Christmas for Your Pets: Costumes, Activities, Presents and More for the Holiday

Christmas can be just as fun for pets as it is for humans. Many pet owners make sure their pets partake in the festivities, whether it's getting gifts or wearing a holiday themed costume. If you are a pet owner looking to get your pet into the Christmas spirit, here are some options to get you started.

Take a Photo With Santa

Many towns or animal organizations have a day where, for a small donation, pets can come and take their picture taken with Santa. Check your towns website and if there is nothing available, look up local animal shelters or kennels to see if they will be running an event. Before going, make sure your pet uses the bathroom and can handle being around noisy crowds and other animals.

Donate Gifts From Your Pet

Animal shelters are usually in need of donations, everything from bedding to food. Check the shelters website, which will typically have a list of donations they desperately need. Buy some items, put it in a nice gift bag, then write the donation in your pets name.

Buy Christmas Inspired Toys

If you are looking for special Christmas toys to give to your pet, there are plenty to choose from. Thatpetplace.com has an adorable candy cane dog toy that is specially designed for the dog that loves to chomp, pull and chew. If your dog would find some way to destroy any soft toy, consider purchasing a red KONG dog toy from petco.com. KONG toys are well-known for being nearly indestructible. For your cat, Onlinepetdepot.com has an eight piece cat toy collection that will give your feline plenty of play time long after Christmas is over.

Christmas Pet Costumes

If you want to dress your pet up in a Christmas inspired costume, whether it be for a picture, for the holiday or for no reason at all, there are several that he will look adorable in. Buycostumes.com has Santa Claus and elf costumes and costumesupercenter.com has angel and elf costumes for your dog. Should your dog not be comfortable in a full costume, consider Rudolf reindeer costume antlers from blockbustercostumes.com. For your guinea pig, consider a little Christmas inspired hat from cuddlycavies.homestead.com. They currently have reindeer antlers, a Santa hat, an elf hat and an angel halo available.

Christmas Pet Outfits

If you prefer your pet in an outfit instead of a costume, there are quite a few to pick from. For your cat, consider a red satin dress that comes with a matching hat, which is available on thesophisticatedcat.com. For your dog, a twinkling star holiday sweater, available from entirelypets.com, can be perfect for Christmas. The star on the sweater actually blinks!

Christmas Collars

For pet owners that prefer a more subdued holiday outfit for their pet, a Christmas collar can be an excellent option. Buy.com has a jingle bell cat collar, which will undoubtedly also help you hear him whenever he is scampering about. Ohmydogsupplies.com has two styles of Christmas collars available that also has an option to upgrade to matching leashes. For a more flashy style, doggyduds.com has a metallic crystal bone Christmas collar that, for an extra cost, comes with a matching leash.

Before purchasing any items for your pets, make sure the items are going to stand up to your playful pets pulling and chewing. When choosing an article of clothing, measure each area of your pet carefully and compare it to the sizing chart on the website. Keep in mind that what might be an extra large on one site could be a large on another. With careful consideration to your pets wants and needs, you can choose the perfect Christmas item for your pet to help both of you get into the Christmas spirit.

Please note: Links and information are subject to change after publication of this article.

Sources:

Thatpetplace.com

petco.com

Onlinepetdepot.com

Buycostumes.com

cuddlycavies.homestead.com

costumesupercenter.com

thesophisticatedcat.com

entirelypets.com

Buy.com

Ohmydogsupplies.com

doggyduds.com

blockbustercostumes.com