Can you believe there’s only 36 sleeps until Christmas?! While we’re all busy Christmas shopping and planning holidays & Christmas celebrations, it’s important to make sure our pets are just as prepared. The Christmas and New Year period often brings changes to routines, travel, fireworks, visitors, and summer weather — all of which can be stressful or risky for our furry family members.
Here’s our trusted Christmas Pet Checklist to help keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe during the festive season.
🎄 Check Vaccinations Are Up to Date
Christmas is a common time for boarding kennels, catteries, and pet sitters, and most facilities require current vaccinations.
Even if your pet is staying home, keeping vaccinations up to date protects them from preventable diseases like:
- Parvovirus
- Distemper
- Kennel cough
- Feline respiratory viruses
If you’re unsure when your pet is due, give our clinic a call and we can check their records for you.
🦟 Stay on Track With Flea, Worming & Tick Prevention
Warm weather and increased outdoor activities mean an increase in parasites.
Make sure your pet is protected from:
- Fleas
- Intestinal worms
- Heartworm
- Ticks (including paralysis ticks if you’re travelling to high-risk areas)
We can recommend the most effective preventatives for your pet’s needs and lifestyle.
📞 Confirm Microchip Details Are Up to Date
Christmas gatherings often mean open doors, visitors coming and going, and more chances for pets to slip outside unnoticed.
Check that your pet is:
- Microchipped
- Wearing a collar and ID tag
- Registered with current phone numbers and address
If you’re unsure where your microchip is registered, we can help point you in the right direction.
🚗 Planning Holiday Travel? Prepare Your Pet in Advance
Whether you’re taking your pet on holidays or arranging a pet sitter, consider:
1. Travel sickness
Some pets experience nausea or distress during car travel. We can provide:
- Travel sickness medication
- Calming supplements
- Behaviour and travel preparation advice
2. Health certificates & general wellness checks
If your pet is travelling, boarding, or joining you on adventures, book in a pre-holiday check-up to ensure they are fit and healthy.
🎆 Fireworks, Visitors & Noise Anxiety
New Year’s Eve fireworks and Christmas gatherings can be stressful for many pets.
If your pet experiences:
- Pacing
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Barking or destructive behaviour
- Escaping
- Vomiting from stress
…it may be time for a discussion about anxiety medications, calming options, or management strategies. Some medications require a vet consultation, so don’t leave this to the last minute — appointments book out fast.
🐾 Stock Up on Food, Treats & Prescription Medications
Many pets are on regular medications or specialty diets.
Before the Christmas rush, make sure you have enough ample supplies.
With public holidays and altered trading hours, it’s best not to risk running out.
⏰ Be Aware of Our Christmas & New Year Opening Hours
Holiday weeks often include:
- Early closures
- Public holiday closures
- Limited appointment availability
Check our clinic’s Christmas and New Year hours early so you can plan ahead. If your pet needs medication or a health check, please book as soon as possible.
🐶 Managing Separation Anxiety During Christmas & New Year Events
If your routine will change — travelling, long days out, or visitors over — some pets may struggle with:
- Barking and vocalising
- Toileting accidents
- Destructive behaviour
- Stress-related vomiting or diarrhoea
Chat with our team about behaviour support, training tips, and medication options where appropriate.
🌞 Summer Safety: Heat, Hydration & Holiday Hazards
The Christmas period can bring extra risks, such as:
- Heatstroke
- Hot pavements
- Dehydration
- Toxic foods (ham fat, grapes, raisins, onions, chocolates)
- Rubbish-bin scavenging
- Holiday decorations and string hazards
- BBQ skewers and cooked bones
If you’re unsure what’s safe for your pet, reach out — we’re here to help.
A little preparation can make a big difference to your pet’s wellbeing over the Christmas and New Year period. If you need vaccinations, travel advice, anxiety support, summer safety tips, or a holiday health check, book early — our festive season appointments fill quickly
👉 Don’t forget to download our Christmas pet checklist
Our team wishes you and your furry family a safe, happy, and joy-filled Christmas!🎅❤️