What Are Your Pet’s Plans for Thanksgiving?

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is reminding people that as we celebrate Thanksgiving and delight in the hustle and bustle of whether to travel or to stay home, what to cook, and who to sit next to at the table, we can’t forget to make equally important plans for our canine and feline friends. Festive food and beverages, along with the commotion of large gatherings may pose hazards for our furry family members.

“Thanksgiving is a special time of year for many families, but it can also be hectic, so it’s important for people to plan for their pets,” said Adam Goldfarb, director of pet care issues for HSUS. “Whether your family is traveling or staying home, you can keep your pet safe and happy by thinking about their well-being ahead of time.”  

With a few simple precautions, our pets can share this special time with us safely. The HSUS offers these tips to keep our four-legged family members healthy and happy: 

• Provide your pet with a quiet, out-of-the-way room during holiday parties. Though some pets may enjoy socializing opportunities, the excitement of a party may overwhelm others.
• Avoid the urge to give your pets table scraps, especially bones. Bones easily splinter and can cause serious health problems, even death.

  Is your pet traveling with you?

• If you are planning to take your pet with you when visiting friends and relatives during the holidays, be sure to contact them in advance to find out if your pet is welcome. Because of the excitement during the holidays, it might be best to board your pet or hire a reputable pet sitter instead.
• When traveling with your pet, attach tags with contact information for your mobile phone, as well as a phone number for where you are staying.

  Is your pet taking a vacation from you?

• If you are leaving your pet at home with a pet sitter, be sure to ask for references, plus written proof that he or she is bonded and has commercial liability insurance.
• If you are leaving your pet at a boarding kennel, visit the kennel ahead of time to make sure that it’s clean, comfortable, and safe for your pet. 

For more information on traveling with your pet, please visit the HSUS pet travel resources page.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization—backed by 11 million Americans. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org