Hosting Guests with Pets: How to Keep Everyone Happy and Stress-Free
The holidays are a time for gathering, celebrating, and reconnecting—and for many families, that also means pets joining in the festivities. Whether your home has pets or you’re hosting guests with pets, a little planning goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe, relaxed, and comfortable.
At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services (OVRS), we’re here to help you create a welcoming environment for all your two- and four-legged visitors.
Before Guests Arrive: Preparing Your Home
Whether or not your guests are bringing pets, setting up your home in advance can make the visit smoother for everyone.
If YOU have pets at home
- Create a quiet retreat: Set up a cozy room or corner where your pet can decompress from the excitement. Include toys, bedding, water, and a familiar scent.
- Stick to routines: Maintain regular feeding, walking, and play schedules as much as possible. Predictability reduces stress.
- Exercise earlier in the day: A well-exercised pet is more relaxed when guests arrive.
If GUESTS are bringing pets
- Decide “pet zones”: Determine where visiting pets are allowed—certain rooms, the backyard, specific sleeping areas—and communicate these ahead of time.
- Remove hazards: Put away small decorations, food items, or plants that could pose risks to unfamiliar pets.
- Pet-proof shared spaces: Protect your belongings and minimize opportunities for territorial behavior by offering neutral shared areas.
Give Guests (and Their Pets) a Heads-Up
Good communication prevents misunderstandings and reduces stress for both humans and pets.
If YOU have pets
Let guests know:
- Any house rules (no feeding table scraps, no opening certain doors, etc.)
- Whether your pet is shy, excitable, or wary of strangers
- Foods that are dangerous for animals (grapes, chocolate, sugar-free treats, etc.)
- How to approach or interact with your pet safely
If GUESTS are bringing pets
Ask them:
- Whether their pet is friendly with other animals
- If their pet has dietary restrictions or medications
- Whether they need a quiet space for their pet
- If their pet is crate-trained (helpful for overnight stays or busy gatherings)
- How their pet behaves around children, food, or new environments
During the Gathering: Keeping Harmony
A watchful eye—combined with flexibility—helps the event run smoothly.
Managing YOUR pets
- Monitor interactions to ensure your pet isn’t overwhelmed.
- Keep doors secure to prevent escape attempts.
- Offer puzzle feeders or enrichment toys to redirect energy.
- Give breaks when needed—short time-outs in the quiet room can help.
Managing VISITING pets
- Introduce pets on neutral ground when possible (like outside).
- Watch for resource guarding involving toys, food, or attention.
- Feed pets separately to avoid competition.
- Supervise until you know how the pet
- s interact with each other.
If tensions rise, separate pets into different zones. Temporary space is better than forcing interactions.
Special Considerations for Overnight Stays
If you’re hosting guests with pets and they are staying long-term:
- Discuss sleeping arrangements for pets
- Establish meal times that minimize chaos
- Make sure each pet has their own space to retreat
- Schedule shared activities like walks to avoid crowding
Clear boundaries help all pets settle in more confidently.
Here for Your Holiday Moments
Hosting during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful planning—and plenty of communication—you can create a safe and joyful environment for both pets and people.
At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, our team is here to support you with resources, emergency care, and specialty services whenever you need us. For questions or advice, call (248) 334-6877.
