Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Melanie Haynes
If you’re searching for trusted pet sitting in Viera over the holidays, or simply want to keep your Space Coast fur babies safe and happy this season, you’ve landed in the right place. Here at Space Coast Pet Services, we know that the holidays can be as stressful for pets as they are joyful for their people. From tinsel-chasing cats to turkey-sniffing dogs, the festive season brings a whole new set of hazards and excitement for our four-legged family members.
This HOWLiday pet care guide answers the most common questions Viera pet parents ask us every year, so you can celebrate with confidence and keep tails wagging all season long.
How do I keep my pets out of the presents?
If you have a dog who loves to chew or a cat who treats every wrapped box like a personal invitation, keeping gifts under the tree can quickly become a disaster waiting to happen. The safest option is to store presents out of your pets’ reach until it’s actually time to open them. A high table, a closed room, or a baby gate can work wonders.
If you’d rather keep the presents under the tree for the visual effect, the trick is giving your pets something better to focus on. Try offering your dog a fun holiday gift of their own a few days early, like a long-lasting chew or a puzzle toy. For cats, a catnip toy or new scratcher near the tree can redirect their curiosity away from your carefully wrapped packages.
How do I keep my cat from climbing the Christmas tree?
Cat owners across Viera and Brevard County know the struggle is real. Cats see a Christmas tree and think: opportunity. Thankfully, a few smart precautions can save your ornaments (and your sanity).
- Cover the tree base with a skirt to block access to the water, which can contain harmful preservatives in real trees.
- Use aluminum foil or citrus peels around the base. Most cats dislike the texture and smell.
- Place the tree strategically away from furniture that could serve as a launch pad.
- Hang fragile ornaments near the top and center of the tree, not dangling from the tips of low branches.
- Skip the tinsel. It looks pretty but is extremely dangerous if swallowed by cats or dogs.
- Use ornament ties instead of hooks to prevent choking hazards.
A spray bottle of water nearby doesn’t hurt either. Cats generally get the message after a few reminders.
What holiday foods are safe for pets to eat?
Your pets are going to be interested in whatever is on the holiday table, and sharing a small bite here and there isn’t always a bad thing. Some pet-friendly holiday snacks include plain cooked sweet potato, carrots, green beans, apples (no seeds), bananas, and plain cooked pumpkin or pumpkin puree. Our pups on the Space Coast particularly love pumpkin as a treat, and it’s great for digestion too.
Just be sure you’re using plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains nutmeg and spices that can make pets seriously ill.
Is turkey safe for dogs and cats?
Yes, with a few important caveats. Plain, fully cooked, unseasoned, skinless white turkey meat is safe for both dogs and cats in small amounts. Turkey is actually a common ingredient in many commercial pet foods. According to the American Kennel Club, turkey is fine for dogs as long as it isn’t seasoned with garlic, onion, or butter, and the bones have been removed.
Avoid giving your pet turkey skin (too fatty), stuffing (loaded with onions and garlic), or any meat that has been cooked with seasonings. A small piece of plain breast meat as a holiday treat? Totally fine. A heaping plate of everything on the table? Not so much.
What holiday foods are unsafe for pets to eat?
The holidays bring out a lot of foods that look harmless but can be genuinely dangerous for pets. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center lists many common holiday ingredients as toxic to dogs and cats. Here’s what to keep out of reach:
- Onions and garlic: Both cause gastrointestinal distress and can lead to anemia in dogs and cats. Watch out for these hidden in stuffing, gravies, and sausages.
- Grapes and raisins: Even a small amount can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Keep fruitcakes and trail mixes well away from pets.
- Cooked bones: Cooked turkey, ham, and chicken bones splinter easily and can puncture your pet’s digestive tract. Raw, vet-approved bones only.
- Chocolate: Toxic to both dogs and cats. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Keep all desserts out of reach.
- Xylitol: This artificial sweetener found in sugar-free candies, gum, and some baked goods is highly toxic to dogs and can cause rapid blood sugar drops and liver failure.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause serious problems. Keep cocktails and eggnog well away from curious noses.
For a more complete list of foods toxic to pets, check out our detailed guide. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Are mistletoe and poinsettias safe to have around pets?
Short answer: no. Both mistletoe and poinsettias are toxic to pets. Poinsettias typically cause mild irritation like drooling or stomach upset, but mistletoe can cause more serious symptoms including vomiting, low blood pressure, and even heart problems if ingested in large quantities.
The ASPCA’s complete toxic plant list is a great resource to bookmark. Other common holiday plants to avoid include lilies (extremely dangerous for cats), amaryllis, holly, and cyclamen. If you love having greenery in the house, opt for pet-safe alternatives like Christmas cactus or roses. You can find a full list of indoor plants safe for Brevard County pets right here on our blog.
What should I do with my pets when I travel for the holidays?
This is one of the questions we hear most often as a Viera pet sitting company. Whether you’re heading up to visit family for Thanksgiving or flying out of Melbourne International Airport for Christmas, your pets deserve consistent, loving care while you’re away.
Your options generally come down to three choices: bring your pet with you (not always practical), board them at a facility, or hire a trusted in-home pet sitter. In-home pet sitting in Viera keeps your pet in their own familiar environment, on their normal schedule, which is especially important during the already stimulating holiday season. It also means your home is occupied and kept an eye on while you’re gone.
If you’re exploring boarding options, our post on family-style dog boarding in Viera walks you through what to look for and how to make the transition smooth for your dog.
Should I get my kid a pet for the holidays?
It’s tempting. The holidays feel magical, everyone is home, and what could be more exciting than a puppy or kitten under the tree? But before you make that call, it’s worth thinking it through carefully.
The good news: the holiday season actually offers a great window for welcoming a new pet, since more family members are typically home to help with the adjustment, training, and bonding. The key is making sure your family is genuinely ready for the responsibility before the novelty wears off in January.
Before bringing a new pet home, consider the long-term costs, time commitment, and your family’s lifestyle. If you have young children, read our guide on how to teach your dog to interact safely with kids and how to set realistic expectations. Once the new year hits and the excitement settles, check out our tips for pet New Year’s resolutions to start your new family chapter off right.
How do I reduce holiday stress for my pet?
Pets thrive on routine, and the holidays can throw everything out of whack. Houseguests, loud parties, new smells, rearranged furniture, and altered feeding schedules can all contribute to anxiety, especially in dogs and cats who are sensitive to change.
A few things that help: stick to your pet’s regular feeding and walk schedule as much as possible, create a quiet safe zone they can retreat to when things get overwhelming, and make sure guests know not to feed the pets from the table. If you’re hosting a large gathering, consider keeping your pet in a comfortable, quiet room with their bed, water, and a favorite toy.
For tips on celebrating with your pets without the stress, don’t miss our roundup of 12 festive ways to include your pets in holiday celebrations and our guide to having a pet-friendly holiday season.
Have a Happy, Safe, and Healthy HOWLiday!
From all of us at Space Coast Pet Services, we wish you and your furry family members the safest and most joyful holiday season on the Space Coast. Whether you need a trusted pet sitter in Viera while you travel or just want peace of mind knowing your pets are in good hands, we’re here to help. Reach out to us anytime to learn more about our pet sitting, dog walking, and dog boarding services in Viera and throughout Brevard County.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This small amount allows me to bring you helpful resources that I use or researched and recommend.
Recent Comments