At Pet Resorts Australia, we’ve spent over 15 years keeping pets safe and happy during holiday celebrations. Every Easter, our experienced team helps hundreds of families navigate the challenges of festive gatherings with their beloved pets. Whether caring for anxious pups at our facilities or advising pet parents on home celebrations, we understand the unique challenges this season brings. Drawing from our extensive experience in professional pet care, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help you create a pet-friendly Easter celebration that ensures your furry family members stay safe and content.
Before the Celebration (1-2 Days Prior)
Setting your pet up for success starts with proper preparation. Create a detailed plan that includes:
Safe Zone Setup
Transform a quiet room or secluded corner into your pet’s personal retreat. Include:
- Their favourite bed and toys
- Fresh water and food bowls
- A white noise machine or calming music
- Pheromone diffusers (start these 24 hours before guests arrive)
- A sign on the door asking guests to respect this as a ‘Pet Quiet Zone’
Holiday-Proofing Your Home
Easter decorations can be particularly tempting for curious pets. Conduct a thorough safety check:
- Store Easter baskets and chocolates in closed cabinets
- Secure artificial grass and plastic eggs in display cases
- Replace real lilies (toxic to cats) with pet-safe alternatives
- Create barriers around food preparation areas
Easter Foods Toxic to Pets
- All forms of chocolate are highly toxic to cats and especially dogs
- Hot cross buns and fruit bread contain raisins/sultanas that can cause rapid kidney failure
- Xylitol, a sweetener in many products, can cause low blood sugar and potentially liver damage depending on the amount ingested
- Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries
- Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause severe reactions
- Avocado can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
- Any food containing alcohol can be lethal to pets
During the Celebration
Managing your pet’s experience during the event requires a balance of supervision and strategic planning.
The First Hour is Critical
- Exercise your pet thoroughly before guests arrive
- Keep them in their safe zone until the initial excitement of arrivals settles
- Use positive reinforcement when introducing them to calm, pet-savvy guests
Food Safety Command Center
Designate a responsible family member as the ‘Pet Safety Monitor’ who will:
- Watch for dropped food and clean it immediately
- Ensure guests know not to feed your pet
- Monitor water bowls and refreshments
- Keep an eye on unattended plates and cups
Easter Egg Hunt Safety Protocol
If you’re hosting an egg hunt, consider:
- Creating a separate, fenced area for the hunt
- Using bright-colored eggs that are easy to count and find
- Keep pets away from the egg hunt zone until the final check has been done
- Conducting a thorough sweep after the hunt
Signs Your Pet Needs a Break
Learn to recognise stress signals early:
Dogs:
- Excessive yawning or lip-licking
- Whale eye (showing whites of eyes)
- Stiff body posture
Cats:
- Tail twitching
- Ears flattened
- Hiding in unusual places
Emergency Preparation
Keep this essential information readily available:
- Your vet’s emergency number
- Location of nearest 24/7 animal hospital
- Pet poison hotline
- List of Easter foods toxic to pets (with symptoms)
- Basic pet first aid supplies
After the Celebration
The hours following a gathering are just as important as the event itself.
Systematic Cleanup
- Do an immediate sweep for dangerous items
- Check outdoor areas for dropped food
- Remove and tidy up decorations
- Inspect pet areas for signs of stress (accidents, scratches, etc.)
Recovery Period
- Allow 24-48 hours of quiet time
- Maintain regular feeding and exercise schedules
- Monitor for delayed stress reactions
- Document any concerns for future reference
Need a Safe Haven for Your Pet This Easter?
If you’re planning a large gathering, travelling for the holiday, or simply want peace of mind, consider letting your pet stay with us. Our experienced team provides a calm, supervised environment where your pet can relax away from the festivities. We maintain regular feeding and exercise schedules, and our staff are trained in emergency response. With locations across Queensland, NSW and Melbourne, we’ve got you covered. Book early to secure your pet’s Easter retreat.
