Whether you’re a year-round planner or a last-minute prepper, it’s paramount that your holiday plans include your pet. But, if your four-legged friend hasn’t made “The List” yet, do not panic—the American Animal Hospital Association-accredited Dove Mountain Veterinary team has you covered with our step-by-step pet holiday prep checklist.

Step 1: Update your pet’s veterinary care and request refills

Veterinary needs are number one on our list, for good reason. During the holiday season, our team is extremely busy managing regular appointments and surgeries, as well as holiday-related pet emergencies, so we recommend that you plan well ahead. Whenever possible, schedule your pet’s wellness services and request medication or food refills in advance to ensure you meet all your pet’s needs, and that our dedicated team is ready and available to care for sick, urgent, and emergent pets.

Step 2:  Confirm your pet’s travel arrangements or boarding reservation

If you’ll be traveling with or boarding your pet, confirm their arrangements with destination staff, including health requirements and paperwork they will need. These requirements will vary, based on whether you are traveling domestically or internationally and between boarding facilities. If you need to present your pet’s vaccine records prior to boarding or at your destination, contact our team or use our online pet portal to access and print your pet’s Dove Mountain Veterinary chart. If your pet will need specific veterinary health certificates or services (e.g., exams, vaccines, disease testing, microchip implantation), contact our team as soon as possible to ensure we can accommodate your needs before the holiday rush.

Step 3: Know what you can and cannot feed your pet

Every pet owner is tempted to slip their pet an extra treat or two during the holidays, so knowing the foods that are safe or toxic for pets is critical. Always avoid serving any form or quantity of food with pet-toxic ingredients, such as:

  • Chocolate
  • Raisins and grapes
  • Onions, garlic, and leeks
  • Alcohol and caffeine
  • Foods containing the sugar substitute xylitol
  • Macadamia nuts

Pet owners should also avoid rich and unfamiliar foods (e.g., turkey fat and grease, gravies, sugary or salty foods), which can cause significant digestive problems and pancreatitis, an extremely painful and potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition. 

If you must treat your pet, serve them safe, healthy, plain (i.e., no seasoning or sauce) ingredients, such as skinless white-meat turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, apple slices, pumpkin, squash, cranberries, carrots, or peas.

Step 4:  Create an at-home holiday getaway for your pet

The holidays can be stressful and scary for pets, including those who are social and confident. Ensure your pet can always opt out of holiday gatherings and festivities by creating their own space, such as a private corner in your bedroom or a covered crate where your pet can escape the noise and excitement but still has access to their necessities (e.g., food, water, litter box, bed, and toys). Instruct guests to leave your pet alone in their getaway space. Also, keep your pet’s daily routine as normal as possible (e.g., feeding and exercise times) to prevent additional anxiety.

Step 5: Secure breakable decorations and heirlooms from your pet’s reach

Without proper planning, your indoor winter wonderland could become your curious pet’s playground. Dogs and cats don’t understand the difference between decorations and food or toys, and they’ll likely damage your favorite decor, or harm themselves by chewing on, playing with, or ingesting decorations.

Display breakable or fragile items on elevated surfaces or high tree branches to avoid contact with curious paws or noses. 

Step 6: Buy a safe and practical pet gift

Don’t forget to include your pet on your holiday gift list. Look for a practical item that suits your pet’s personal preferences and needs. Ideas include:

  • Outerwear (e.g., sweaters and coats for chilly desert nights)
  • Bedding
  • Water fountains
  • Cat tree or outdoor catio
  • Pet ramps or mobility harnesses for senior pets
  • Leashes and harnesses for outdoor adventures
  • Interactive enrichment toys (e.g., puzzles, treat-dispensing balls, snuffle mats)

Step 7: Request that guests keep their belongings off the floor

Purses, backpacks, suitcases, and coat pockets often contain the most dangerous pet toxins, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, supplements and vitamins, sugar-free gum and candy, chocolate, toothpaste, makeup, and eye drops.  

Provide your guests with conveniently placed wall hooks and coat racks for handbags and outerwear, and portable luggage racks in guest rooms. 

Step 8: Create a pet emergency contact list

If the unthinkable happens and your pet needs emergency attention, knowing whom to call can save precious time, keep you calm, and improve your pet’s outcome. We recommend keeping pet emergency information on your refrigerator, in your wallet, and on your phone. Recommended resources include :

If you are traveling with your pet, research the nearest veterinary emergency center at each destination and save the information in your phone for fast access.

This holiday season, don’t leave your pet’s care needs to the last minute. Make a list and check it twice to ensure a happy, healthy, and safe holiday that is memorable for all the right reasons. If your pet’s list includes a wellness visit to Dove Mountain Veterinary or a prescription refill, book online or contact our team.