Kona (A522690) is a sweet 4-year-old German shepherd mix who’s ready to find her forever home. She recently enjoyed a special field trip to the Gamble House, where she posed like a pro at this iconic local landmark. Kona is a smart and affectionate pup who loves to play just as much as she loves to cuddle. She would thrive in a quiet home where she can be the only pet and soak up all the love. If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a big heart, Kona is your gal.

The holiday season is a time filled with gratitude. We treasure the meaningful relationships in our lives, including the ones we share with our pets.

My wife and I have always included our animals in our holiday traditions. Like the over 80% of Americans who report buying Christmas gifts for their pets, our dogs and cats have always had their own wrapped presents waiting under the tree.

Some pets love getting dressed up for the holidays. Others do not. Respect how your pet feels about it.(Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Over the years, we’ve added even more traditions. Starting December 1, each pet gets a Trader Joe’s Advent calendar with a tasty morsel each day until Christmas. Stockings hang from the fireplace stuffed with treats and toys. And Sheldon, our senior terrier mix, loves getting cozy in his holiday-themed pajamas.

With all the excitement at this time of year, it’s easy to forget that the season can also be stressful — or even hazardous — for our pets. To better understand how to address these challenges, I asked Rochelle Guardado, our Animal Training Manager, to share her best tips for keeping pets safe and happy throughout the holidays.

Here’s what she had to say:

Keep calm and merry on

Help reduce your pet’s stress during holiday gatherings by providing plenty of enrichment in the days leading up to the big event. Physical activity is important, but mental stimulation can be even more effective. Food puzzles, interactive play, and sniffing adventures help pets decompress.

When it’s party time, set up a safe, quiet space where your pet can retreat. Offer an extra-special treat or long-lasting chew in their calm zone and make sure guests know not to disturb them.

Some pets love getting dressed up for the holidays. Others do not. Respect how your pet feels about it. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Watch out for holiday hazards

New, sparkly novelties may be very tempting for our pets. Cats love to climb and investigate objects that are precariously placed on counters and shelves. Watch out for delicate, breakable decor or anything with ribbons or tinsel that might be accidentally ingested.

You’ll want to keep plants out of reach of pets, especially mistletoe, holly, poinsettias, and bulbs, such as amaryllis or paperwhites. Pine needles and Christmas tree water should also be off-limits for pets.

Reduce holiday travel woes

When traveling to family homes over the holidays, it’s best to bring your pet’s bed and practice some training skills ahead of time to avoid an awkward “faux paw.”

If you’re hosting overnight guests, have plenty of people- and pet-friendly treats around to reward good behavior. Let visitors know in advance what foods your pets should avoid and teach them how to ask for your pet’s consent before petting — especially important for children who may not have pets at home.

New traditions your pets will love

Parades and dressing up for family photos might sound like a good time for some, but not every pet enjoys all the hubbub or posing for the camera. Include your pets in festive moments that they’ll appreciate. Bake pet-friendly biscuits or offer your playful buddy holiday-themed toys. Decorate their Zen-zone safe space with warm festive blankets and snap a candid photo of them peacefully snoozing.

Practice makes perfect

Our Howl-iday Manners workshop is back to help your pup polish up their skills before the festivities begin. If you want to eat, drink, and be merry, but all your dog wants to do is jump on your favorite cousin and attempt a high dive onto the dessert table; this workshop is for you. Our trainers will help you and your pup work on polite greetings, mat relaxation, and even some just-in-case skills, like “back up” and “drop it.”

I hope these tips help you and your pets enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season.

For more holiday pet advice, visit pasadenahumane.org

Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.

This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on December 5, 2025.