Planning for a magical Christmas is in full swing, the decorations are already lining the aisles in the shops, and the kids have probably started hinting at what they want to find under the tree on Christmas morning.

But have you made plans for your pets this Christmas?

The RSPCA is urging pet owners to plan ahead and think about how their pets fit into their plans this holiday season.

Pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “Most of us will already be planning which family we’re visiting this Christmas and who is cooking the all-important Christmas lunch. But it’s really important to think about how our pets fit into our plans now, and to make a plan to ensure they’re well looked after and happy during the festive season.

“Whether you’re hosting the whole family at your house this Christmas or heading away for the holidays, will your pet be joining in the fun and will they enjoy that? Or will you be organising pet care for your pet while you head off for a festive getaway?”

Top tips for caring for your pets this Christmas

Will your pet be comfortable on a busy Christmas Day? Christmas Day can be a busy, loud and overwhelming day so it’s important to bear in mind whether your pet will be comfortable in that setting. Will they be happy around everyone or would they prefer to stay somewhere quieter? Can you set them up a nice, safe, quiet space for them to escape to if they need to?

Is your pet happy travelling? If you’re going to stay with friends or family then it’s important to plan in advance whether your pet will be coming with you. Is your pet comfortable travelling in the car, will they be happy in a new environment and around their pets? If they aren’t then you might be better off leaving them at home with someone to take care of them.

Will you be leaving your pet home alone? Some pets really struggle being left home alone while others may prefer that to being in a busy, loud setting on Christmas Day. Even if your pet is happier left at home, it’s important to make arrangements so that someone can check in on them.

Organise appropriate care for your pet while you’re away – Do you have a friend, relative or neighbour who’d be happy to pop in and spend some time with your pet while you’re out? They can check they have water, food, toys, and are well in themselves. Or would you prefer to book your pet in with a sitter or at a boarding establishment. Bear in mind that these can get busy so you’ll need to organise this long in advance!

Prepare for the holidays – Lots of shops will be closed over Christmas so it’s important to ensure you have everything your pet needs for the holidays. Do you have plenty of food and any medication they may require? It’s also important to make sure you’re aware of contact details for out-of-hours vet clinics just in case your pet requires emergency treatment during the festive season.

Dr Gaines added: “We consider our pets as part of the family so many of us will want to include them in our Christmas plans – whether that means providing them with their very own Christmas dinner or hanging their stocking over the fireplace on Christmas Eve!

“But every animal is an individual and while many cats, dogs and other pets might love to join in with the fun and festivities, for some it could all be a little scary. Think about your pet and their personality, and let them have a Christmas that’s as enjoyable for them as it is for you.

“And if you’re planning to go away, please make sure you have proper pet care in place, whether that involves getting a friend, relative or neighbour to come in and check on your pet, booking them in for boarding, or taking them with you.

“The RSPCA will be busy looking after many animals in our care over the festive period too and are calling on the public to support our Join The Christmas Rescue campaign so we can help more pets in need this festive season.”

Join the Christmas Rescue

This Christmas should be a happy time for all, including the animals who share our lives. Cats will spend long winter nights curled up by our side. Dogs will play with wrapping paper. Some animals will even receive their own special Christmas presents.

But without urgent action, not every animal will be as lucky. While the nation prepares to celebrate Christmas, far too many animals are being left to suffer. Puppies are starving behind closed doors. Cats are being left with no one to care for them.

Can it really be a happy Christmas when so many animals are still suffering?

Right now, too many animals are facing the worst times of their lives. Over the Christmas period, we receive over 25,000 reports of animal suffering – including more than 700 on Christmas Day. That’s why we can’t stop for Christmas. As long as any animal is suffering, we will keep going to reach and rescue them.

We must work together to make it a happy Christmas for every kind. We’re calling on everyone who believes that no animal should be left to suffer this Christmas to donate today.

Together with you, our animal rescue teams will bring animals to the safety and warmth of RSPCA Animal Centres. You’ll be supporting our veterinary teams, working tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment that will save their lives. And you’ll be by the side of expert centre staff who give animals the loving care they need to recover.

So please, join the Christmas Rescue and together we will bring joy and safety to animals. For thousands of terrified and injured animals, we’ll turn the worst suffering into the best Christmas yet – because it will be the one where their lives change forever, and the start of many happier Christmases to come.

🎄 Join the Christmas Rescue by donating online rspca.org.uk/jointherescue.