Updated September 28, 2026
A little preparation helps you enjoy a celebration without losing track of the animals sharing your home. This checklist draws on the ASPCA's holiday and food-safety guidance, linked below.
Keep the menu familiar
The ASPCA lists chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, raw yeast dough, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and xylitol among foods or ingredients pets should avoid. Keep treats for people, food gifts and leftovers out of reach, and secure the rubbish bin.
Tell visitors what your pet normally eats so everyone follows the same plan. If you suspect a poisoning, contact your veterinarian or local emergency service promptly. In the US, ASPCA Poison Control is available at (888) 426-4435.
Check the decorations from pet height
The ASPCA's holiday checklist highlights exposed wires, batteries, breakable ornaments and tinsel. Secure the tree and keep its water inaccessible. Holly and mistletoe can make pets ill; many lilies are especially dangerous to cats.
Before guests arrive, walk through the room and decide where bags, wrapped food and decorations will go. A beautiful table is easier to maintain when the pet's usual route through the room remains clear.
Leave somewhere quiet
The ASPCA recommends a quiet place pets can retreat to when celebrations become noisy. Let guests know which space is off limits and keep your pet's familiar resting items there.
A blanket is an everyday accessory, not a treatment for stress. If you choose the Soft Paw Print Fleece Blanket, compare the listed sizes with the space you want to cover and follow the care instructions.
Make the gift for the person
A mug or human hoodie can mark the season without changing your pet's routine. The Pet Love Mug is an option for the host; keep its hot contents away from animals.
For more ideas, browse our Gift Guide. For a household celebrating with a newly arrived animal, read first Christmas with a new pet.
This is general safety information. Your veterinarian can advise on your individual pet. The ASPCA references above do not endorse the products pictured.
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