From Halloween to the New Year, the holidays can be magical—and a little chaotic. With visitors, travel, décor, and schedule changes, even well-adjusted pets can feel stressed. The good news: a few proactive habits around exercise, enrichment, routine, and safe lodging will keep your dog or cat healthy and happy throughout the season.
Simple Home Safety Tips
- Decorate with pets in mind. Tinsel, ribbons, and breakable ornaments can cause choking, intestinal blockage, or cuts if chewed or swallowed; keep them out of reach and secure decorations, trees, and electrical cords. Keep lit candles out of reach from all pets.
- Avoid food no-nos. Let your guests know that for the health and safety of your dog or cat, no table food or snacks should be given to them. This will prevent overfeeding and avoid harmful foods such as chocolate, xylitol-sweetened candy, and fatty trimmings like turkey skin, or bones. Prepare some pet-approved fresh fruits and vegetables or chunks of lean meats to share with your pet for a special treat.
- Create a quiet retreat. Create a low-stimulus space for your pet to decompress when things get busy that includes their bed, fresh water, and familiar toys.
Healthy Festive Treats
Special homemade treats using healthy ingredients for your pet can be easy to make. One of the Signature Treats available for lodging guests at Holiday House Pet Resort features the seasonal favorite pumpkin.
- Mix together pumpkin, plain yogurt and frozen blueberries.
- Serve in a mini-ice cream cone or freeze the mixture in festive-shaped molds for a special treat.
Daily Movement Made Easy
Daily activity helps regulate sleep, appetite, and behavior and offsets those extra holiday calories.
- Aim for daily exercise that matches your pet’s needs and energy level. Needs vary by age, breed, and health—but every dog benefits from daily movement and mental exercise.
- Quick options. Brisk leash walks, fetch or flirt-pole sessions, hide-and-seek recalls, scent games on a snuffle mat, or short training bursts (sit, down, place) sprinkled through the day are effective.
Brain-Boosting Habits for Calm Pets
Enrichment—giving pets creative, problem-solving outlets for their brains and bodies—does more than relieve boredom. It strengthens the brain, builds confidence, and nurtures a calmer, happier companion. By encouraging pets to think, explore, and interact with their environment, enrichment helps prevent stress and reduces unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or hiding.
- For Dogs: Research shows that dogs engaged in regular enrichment and social activities demonstrate improved focus, better adaptability to change, and greater emotional stability. At a pet resort, those that receive interactive play sessions, small group activities, or one-on-one attention from staff enjoy a happier, healthier lodging experience. At home, simple games—like treat puzzles, hide-and-seek, or sniff-and-find activities—challenge the brain while satisfying natural instincts.
- For Cats: The AAFP’s Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines highlight that enrichment isn’t optional—it’s essential. Cats thrive when they have predictable resources, vertical climbing spaces, and interactive play that mimics hunting. Offering hiding spots, multi-level condos, and toys that spark curiosity gives them control and choice, boosting their confidence and reducing stress-related medical and behavior issues.
Why it matters: Pets that regularly engage in enrichment activities are not only calmer but also more confident in new or changing environments. That confidence carries over to travel, meeting new people, and lodging stays—making the holiday season smoother for both pets and their families.
Guard the Routine—predictability lowers anxiety
Travel, late nights, and changing meal times can rattle pets. Keep anchors like meal windows, potty breaks, exercise, and lights-out as consistent as possible. Veterinary and training guidance consistently link predictable routines with reduced anxiety and better behavior—especially for pets that are sensitive to changes in routine.
Traveling or Hosting? Consider a resort vacation for your pet
A high-quality pet resort can be a wellness upgrade during the holidays—especially if it offers the daily exercise, structured enrichment, predictable routines, and low-stress handling that is proven to keep pets calm and happy. Holiday House Pet Resort & Training Center prioritizes daily activities, offers human interaction and affection throughout the day, and features resort amenities for a happy holiday experience!
A daily activity schedule tailored to the needs and energy level of your dog—including one-on-one time, nature walks, play groups, training sessions as part of our Stay & Learn program, and lap time for kitty to name a few—helps our guests maintain emotional stability when life gets busy.
Now is the best time to make a reservation to ensure the holiday dates you want to reserve for your pet—call 215-345-6960.
Choosing to lodge your pet during travel or when your home is full of guests is a loving decision. Our resort amenities—designed for comfort, safety, and daily care—ensure your dog or cat feels secure, engaged, and well-cared for every moment of their stay.
- Climate-controlled private suites with access to an outdoor patio
- Discounted daily activity packages include options like daycare, small playgroups, individual play, and nature walks
- Bright and quiet feline-only space with private multi-level condos, cozy bedding, and a variety of activities for individual play time
- In-suite dining services and fresh water
- Highly-trained staff experienced in pet care, pet behaviors, and activities
- Safety features, strict cleaning protocols, and health checks
- Optional bathing or grooming appointments before checking out
Holidays don’t have to be hard on pets. With thoughtful exercise, enrichment, routine, and a low-stress lodging plan when you travel or are entertaining guests in your home, you’ll safeguard your pet’s physical health and emotional wellbeing—so everyone can enjoy the season.