Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/holiday-traditions-with-pets/

The holiday season is filled with joy, delicious food and traditions passed down from generations. It is an exciting time of year that we get to spend with those we love, including our beloved pets.

While the holidays can be stressful for our furry friends, there are some activities and traditions that are sure to get their tails wagging and spread cheer.

Check out some fun (think cardboard box to cats) ideas below.

Advent Calendars

These are for all the good (or mostly good) boys and girls who receive a special toy or treat every day of December leading up to Christmas.

Dogs and cats are not the only pets that can partake. There are advent calendars for horses, rabbits, and more. Chewy.com sells a 12-day dog and 24-day cat option.

Learn about DIY options here.

Holiday Photos

Create a festive scene at home or get matching ugly sweaters and then pose for adorable photos next to your best friend. Be sure to share the photos with friends and family, which are sure to bring joy to all who see.

If you have a well-behaved pup you can even bring them to visit Santa and get a photo at your local pet store.

Homemade Treats

Grab your favorite apron and pet-friendly ingredients and head to the kitchen to make delicious treats for your pet. There are endless options, but click here to find the recipes for six easy dog treats.

Build A Snowman

If you live in a place with snow, a fun activity can be building a snowman and use dog treats as the nose and buttons. The size of the snowman would have to be adjusted to the height of your dog, but this is a great enrichment and search game. Just be warned, some bigger dogs will enjoy destroying “Frosty” in the search.

Holiday Lights Car Ride

Load up Fido and head out for a car ride to marvel at all of the sparking lights on the trees. Watching your dog enjoy the different colored lights is just as rewarding at the displays themselves.

Take a stroll downtown to enjoy even more decorations and lights. It is after all, the most wonderful time of the year.

Donate to Animal Shelters

Animal shelters nationwide are struggling to find homes for all the animals in their care. They are overcrowded and need help feeding and caring for the homeless pets. Please consider donating pet food, toys, and supplies to your local shelter.

Foster A Shelter Pet

Many animal shelters are looking for foster homes for their overlooked dogs and cats for the holiday season. This gives the animal time away from the stressful shelter and allows them to spend the holidays in a loving home. The hope is that some animals will win over their foster families and become permanent residents.

Contact your local shelter to see how you can help make the season brighter for shelter pets.

Be sure to add your favorite holiday tradition with your pet in the comments. Happy Holidays!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog