Making Christmas special for pets

MAKING CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FOR OUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS

Christmas is about spending time with the ones we love — and for many of us, that includes our pets.

Together with our Official Partner Southern Cross Pet Insurance, we're celebrating the joy our pets bring to our lives and sharing a few ways to give some of that joy back this Christmas.

At Pet Refuge, that means adding a little Christmas magic to the enrichment and care we provide every day. And at home, it can be as simple as a new experience, a favourite activity or some extra time spent together.

CHRISTMAS AT PET REFUGE

The pets who come to Pet Refuge already have loving families. We provide temporary shelter and care while their families escape family violence and find safety, before reuniting them when it's safe to do so.

Sometimes, that means spending Christmas apart.

While we can't replace being at home with their family, our shelter team makes sure every pet in our care gets to experience a little Christmas magic of their own.

Enrichment is part of everyday life at Pet Refuge and plays an important role in the individual care and rehabilitation we provide.

Pets can arrive having experienced trauma, fear and significant change. Some may be anxious or withdrawn, while others need support to rebuild their confidence, learn to trust and settle into a new environment.

Our team gets to know every pet and uses enrichment to encourage play, exploration, problem-solving and positive experiences. At Christmas, we take that everyday enrichment and make it a little more festive.

A new toy becomes a Christmas present to investigate, favourite activities get a festive twist, and Christmas morning comes with a few special surprises chosen just for them.

KEEPING FAMILIES CONNECTED AT CHRISTMAS

Christmas can be particularly difficult when a family has to spend it apart from their much-loved pet.

Throughout a pet's stay, we send their family regular photos and updates. At Christmas, we can share a little of their pet's celebration with them too.

For children missing their furry family member, seeing them opening a Christmas present, playing with a new toy or enjoying some festive attention can help them feel a little closer while they're apart.

Until they can be safely reunited, we want families to know their pets are safe, loved and getting the individual care they need — including a little Christmas magic.

BRING THE FESTIVE FUN HOME

Our friends at Southern Cross Pet Insurance know just how much joy pets bring to the everyday moments in our lives. Christmas gives us an excuse to return the favour with new experiences, plenty of play and a little extra quality time together.

Here are a few Pet Refuge-inspired ideas to try at home.

Give them a Christmas stocking

Fill their own stocking with a favourite toy, an appropriate chew or a few things you know they love. Choosing surprises specifically for your pet makes Christmas morning that little bit more special.

Give them a present to investigate

Loosely wrap a new toy or place it inside a cardboard box with scrunched paper and let your pet investigate and work out how to reach their present. Always supervise and remove tape, ribbon, string or pieces of wrapping before they can be swallowed.

Make Christmas dinner pet-style

Rather than sharing from the Christmas table, give your pet their own special meal using foods you already know are appropriate for them. Even serving their usual favourite food a little differently can make them part of the occasion.

Try the twelve days of Christmas

Make the countdown about experiences rather than twelve days of extra treats. A favourite game, a new walking route, extra playtime, a toy they haven't seen for a while or some dedicated one-on-one time can all add something different to their day.

Create a Christmas morning sensory box

For pets who love to investigate, fill a cardboard box with safe items featuring different textures and familiar smells, then tuck a favourite toy inside for them to discover.

THE BEST PRESENT MIGHT BE YOUR TIME

Being pet people means knowing that sometimes the simplest moments with them are the best ones.

That's something Pet Refuge and Southern Cross Pet Insurance have in common: a love for the furry family members who make our days brighter and a commitment to helping pets live happy, healthy lives.

Festive enrichment doesn't need to be elaborate or expensive. Choose something that suits your pet's personality and abilities — whether that's exploring somewhere new, playing their favourite game, investigating a new toy or curling up together after a busy Christmas Day.

So, alongside the presents under the tree this Christmas, give your furry family member plenty of opportunities to play, explore and enjoy being with you.

A little extra time doing something they love can be a pretty special gift.