Thankful for Pets: Creative Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving with Your Dog or Cat

It is our favorite time of year: Thanksgiving Day! Have you ever thought about including your pets in the celebration? Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and love and our pets are a big part of that family. According to a recent survey, nearly 97% of pet owners consider their pets a part of the family. So, for many, pets and Thanksgiving go hand in hand, as pets are part of the family, and celebrating Thanksgiving without them won't feel complete. 

Pets and Thanksgiving: Celebrating the Holiday with Our Little Friends

When the holiday approaches, many people start searching for ways to involve their pets in the celebration. This holiday is not mainly for humans, as our pets deserve to be part of the festivities.

 From special treats to safety tips: pet owners find ways to ensure their animals feel included. For people who have cats and dogs, Thanksgiving can be an opportunity to share the joy with them. From cozy cuddles on the couch to planning pet-friendly treats, cats and Thanksgiving can go hand in hand, adding warmth to the holiday atmosphere. For dog lovers, dogs and Thanksgiving bring extra energy to the festivities, with wagging tails and excited eyes waiting for their share of the holiday cheer.

However, Thanksgiving with pets requires a little extra care. About 25% of pet-related emergency vet visits during the holidays are linked to pets consuming foods unsafe for them, such as turkey bones, chocolate, or high-fat dishes. To avoid these dangers, consider pet-friendly alternatives. Many pet owners now opt to prepare special, safe holiday treats like dog-friendly Thanksgiving food for dogs, pumpkin pie, catnip-filled toys, Thanksgiving food for cats, etc. ensuring their pets can enjoy the feast without risk.

74% of pet owners say that having their pets around helps them relax, making the holiday an even more enjoyable experience. 

From preparing special pet-safe holiday treats to setting up a cozy, festive space, there are plenty of fun options to make them feel part of the holiday magic. With a little planning, you can create an enjoyable and safe experience for your pets. Let’s explore creative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with your dog or cat! 

• Treat Yourself and Your Dog to Christmas Gifts Early

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start thinking about the festive season, and there is no better way to spread the holiday cheer than by treating yourself and your pets to early Christmas gifts. Dogs Christmas Gifts are a great way to show your pet just how much they mean to you, and you will find no shortage of fun, personalized, and high-quality items to choose from.

• Prepare a Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Meal

While many traditional dishes are unsafe for pets due to ingredients, there are plenty of delicious and safe alternatives for your pet. If you need a way to include your pets in the Thanksgiving celebrations, you'll find many safe recipes for dogs and other pets. Searching for a "dog Thanksgiving meal" or "cats and Thanksgiving" will lead you to many creative options. 

• Order a Custom Pet Portrait

A pet portrait is another creative idea to celebrate Thanksgiving with your dog or cat. Ordering one allows you to celebrate the holidays while making a permanent part of your holiday memories. You can upload a photo of your pet and choose from various artistic styles, such as vintage, royal, or even pop art. The personalized portraits make fantastic gifts or decorations for your Thanksgiving home and throughout the year.

• Create a Cozy Pet Corner

Provide your dog or cat with a space for rest, especially during the colder months. Start by selecting a quiet and comfortable area in your home, such as a corner of the living room or near a window for natural light. You can use soft, plush pet beds or blankets, which provide warmth and comfort for your friend. Adding a pet-friendly rug or mat can help create a cozy base for them. To improve the space, consider using cozy pet furniture like a stylish pet couch or a hammock-style bed, which is also a space-saving option​.

• Give Them a Thanksgiving Toy

 Many pet stores and online retailers offer Thanksgiving-themed toys, such as plush turkeys, chew toys in the shape of pumpkins, or interactive toys designed to engage your pet’s mind. You can look for special holiday toys made with safe, pet-friendly materials, which are perfect for your dog or cat to enjoy during your Thanksgiving festivities. Giving them a new toy is a wonderful way to include them in the holiday spirit. Some pet brands also create limited-edition Thanksgiving toys, making them extra special as part of your pet’s seasonal celebration​.

• Get  Holiday-Themed Outfits 

A cozy, holiday-themed outfit for you and your pet is a fun choice to celebrate Thanksgiving together. You can get matching holiday sweaters that feature your pet's face, which adds a personalized touch and is perfect for you and your friend. You can also choose pet Christmas Sweaters for you and enjoy them during the holiday season.  

For dogs, you can choose from cute turkey costumes, fall-themed sweaters, or even matching bandanas to complete the look. Cats can also join in the fun with cozy sweaters or holiday-themed collars​.

• Go for a Thanksgiving Walk 

A Thanksgiving walk with your pet is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time together. After the meal, walking around the neighborhood or a nearby park can help you and your dog get some fresh air and exercise. You can even make it a tradition, creating a fun and healthy activity to share with your friend each Thanksgiving.

Conclusion

Our pets have a special place in our hearts, and holidays are the perfect time to show them how much we appreciate their companionship. They offer unconditional love and loyalty and we can show their role in our lives with thoughtful gestures. 

Including your pets in your Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations is a beautiful way to show them how much they mean to you. Whether it's a custom pet portrait, a cozy blanket, a personalized mug, or other thoughtful gifts, these special items make the holidays even more meaningful and memorable. Crown and  Paw makes it easy to create the perfect gifts that show the unique character of your pets.