7 Fun Ways to Ring in the New Year With Your Pet

As we stand on the precipice of a New Year, eager to bid farewell to the old and embrace the promises of the future, why not make this year’s festivities even more special by celebrating alongside your cherished pet? Our loyal companions bring immeasurable joy and unconditional love to our lives, and what better way to welcome the upcoming year than by creating memorable moments together? Keep reading to discover seven fun ways to welcome the New Year with your furry friend!

1. Start New Traditions

Imagine a scene where tails wag and purrs resonate when the clock strikes midnight and the world collectively cheers as you usher in the next chapter of your life surrounded by the ones you love most. With some planning and creativity, you can make that vision a reality.

Start a pet-friendly New Year’s Eve ritual, such as a simple moment of reflection where you and your pet share quiet time together. Whether it’s a calming walk under the moonlight or a cozy cuddle session by the fireplace, these intimate moments forge a deeper connection as you transition into the new year.

Create a New Year's resolution board for your pet, and include goals like trying new treats, exploring new parks, or mastering a new trick. This adds a whimsical touch to your celebration and sets the tone for a year filled with shared adventures and growth.

GeniusVets Happy New Year Dog

2. Safe Celebrations

When planning your soiree, keep your pet’s safety in mind. Skip the sparklers and party poppers and opt for pet-safe bubbles. Keep streamers, candles, and other potential hazards out of your furry friend’s reach. Consider setting up a dedicated space, like a cozy blanket surrounded by their favorite toys.

Incorporate pet-safe confetti or bubbles into your celebration to add extra fun for your furry companions. Watching them play enhances the joyous atmosphere and captures the essence of their innocence and curiosity.

3. Gourmet Delights for Discerning Palates

Elevate your pet’s dining experience with handcrafted, gourmet treats that would please even the most discerning palate. Spoil them with a menu fit for royalty, ensuring that every bite of the extravagant spread is a celebration of culinary delight.

Explore unique flavors and textures in your pet’s gourmet menu, incorporating ingredients like salmon or blueberries for a burst of nutrition and flavor. These unexpected additions can turn a simple meal into a sensory experience for your discerning furry friends. Remember to avoid foods and ingredients that could be harmful to your pet.

Foods you should never give your pet include:

  • Garlic, onions, shallots, and leeks
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Fat trimmings
  • Chocolate
  • Alcohol
  • Avocado
  • Caffeine
  • Xylitol

If your pet eats something they shouldn’t this holiday season, contact their veterinarian right away. Check out our blog on toxic treats and some great alternatives!

4. Chic Attire for Your Companions

Turn your pet into a fashion icon with the latest trends in pet couture. Explore a world of tailored outfits to showcase their personality and add glamour to your New Year festivities. Shop for pre-made costumes, or make one from scratch. Either way, have fun with it!

Consider hosting a “Best Dressed Pet” competition among friends and family. This entertaining event adds a competitive spirit to the celebration and allows everyone to have fun dressing up their furry family members. Always keep in mind it’s best only to dress pets in a costume if they have a personality that will embrace the festivities. Anxious pets or pets that don’t like clothing, in general, may feel stressed and anxious when playing dress-up. Look for folded-down ears, looking sideways, or a tucked tail — all signs of uneasiness, meaning you should remove the costume. Also, be sure to closely inspect it for gems, bows, buttons, or other small parts that could be bitten off and swallowed. Remember, a pet costume should not inhibit their ability to walk, run, lay down, or breathe easily.

GeniusVets Happy New Year Dog5. A Night of Purr-fect Entertainment

Dazzle your pets with a night of purr-fect entertainment. From pet-friendly movies to interactive play sessions, ensure that the evening is filled with joyous moments for both pets and owners to create memories that will last a lifetime.

New Year’s Eve is often frightening for pets. Fireworks are fun for us humans, but they’re downright terrifying to many animals. Make your pet’s evening a bit less stressful by keeping them entertained. Research pet-friendly movies with soothing soundtracks that can create a relaxing ambiance for your pets. Combine this with gentle playtime to transform your living room into a haven of joy and relaxation for both you and your furry companions.

6. Photo Booth Fun

Make your New Year’s celebration a memorable experience with a DIY pet photo booth. Choose a well-lit corner adorned with festive decorations as your backdrop. Include pet-friendly props like hats and tiny glasses, ensuring they’re comfortable and safe.

Create lasting memories by compiling the photos into a collage or scrapbook. Share the joy on social media or keep it as a cherished memento of the special New Year celebration you shared with your pet. A DIY pet photo booth is a whimsical touch, and taking pictures together strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion. So, grab your camera and accessories, and make some paw-some memories!

7. Bedazzled Bedtime: Luxury Pet Accommodations

Conclude the night by providing your pet with the epitome of comfort and luxury. Gift them a new bed to ensure they retire in style and enjoy a restful sleep after the night’s festivities.

Enhance your pet’s sleeping space with calming scents such as lavender or chamomile. This aromatic addition helps create a serene environment, promoting relaxation and ensuring your pets wake up to the new year feeling refreshed and content when using appropriate scents.

Complete the New Year’s celebration by dressing your pet in dreamy sleepwear. Whether it’s cozy blankets or adorable pajamas, let your furry friends drift off to sleep in comfort and style, ending the evening on a note of tranquility and contentment.

That’s A Wrap

As we approach the New Year, here’s to celebrating with your pet in seven fancy ways! May these ideas make your New Year’s festivities extra special and strengthen the bond with your furry friend. Wishing you a year full of joy, love, and precious moments with your beloved pet. Cheers to the New Year!

Don't have a vet in your area yet? We can help you find a local veterinarian.

If you have more questions, the GeniusVets Telehealth platform will give you unlimited access to text and/or video calls with board-certified veterinarians! To learn more click here.

Contributing DVM