​During The Holiday Season, millions of Americans hit the road to visit family or enjoy a much-needed vacation. While some pet parents leave their beloved animals with friends or find a suitable boarding facility, others take them along for the ride. Bringing your animal into the wide world can be an amazing opportunity to share new experiences and broaden their horizons but also requires crucial logistical and safety considerations. In this article, we offer a comprehensive guide to help you travel safely and comfortably with your pets during the busy and sometimes stressful holiday season. 

Before embarking on any journey, it’s important to assess your pet's temperament, health, and comfort level with travel. Some pets can find car rides or airline flights frightening; a crowded airport alone can be disorienting for animals unaccustomed to loud, busy environments. Other pets may be resistant to travelling in a carrier and will require you to arrange a safe alternative. It is important to be mindful of their preferences and needs, and to anticipate any challenges advance. ​

• Vet Visit: Schedule a visit to the vet before your trip to ensure your pet is in good health. This is especially crucial if your pet is older or has any medical conditions. The vet can provide recommendations for travel, medications for anxiety, or travel-friendly tips for managing specific health concerns. 

• Pet Identification: Make sure your pet has proper identification, including a collar with a tag that has your contact information. Microchipping is a great backup option in case your pet gets lost. 

 

• Update Vaccinations: Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, especially if you're traveling to areas with specific health risks, like boarding facilities or rural locations. 

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• Prepare Documents: If you're traveling by air or to a different country, check what documentation is needed for pet travel. Many airlines require a health certificate issued within a few days of travel, and international travel may require quarantine or additional vaccines. 

How you travel with your pet depends on several factors, including your destination, your pet’s behavior, and your budget. Below are some tips for different modes of transportation: 

• Car Travel: If you’re driving, ensure your pet’s safety by using a travel crate or pet seat belt. A crate provides a secure, familiar environment that can reduce anxiety. If your pet isn't accustomed to traveling in a crate, start acclimating them at least a week before the trip. Make sure to pack water, food, and familiar toys to keep your pet comfortable. Plan for regular breaks (every 2-3 hours) for bathroom and stretch stops. 

• Air Travel: Flying with a pet requires special preparation. Most airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin, but they must be placed in an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of you. Larger pets will need to travel in the cargo hold, which has specific requirements and regulations. Check with your airline for pet policies and any required documentation. To minimize stress, ensure that your pet is familiar with the carrier well before the flight and never leave them unattended during the flight. 

• Train and Bus Travel: Some forms of public transportation, like trains or buses, allow pets, but policies vary depending on the carrier. It’s important to check ahead of time for any specific rules, such as the need for a pet ticket or size limitations. ​

Traveling with your pet during the holidays should be a joyful, fulfilling experience. It provides a chance to bond with your animal and bring them more fully into the family fold. By preparing for the journey, ensuring their comfort, and keeping their safety in mind, you can make the holiday season special for humans and animals alike. We wish a safe, stress-free holiday season for everyone in your family, including your furry companions! ​

With Valentine’s Day rapidly approaching, there’s no better time to talk about pampering your pet! Yes, I’m sure a lot of us have mixed feelings about the holiday in general. Whether we’re grateful for a long-term relationship, still suffering the sting of heartbreak, looking for something new, or entirely indifferent to romance in general, Valentine’s Day can elicit a full spectrum of human emotions, some good and some pretty bad. But regardless of where we currently stand on the issue of human romance,  as pet owners we can surely agree that the affection we get from our pets remains priceless, and worth celebrating in all its forms. This is why at PAWS/LA, we like to use the build-up to Valentine’s Day as an excuse to indulge our beloved companion animals, thanking them for giving us love when we need it the most. Or whatever...I mean, you don’t have to get so soppy about everything...sheesh. 
 
Here are seven ways to pamper your furry (or scaled, or feathered) friends this winter: 
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Upgrade your pet's sleeping area with a cozy new bed and collection of luxurious blankets. Whether a plush pillow, soft comforter, or silky-smooth mat, providing a comfortable and warm space will make your pet feel especially cherished. Consider adding some heart-shaped pillows for that extra touch of Valentine's Day spirit. ​

Treat your pet to a spa day. This could include a gentle bath using pet-friendly products, a brushing session to keep their coat shiny and healthy, and even a gentle massage. Like their human owners, most pets enjoy this kind of attention and relaxation. For those who live close to The Grove shopping complex, Pour La Pooch handles grooming for PAWS/LA clients and we can attest to both the great work that they do, and the kind-heartedness they show those in need. ​

Show your love by keeping your pet entertained. Invest in some new interactive toys that challenge their minds and keep them physically active. Puzzle feeders, interactive balls, or toys that dispense treats can provide mental stimulation and endless entertainment. You could also spoil your pet with customized accessories. Whether it's a new collar, a tag with their name and a heart charm, or a cozy sweater for the winter season, these personalized items show that you've put thought into making them feel special.​

Capture the love by having a mini photoshoot with your pet. Create a festive backdrop with heart-shaped decorations or red and pink hues. Capture those adorable moments and create lasting memories. You can even turn the photos into a personalized Valentine's Day card or photo book.​

Sometimes, all your pet needs is your undivided attention. Spend some quality time cuddling on the couch or bed. Your pet will appreciate the warmth and comfort of your presence, making them feel truly loved. ​

Your pet's unconditional love is a gift that deserves to be celebrated every day, but that shouldn’t stop you from using Valentine's Day as the perfect excuse to go above and beyond in expressing your affection for your animal, maybe kickstarting a renewed attempt to strengthen the already powerful bonds you share. Whether it's through delicious treats, cozy accessories, or simply spending quality time together, these gestures will make your pet feel cherished and adored. And of course, there’s no need to let the love stop at your own doorstep. With so many animals on the streets or in shelters, it’s more important than ever to cherish what we have, and to spread our affection freely and without reservations. ​

While not a money-saving hack, or gift suggestion, this point is worth stating regardless: Put the essential needs of your pets first. Don’t let the financial pressures of the season prevent you from caring for your animals with the same attention and dedication you give them year-round. For example, make sure you meet their nutritional needs before buying them that new toy. It’s not worth swapping the quality of your pet’s essential care, even temporarily, for some fancy seasonal luxury that will probably be forgotten come January 1st. Finally, remember that the best thing you can do for any loved one (really the only thing that matters) is to give them your love and attention. Quality time and play is worth more than any toy or treat.  ​

In my family, homemade gifts get a far better reception than those purchased in a store. After all, it takes considerably more time and effort to make something than it does to simply purchase or order it. Not that there’s anything wrong with spending money on your pets, but nothing you can buy will equal the thoughtfulness of a gift made by hand; something one-of-a-kind, which stands out from the offerings of an oversaturated consumer landscape. Since food is a huge part of many holiday traditions, consider making homemade pet treats with simple, budget-friendly ingredients. You can also use the prep and baking time as an opportunity to bond with your pet. Involving them in the process becomes a gift in itself. Check this list of recipes for ideas, or look online for a plethora of additional options. 
  
Besides delicious edible treats, DIY pet toys can be crafted from common household items, providing entertainment for your animals at a minimal cost. For example, a stuffed sock or small bell tied to the end of some string can provide your cat with hours of entertainment. For dogs, consider tying up srips of old t-shirt fabric to make a low-cost tug toy. As with food recipes, the internet is a treasure trove of potential DIY gifting options, many of which encourage using recycled materials: good for your pet, good for the planet! To get you started, this video shows how to make a DIY catnip toy for that special feline in your life. ​

If you don’t have time to go the DIY route, there are still ways to save money on purchased items. A variety of smartphone apps function as discount aggregators, compiling deals and coupons from across the web and incorporating them into a simple, easy-to-access list with direct links to the source of the discount. While these may not be pet-specific, many of the featured retailers stock animal supplies as part of their general inventory. You should also look for sales, discounts, and clearance items at local pet stores. Consider signing up for a consumer loyalty program that rewards you with points for consistently shopping at the same store or franchise. These discounts quickly add up. Finally, remember that you can repurpose everyday human items as pet-friendly gifts. A discount blanket, for example, can be transformed into a cozy bed for your furry friend. Including these items makes it easier to find a good deal. ​

Veterinarian services are by far the most financially burdensome of all pet-related expenses. Even basic procedures can end up emptying your savings in a blink. In many locations, the Winter months carry additional health risks such as canine flu, or accidents related to extreme weather conditions. No matter how tight your budget is, vet care comes first. Don’t delay treatment just to get through the holidays. If your pet does end up needing a procedure, research local clinics or animal welfare organizations that offer discounted or low-cost services. Some of these may organize special events or clinics where pet owners can access essential services or free, or at a reduced price. ​

The kinds of resources available, and challenges faced, will vary from community to community. What works in one city might be ineffective or unavailable in another. Reach out to local pet care clubs or online forums to connect with animal owners who may be facing similar financial challenges. Sharing resources, tips, and even organizing swaps for pet supplies can help low-income pet owners support each other during the holiday season. Facebook is an effective platform for finding such groups. Of course, always exercise caution with your online dealings, being wary of scams, and mindful of where and how you share personal information.  ​

With a bit of patience and the right tools, you can skip expensive trips to professional pet salons and handle basic grooming tasks at home. Invest in budget-friendly supplies, such as nail clippers and brushes, and take the time to beautify your pets yourself. Not only does this save money, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Who knows, you might even discover a passion for the art! 
  
As with everything in the modern world, you don’t have to take the DIY grooming journey alone. A plethora of online guides exist to demystify the process. YouTube is the best platform for video tutorials, while websites like WikiHow offer step by step text instructions. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to suspend professional services indefinitely. An outing to an animal salon remains one of life’s true pleasures. 
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Just as there are thrift stores for human items, second-hand markets and online exchange platforms offer gently used pet supplies at a steep discount. From beds to toys, exploring second-hand options can help you provide for your pets without straining your budget. Facebook Marketplace is a good place to start looking for used goods in your area. Craigslist can also work. Again, watch out for scams and exercise due caution when conducting any monetary transaction. When it comes to certain items, such as blankets or beds, make sure you carefully treat and sterilize each new item to avoid bringing fleas (or worse) into your house. But don’t be squeamish. Those of us who shop second hand can testify to the kind of quality bargains that await those with the patience to search. ​

Planning is key to managing expenses. Create a budget that includes your pet-related expenses and stick to it. I repeat: Stick. To. It. Do your shopping as early as possible. When things get busy, a last-minute scarcity of essential items can drive up prices. Bear in mind that any online deals will need time to pack and ship. By planning ahead, you can avoid impulsive purchases and ensure that you meet your pet's needs without overspending. 

While the current socio-economic climate can seem indifferent, even hostile to people's everyday struggles, it's important to remember that a sturdy support network remains available to help both individuals and communities navigate difficult times. PAWS/LA is one of several organizations that exists to assist qualifying low-income pet owners in Los Angeles County, providing free food and supplies as well as volunteer services and vouchers for emergency veterinarian procedures. Alongside our organization, a variety of other programs offer further options for those in need. If one group is unable to meet your specific needs, another may be able to step in instead.  

Thankfully, pet care charities such as PAWS/LA operate in many cities and jurisdictions outside of L.A. County, and a few even function on a national level. A quick Google search can connect you with the support programs closest to you. If that doesn’t work, try reaching out to local animal shelters, pet food banks, or community programs, especially those positioned to fight homelessness and poverty. At the very least, these groups should be able to give you a list of nearby resources and point you in the right direction. Case and social workers are also great sources of valuable information. The precise services offered will vary from group to group.  
 
Overall, this process can require some digging. Try and assume an attitude of persistence as you explore your options and determine the programs that you qualify for; don’t give up at the first hurdle!  ​​

The Holidays don’t need to overwhelm low-income pet owners. By adopting a thrifty mindset, embracing creativity, and tapping into community resources, you can keep your budget intact AND ensure that your pets get a healthy dose of seasonal joy. It can be difficult, but try not to get in your head about things. Stay on guard against unhealthy expectations. Consumer culture bombards us with messages equating joy with abundance, and our capacity for happiness with our ability to consume. Love quickly becomes a material proposition, with expressions of affection reduced to a state of mere transaction. To succumb to such messages would be to miss the point of the season. Forfeiting authentic joy in the pursuit of an artificial ideal is a real holiday tragedy. Quite simply, everything we need is already in front of us. The most valuable gifts we can give our pets are love, attention, and care--all of which come at no cost. If we provide these, we can safely say our Holiday Season was a time of abundance, and that we went above and beyond to provide for our beloved animals. Sure, the toys are nice; sure, it’s fun to own stuff. But at the end of the day, nothing you can buy beats a wagging tail or sniffly, wet-nosed kiss on a cold day. ​

​The Holiday Season is a special time for people to gather and be merry together. No matter your background or belief system, some kind of holiday celebration is likely to insert itself into your day-to-day life. At such times, it’s important to remember that pets are part of festivities too. Amidst the hustle, bustle and disruptions in routine, it's easy to overlook the potential, pet-specific dangers that lurk within the celebratory frenzy. In this guide, we will highlight some of these hazards and explore various ways to keep your pets safe and happy during the holiday season.

​Nobody likes decorating for the holidays more than I do. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as buying an artisanal, hand-crafted bauble for a hundred bucks and then seeing it shatter the next time someone sneezes near it. Yet, behind the sparkle of fairy lights and shimmer of tinsel there lies a world of danger, especially for your pets. What you see as a delightful winter grotto might constitute a perilous hellscape for a cat or dog. Keep your decorations off the floor as, according to both experts and anyone with even a modicum of common sense, they can be harmful to your pet’s digestive system if swallowed. In the same vein, make sure to secure your Christmas tree so it doesn't topple over if an overly rambunctious pet decides to climb it. Always have a fireguard in your hearth, and make sure those candles are well out of reach. Finally, bear in mind that your pet is not a decoration or accessory. It’s perfectly acceptable to dress them up for the festivities, but only if they’re comfortable with it. The only thing worse than a sad cat is a sad cat with reindeer antlers taped to its head.

​Without a doubt, food and drink play a major role in almost every holiday tradition. We feast and imbibe, and imbibe some more, and then feast again, seeing out the year with an earnest, but ultimately futile resolve to scale back our future indulgences. Just bear in mind, that our furry friend's dietary needs are vastly different from our own. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol, and foods with artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) should be kept out of your pet's reach. With so many visitors coming and going throughout the season, it’s important to inform your guests about not feeding table scraps to your pets. Instead, serve them (the pets, not the guests) with healthy organic meals. This is particularly important if children are visiting. Of course, that doesn’t mean your furry friends shouldn’t eat well over the holiday season. You can find an abundance of gourmet pet food options available in any major supermarket or pet supply emporium. Consider treating your beloved animal to something special they can enjoy while you’re scarfing your fourth piece of pie. Just remember, Fido most definitely needs to stay away from the champagne. He’s obnoxious when he’s drunk, and everybody knows it.

​The holiday season often involves gatherings, parties, and fireworks. Some of us enjoy these festivities, others find them only mildly more tolerable than a root canal. Regardless of your own inclinations, bear in mind that your pet probably has no idea what in the world is going on and could easily become overwhelmed. This is especially true on New Year's Eve when your pet is wondering why your weird neighbor is vomiting in the plant pot. Some animals, get especially excited or hostile around strangers, and this can prove dangerous for both parties—especially when kids are involved. Nobody wants to miss out on the celebrations because they had to rush Cousin Johnny to the ER for stitches and a rabies shot. In such chaotic circumstances, your animal is most certainly not at fault. Create a safe and quiet space where they can retreat to if they feel stressed. This could be a cozy corner with their bed, toys, and water. You might even consider playing soft music or leaving on a white noise machine on to soothe their nerves. Never force a shy pet to socialize, and make sure all guests are aware of any boundaries the animal might have.

​If you plan to give your pet a gift, remember that they almost certainly don’t care. They're animals! They would probably rather a little extra care and attention, instead. (Likewise, do not be upset if your pet doesn’t give you a gift. It’s not that they’re being thoughtless; you’re just particularly difficult to buy for, and they don’t want to spend money on something you won’t use). If you insist on buying them a present anyway, keep it simple. Ensure that any new items are safe and appropriate. Avoid toys with small parts that could be a choking hazard. Instead, opt for sturdy, pet-approved items that encourage mental stimulation and physical activity. Remember, something as simple as a ratty piece of old string peeled off your shoe can provide a kitten with hours of entertainment.

​With busy holiday schedules, it's easy to overlook your pet's exercise routine. However, just because you’ve eaten so much saturated fat you can hardly move, doesn’t mean your pet should suffer too. Regular exercise, fresh air and the stimulation of being outside are crucial for any animals’ well-being. No matter how busy you get, take time for walks and activities that keep your pet’s mind sharp. If the weather is harsh, consider indoor games like hide and seek. Just bear in mind that there are plenty of holiday hazards outside of the house.

​The holiday season often means an increased output of household waste. For us, this is an inconvenient by product of our seasonal revelry; for a curious pet, it is an abundance of riches. Make sure your garbage is secure, perhaps in a cabinet or sealed with a pet-proof lid. You don’t want them rummaging through the trash and potentially ingesting something harmful. 

​If you're traveling with your pet, ensure their safety and comfort by investing in a spacious, fully equipped pet carrier with a secure door. Make sure to bring some familiar bedding, toys, and food to help them feel at ease in a new environment. If you're flying, check the airline's pet policies well in advance and ensure your animal meets all the requirements to board. Any time your pet is away from their home environment, they should be microchipped and wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information. Remember that the movie Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a highly embellished work of fiction and that most lost animals will NOT embark on a series of colorful adventures and soul-searching trials to find their way home. (Most cats will just pick a new owner).

​Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. It’s the thing you don’t worry about that inevitably ends up blindsiding you—usually when you least expect it. Like any good boy scout you need to be prepared. Have the contact information of a local 24/7 veterinary clinic readily available. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest emergency animal hospital. Check their website for holiday hours and other changes in schedule. In a crisis, quick action can make all the difference.

​Once again, these seemingly innocuous household accessories can pose a significant risk to your pets. Several plants commonly used for decorations, such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to pets if ingested. Mistletoe can also be problematic as it encourages the unsanitary practice of interspecies smooching. Make sure these plants are out of your pet's reach or opt for pet-safe alternatives if you want to decorate with greenery.

​Amidst the holiday chaos, don't forget about your pet's routine health care. Ensure they are up-to-date with vaccinations and parasite prevention, especially if your guests are bringing unfamiliar animals into the home. With many stores and pharmacies operating on a holiday schedule, it pays to make sure you’re sufficiently stocked up on any essential medications BEFORE the shops close. The holiday season often means colder weather, so take necessary precautions to keep your pets warm, especially if they spend time outdoors. Little dogs in coats and mittens are adorable, just make sure they are comfortable.

​In conclusion, the holiday season can be both delightful and challenging for our pets. While being overly anxious ultimately helps nobody, a little reasonable mindfulness goes a long way. As with any good safety plan, identifying potential dangers is the natural first step. With one in place, you can relax into the spirit of the season and share your joy with your furry friends. Just don’t get so carried away that you end up ruining the occasion for everyone. The holidays wouldn’t be the same without your beloved animals. They likely feel the same about you.