The pet-safe holiday hub
Halloween to New Year in one place: what to watch for on each big day, foods to keep off the plate, printable checklists and gifts for the pet people on your list.
Day by day
One guide for each big day, in order. The next one is highlighted.
Halloween
Candy, costumes and a doorbell that never stops. Plan a calm room and keep sweets up high.
Thanksgiving
The big meal. Keep bones, gravy and onion-heavy dishes away, and warn your guests.
Christmas
Trees, tinsel, plants and visitors. Pet-proof the decorations and book boarding early.
New Year’s Eve
Fireworks and cold nights. A quiet room, ID tags on, and paw care after icy walks.
Holiday foods: safe or not?
Tap a food to see the verdict for dogs and cats, why, and what to do.
Checklists to print before you travel
Every guide has a Print button that gives you a clean checklist page.
Holiday guides
Halloween pet safety: candy, costumes and trick-or-treaters
Halloween is fun for people and confusing for pets: strange costumes, a doorbell that never stops and a bowl of candy at nose height. Here's how to keep the night safe and calm.
Read the guide →How to keep your dog calm on Thanksgiving: guests, food and a quiet room
Doorbells, new people and a turkey at nose height. Set up a quiet room, plan a long walk and keep the feast off the floor for a calm holiday.
Read the guide →Holiday foods dogs and cats can't eat
From the Thanksgiving turkey to the New Year's cheese board, holiday food is everywhere. Here's what to keep off your pet's plate, what's fine in small amounts, and what to do if they help themselves.
Read the guide →Pet-safe Christmas: trees, decorations and holiday plants
A tree full of dangling toys, new plants and piles of ribbon: to a pet, December looks like a playground. Here's how to decorate without a trip to the emergency vet.
Read the guide →Holiday pet boarding checklist: what to ask, pack and prepare
Holiday boarding spots fill up fast, and a smooth stay starts weeks before drop-off. Use this checklist to pick a place, get the paperwork ready and pack the right things.
Read the guide →Winter paw care for dogs: salt, ice, snow and cracked pads
Cold pavement, rock salt and dry indoor heat are tough on paws. Here's a simple before-and-after-walk routine that keeps your dog's feet comfortable all winter.
Read the guide →
Shopping for a pet person?
Funny tees and mugs, embroidered hats, engraved bracelets and instant-download planners. Christmas delivery: order by Nov 30 (personalized items by Nov 25).
The Paw Plan shares general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different, so check with your vet about your pet's health, diet and care.