Keep Thanksgiving Stress-Free for Your Pets with Fear Free Care
- Drae Solberg
- Nov 20
- 2 min read
This holiday season might be a joyful time, but the extra people, noise, and changes in routine can be stressful for animal companions. As Fear Free certified professionals, we understand the importance of supporting animals' wellbeing by reducing fear, anxiety, and stress. Helping your companion stay calm and content can make the holidays less overwhelming for everyone, especially as we approach Thanksgiving.
You might wonder: What does Fear Free certification entail? It is a program that trains caregivers to prioritize both the mental and physical health of the animals in their care. This includes reading body language, creating safe spaces, using gentle handling, avoiding aversive practices, and adapting routines to minimize stress. In short, it is about helping your companions feel safe, understood, and comfortable.
Even if you are not a certified professional, you can bring Fear Free practices into your home this season:
Create a safe space: Provide a quiet room, crate, or cozy bed your companion already knows, where they can retreat from noise and guests. Soft music or white noise, calming scents, or species-specific pheromones can help them relax.
Maintain routines: Stick to regular feeding, walking, and play schedules to give them a sense of security.
Respect signals: If your companion hides, swats, tries to leave, or shows other stress signals, give them space and encourage your guests to do the same.
Schedule pet care: Provide an alternative for your companion by sending them on a walk or adventure hike with AllCompanion at the time you expect company.
For more tips, please download Fear Free's Thanksgiving guide below:
Comments