How to Prepare Your Home for a Holiday-Adopted Pet
- Deniza Marcinkevica
- Dec 20, 2025
- 3 min read
By Taquera Woodson, Social Media Intern and Deniza Marcinkevica, Manager Business Development, Skytails.com
Bringing home a new pet during the holiday season is exciting, heartwarming, and meaningful. With festive gatherings, decorations, and extra time at home, it’s a great time to welcome an adopted pet into your family. Before the day arrives, it’s important to make sure your home is prepared for the pet you are adopting. You need to make sure your home is safe and calm. Whether you’re adopting a playful puppy, a curious cat, or a gentle senior pet, it is important to make sure they have a smooth transition.
Create a Safe, Quiet Space for Your Pet
The holidays can be busy and loud, so having a designated area where your new pet can relax is important. Choose a low-traffic room where they can go when your pet feels overwhelmed. A calm space helps build trust and makes the first few days better.
Set up a cozy space with:
A bed or soft blanket
Food and water bowls
Toys or enrichment items
A crate for dogs or a hiding spot for dogs
Pet-Proof Your Holiday Decorations
Holiday decor is great for the holidays, but it can be dangerous for pets. Secure your tree, keep breakables out of reach, and avoid leaving food gifts like chocolate unattended.
Check for these hazards:
Tinsel, ribbons, and string
Fragile ornaments
Electrical cords
Burning candles
Toxic holiday plants
Stock Up on the Essentials
Before your pet arrives, make sure your home is equipped with the basics. Having everything ready reduces stress for both you and your new pet during their first few days.
For dogs:
Collar, leash, harness
Food appropriate for their age and size
A crate or playpen
Chew toys and treats
For cats:
Litter box and litter
Scratching posts
Food and water
Interactive toys
Prepare Your Family for the Transition
If you have children, housemates, or guests visiting for the holidays, set expectations ahead of time. A calm, predictable environment will help your new pet adjust more quickly.
Communicate important guidelines:
Let the pet explore at their own pace
Avoid overwhelming them with attention
Keep doors closed to prevent accidental escapes
Use soft voices and slow movements
Respect alone time when needed
Establish a Routine Early
Even during the holidays, consistency is key. Routines give a sense of security, especially in a new home filled with unfamiliar sounds and smells.
Start right away with:
Scheduled feeding times
Regular potty breaks
Quiet rest periods
Play sessions and enrichment
Introduce Other Pets Slowly
If you have existing pets, introductions should be controlled and gradual. Never force interactions and let relationships develop naturally.
Best practices include:
Neutral territory meetings for dogs
Scent swapping for cats
Short, supervised interactions
Allowing each pet its own space to retreat
Prepare for Holiday Guests
Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for a new pet. Remember your new pet is still adjusting and may need extra reassurance.
To keep them comfortable:
Give them access to their quiet room
Provide enrichment like chew toys or puzzle feeders
Ask guests not to feed them table scraps
Secure exits to prevent escapes
Plan for Veterinary Care
Your pet may need initial checkups, vaccines, or preventive care shortly after coming home.
Tips for a smooth start:
Schedule their first vet appointment early
Gather any medical records from the shelter
Confirm what food they’ve been eating
Make note of any medications they need
Conclusion
Adopting or fostering a pet during the holiday season is the best time. With the right preparation, you can make sure your home feels safe, calm, and welcoming for the newest member of your household. This will make a smooth transition for you and your new pet.
SkyTails Connection
Thinking about adopting or fostering this holiday season? SkyTails makes it easier. With a dedicated pet savings account, you can stay financially ready for vet care, emergencies, and wellness essentials. And because SkyTails partners with adoption centers to reduce turnover, more pets are placed in stable, forever homes right where they belong.
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