The holidays are a time for celebration with family and friends, so it’s only natural to want your furry friends to join the fun. Of course, you’ll want to think about how to keep your pet safe, secure and stress-free during the excitement. Here’s our guide to a pet-friendly festive season.

Keep decorations out of paw’s reach

Holiday decor warms up every home but some decorations are risky for pets. Three examples: tinsel, sharp ornaments and fairy lights are dangerous when chewed or swallowed. Instead, get down to your pet’s eye level and move all your tempting, fragile and small items up, away and well out of reach – and consider swapping for pet-safe alternatives.

Be extra careful with fires and candles

Winter fireplaces are so cozy and warm. Yet, leave your pet lose near a roaring fire or lit candles and it could ruin everyone’s holiday. Pets can easily burn themselves by getting too close to the fireplace or knocking over candles. Instead, try beautiful flameless candles with LED lights like these and place a safety fence around your fireplace. Always supervise pets near open flames and encourage them to enjoy their snuggly pet blanket instead of warming themselves at the hearth.

Holiday lights spark curiosity

Your home is going to be sparkling when it’s lit up to welcome the season. Trouble is, glowing holiday lights and decorations mean electrics and extension cords that are really tempting for curious kittens and cable-gnawing puppies. You can prevent disaster by tucking electrical cords out of sight or, even better, cover them with cord protectors to remove the risk of shocks or tangling.

Say no to table scraps

We’re all tempted to share our annual feast with our pets, although human holiday foods are often too rich for our fur-babies. Fatty foods can upset canine and feline stomachs and turkey bones (like chicken bones) can splinter and cause serious throat and intestinal blockages. Instead, offer pet-safe treats and toys. To avoid cat-astrophes, here’s a great list of pet-smart food in BC SPCA’s tips on toxic foods for cats and dogs.

Mistletoe and holly are not pet-friendly

Mistletoe and holly create a wonderful festive feel but these plants are toxic to pets if swallowed. Both can upset your pet’s stomach and cause serious health issues. Protect your best friend by raising plants out of reach or decorate with pet-friendly alternatives. If your pet accidentally nibbles a toxic plant, call your vet ASAP or, if you have BCAA Pet Insurance (smart move), call the Pet Poison Helpline®, an emergency 24-hour poison-control service staffed with veterinary and toxicology professionals.

Tie down your tree

Just like toddlers, cats love to climb. If you have a tall Christmas tree this year, make extra sure you’ve securely anchored it to prevent toppling, injuries and damage. To thwart curious climbers, place cat-safe barriers around the tree – like baby gates or fireplace fencing. Try to decorate with shatterproof ornaments around the base.

Travel safely with your pet these holidays

Heading to the highway or airport to see family or friends? Make sure you’ve got all the travel essentials for a safe trip for all people and pets. Do check out our guide to travelling with pets for tips on holiday car safety and cross-border prep. And for extra peace of mind, pet insurance will have you and your pet’s back in case of any unexpected incidents on the road.

Safety first, all year round

Want more peace of mind for you and your pet? BCAA Pet Insurance allows you and your pet to enjoy the season with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected from any surprises the holidays love to bring. And BCAA Members save 13.5% - that’s up to $120/year!*

Here’s wishing the happiest of holidays to you and your kitty or pooch!

^{*BCAA Member savings average of $120/year is based on Accident and Illness plans with a 13.5% discount applied. BCAA Members receive a preferred rate of 13.5% off. Non-Members receive a preferred rate of 9% off.
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