Thanksgiving with Pets: Recipes, Activities and More

Spooky szn is officially behind us, and—aah, do you smell the cinnamon candles and fresh-baked gingerbread cookies? The warm-and-fuzzy holiday season is finally here! And up first is Thanksgiving: the most delicious, most emo holiday of them all. How? On this four-day weekend, we're reuniting with family near and far, we're making meals and breaking bread together, and we're going around the table getting all sorts of emotional as we share who and what we're thankful for this year. And for all of us pet parents, our furry loved ones are at the top of that list.

To ensure a safe, delicious and memorable Thanksgiving with your pets, we've rounded up all the best recipes, activities, safety tips and more. Now, put on those stretchy leggings, your favorite loose-fitted sweater—and don't forget the wine! It's Thanksgiving time, for you and your pet.

Click the buttons to jump to each section:

Dress Up:
Cozy Thanksgiving-Worthy 'Fits

Half the fun of the holidays is dressing your pet up for the part, and this year's fall fashion trends embrace style and comfort.

From oversized sweaters to selfie-worthy outfits, the whole fam should look good this Thanksgiving—because you never know when the camera will come out! (And if you're planning on putting up a DIY holiday backdrop this year, that photo shoot is guaranteed to happen.)

Here's some Thanksgiving outfit inspiration:

Top Pet Fashion & Home Décor Trends for Fall & Winter

halloween with pets - movie character costumes

The Best Dog Sweaters to Keep Your Pet Cozy, Comfy and Lookin’ Cute

Your Pet Can Embrace the Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic This Fall, Too

When you’ve found the perfect 'fit, make sure it, well, fits. Check the sizing guide for the clothing you've picked out for your pet because different brands have different sizing standards. Not sure how to measure your pet? We have a Chewtorial for that!

Play Around:
Indoor and Outdoor Activities for the Whole Gang

Before you go comatose (we can practically smell the turkey baking from here), why not burn off some calories and make some memories at the same time?

From making DIY wreaths with the foliage and other fun stuff you've foraged while out on your brisk walk to setting up a scavenger hunt in your backyard with treats and toys for your pup and all their canine pals, here are some indoor and outdoor activities for the entire fam.

Create Your Own Found-Objects Fall Wreath

Plan a Scavenger Hunt (and More Activities!)

Go on a Hike With Your Cat—Here's How

Eat Up!
Woof- and Meow-Worthy Thanksgiving Recipes

Don't leave your pet out of the food fun. While the turkey's cooking, make one of these tasty treats made with safe, dog- and cat-friendly ingredients.

Not only will your pup or cat will be ever-so-grateful, but having treats handy will also help prevent guests (and you) from "accidentally" dropping food scraps at the dinner table. Guests can, instead, give your pet a mom-made (and vet-approved) treat—with your approval, of course! You can read more about pet etiquette here.

Homemade Turkey Triangles for Cats

Turkey-Cranberry Meatballs for Dogs

The Best Thanksgiving-Inspired Pet Treats

Stay Safe:
Keep These Thanksgiving Safety Tips in Mind

Because the last thing anyone wants is a pet-mergency.

From common Thanksgiving foods considered toxic for dogs and cats (like foods cooked with nutmeg and dairy products, like egg nog, to name a few) to outdoor hazards you might encounter on your pre- (or post-!) Thanksgiving meal walk, study up on how you can protect your pet.

Thanksgiving Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs

A Vet’s Guide to Thanksgiving with Dogs and Cats

Fall Safety Tips for Pets

If your pet gets into the holiday feast when you're not looking and consumes something they're not supposed to, vets recommend calling one the following three numbers:

The number to your veterinarian
The number to an after-hours facility in case you need to go to the ER
The number to the Pet Poison Hotline at (855) 764-7661

Wind Wine Down:
It's Time for the Ultimate Cuddle Sesh

The couch is calling. And we have some ideas on how to relax.

Seconds and thirds have been had, the plates are precariously stacked in the sink like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and you're trippin' on tryptophan: It's time to sip on that final glass of red (paired with round two of whipped cream-drenched dessert, of course), light a candle, put on a pet-friendly movie and cuddle up on the couch.

Here's how to set the mood—and treat your pup to their own dessert, too:

Pet-Safe Candles and Room Sprays For Fall

Hit Play on One of These Movies Where the Dog Doesn’t Die

Treat Your Pup to Fancy Pumpkin ‘Pup Cups’

Give Back:
How to Help Animals in Need

From donating to pet food pantries and rescues to helping stray animals.

Thanks to you, more than 1 million pets were adopted this year! (You can read more about that staggering stat in our 2022 Animal Shelters & Rescues Report.) However, your local shelters and rescues still need your support. Here are some ways to lend a helping hand during the holidays—and beyond.