Plan ahead and think about your pets and Christmas plans
Planning for a magical Christmas is in full swing, with decorations already lined up in the store aisles and your kids probably already hinting at what they’d like to find under the tree on Christmas morning.
But have you made any plans for your pet this Christmas?
of RSPCA urges pet owners to plan ahead and think about how their pets will fit into their plans this holiday season.
Pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: ‘Most of us will already be planning which families we will visit this Christmas and, most importantly, who will make Christmas lunch. But it’s so important to think now about how pets fit into our plans and plan to make sure they’re well-cared for and happy during the holiday season.
“Whether you’re welcoming the whole family home for Christmas this year or going on a vacation, will your pet join in the fun and enjoy it? Or are you planning on caring for your pet while you go on a festive holiday? Do you want to?”
Tips for caring for your pet this Christmas
- Will your pet be comfortable on a busy Christmas day? Christmas Day can be a busy, noisy, and overwhelming day, so it’s important to keep in mind whether your pet will be comfortable in that environment. Are they happy with everyone or do they prefer to stay somewhere quiet? Can you provide a nice, safe and quiet place for them to escape to when they need to?
- Is your pet happy with the trip? If you’re staying with friends or family, it’s important to plan ahead if you’ll be bringing your pet along. Is your pet comfortable traveling in a car? Is your pet happy in new environments and around pets? If not, it may be better to leave it at home with someone who can care for it. yeah.
- Do you leave your pet at home alone? Some pets really don’t like being left at home alone, while others prefer to be in a lively and noisy environment on Christmas Day. Even if your pet is happy to remain at home, it’s important to arrange for someone to check on your pet.
- Arrange for proper care of your pet while you are away – Do you have a friend, relative, or neighbor who would be willing to stop by and spend time with your pet while you’re out and about? Make sure they have water, food, toys, and are themselves well. Or would you prefer to book your pet with a sitter or at a property? Please note that it can get crowded so you need to prepare well in advance.
- prepare for vacation – Many shops are closed on Christmas, so it’s important to make sure your pet has everything they need for Christmas. Do you have enough food and necessary medications? It’s also important to know who to contact for an after-hours veterinary hospital in case your pet needs emergency treatment during the Christmas season.
Dr Gaines added: ‘We think of pets as part of the family, so many people will want to incorporate them into their Christmas plans. or hanging stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve!”
“However, every animal has a unique personality, and while many cats, dogs, and other pets may love taking part in the fun and festivities, it can be a little scary for some. You. Consider your pet and its personality to make sure your pet has as much fun at Christmas as you do.
“And if you plan to leave your home, make appropriate arrangements such as asking a friend, relative, or neighbor to come and check on your pet, book accommodation for your pet, or take your pet with you. Please be able to take care of your pets.”
“The RSPCA will continue to be busy caring for the many animals in our care over the Christmas period and are appealing to the public to help us. Join the Christmas Rescue We’re running this campaign so we can help more pets in need this holiday season. ”
Join the Christmas Rescue
This Christmas should be a happy time for everyone, including the animals who share our lives. Cats spend long winter nights curled up next to us. Dogs play with wrapping paper. Some animals also receive their own special Christmas presents.
But not all animals will be so lucky if we don’t take urgent action. As the country prepares to celebrate Christmas, too many animals are left to suffer. Puppies are starving behind closed doors. Cats are left alone with no one to take care of them.
Can we really have a happy Christmas when so many animals are still suffering?
Too many animals are currently facing the worst period of their lives. Over the Christmas period, we receive over 25,000 reports of animal harm, including over 700 on Christmas Day. That’s why you can’t stop by for Christmas. As long as any animal is suffering, we will continue to help.
We must work together to ensure a happy Christmas for everyone. We’re asking everyone who believes no animals should be left to suffer this Christmas to donate today.
Our animal rescue team will work with you to bring animals to the safety and warmth of RSPCA animal centres. You will support our veterinary team and work tirelessly to provide lifesaving emergency treatment to animals. You’ll be next to staff at a specialized center who provide the loving care animals need to recover.
So join us at Christmas Rescue and together we will bring joy and safety to animals. For thousands of frightened and injured animals, we turn the worst of suffering into the best of Christmases. Because it’s something that will change their lives forever and many happy Christmases to come.
🎄 Join Christmas Rescue by donating online rspca.org.uk/jointherescue.