, or pop it in the dishwasher. The suggested price is $8.99, and it's available at Petco and other stores.

• Nite-Dawg Illuminated Dog Collar. Walking your dog after dark can be risky. This collar can make it safer. With the push of a button, you get a continuous or flashing red light, visible for quite a distance by our tests. (Of course, longhaired dogs can cut down on visibility.) It has a 150-hour replaceable battery and is slim enough for medium to large dogs to wear all the time. Prices range from about $15 to $20 at REI, keepdoggiesafe.com or puplife.com.

• HipHug. Pets like a little pampering. And sometimes they need it. These flannel, bone-shaped pillows are packed with rice. Microwaved, they provide a soothing, moist heat. We tried it on an older boxer who loved it. They're available in extra small to extra large and cost $8.50 to $26.50. They're in some pet stores, including Precious Pets in Norcross, Top Dogs Pet Boutique in Roswell and the Pet Set at Perimeter Mall or from the local inventor at 770-365-9346. Check them out at hiphug.net.

• Stow'n Go Clip leash. This handy leash is lightweight, with a tricot-lined handle and a zippered case near the handle for holding bags and your house key. We don't recommend it for overly strong or energetic dogs, but for your more polite walker, it's very handy. $24.95 suggested price. Check the Ruff Wear Web site, ruffwear.com, for a store near you.

• "Pupsnacks." Many people are cooking for their pets since the pet food scare. If you're one, check out the recipes in this new book, which has healthy, wheat-free goodies, snacks and entrees. There's even one that will use up turkey dinner leftovers. $15.95 at most major bookstores.

• Holiday dress. Everyone wants to look good Christmas Day. Now even Fifi can sparkle in this red plaid number. $12.99 at Target in extra small to large.

Travel-tainer. Bring along food and bowls in this handy carrying container. Just unsnap the handle and the ends become feeding bowls. $14.99 at the Container Store.

Meet the author

Arden Moore, author of "The Dog Behavior Answer Book" and "The Cat Behavior Answer Book," will be at Wordsmiths Books in Decatur at 2 p.m. today. The books try to bridge the communications gap between people and their pets. Both are welcome at the signing. 141 E. Trinity Place. 404-378-7166.

Get the lead out

Because lead is being found in toys, Good Mews, a no-kill cat shelter in Marietta,will test pet bowls and toys (or childrens items) for free Dec. 9 from 1-4 p.m. An environmental expert will test them on the spot. Staff also will be giving tours of the shelter so people can meet the 95 cats and kittens housed there awaiting adoption. 736 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A-3. For information: goodmews.org or 770-499-2287.

Photos with Santa Paws

Get your fur baby's picture taken with Santa and help Adopt a Greyhound Atlanta. For $9.95, get a digital photo and a holiday frame. $5 of each session goes to the greyhound group. Photo sessions are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. today and Dec. 15-16 at Petsmart, 6370 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta. For more information: www.greyhounds2.org.

Pet first aid

The American Red Cross and Pawtropolis in Bogart (near Athens) are offering a first aid course where owners can learn things like pet CPR, how to treat wounds, what to do when a pet is choking and other basic care. The Dec. 8 course from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. will be taught by a Red Cross official. Registration required by Dec. 7. $40. 130 Whitetail Way. For more information: www.pawtropolis.com or call 706-227-7887.