The holiday season can be a stressful time for everyone—including your four-legged friends. Whether you’ve used pet boarding services in the past or this is your first gathering since adopting your pet, there are many ways to help your animals feel comfortable and ease stranger anxiety. If you have house guests visiting this holiday season, help keep your pet’s stress levels down by following these tips.

3 Ways to Help Your Pet Stay Stress-Free Around Visitors

1. Create the Right Environment

If your furry friend tends to get overly excited or anxious when the doorbell rings, make sure to crate them before any visitors arrive to help set the right tone. Once everyone has arrived and your pet has calmed down, you can bring them out on a leash to help introduce them to the new people. Never force your animal to meet a new person; instead, let them approach the visitors when they feel comfortable.

2. Encourage Positive Interactions

When meeting for the first time, it’s important to foster positive interactions between your guests and pets. This means talking to your visitors about your animal, their temperament, and what their body language says to your pet. If you have a guest that is incredibly fearful of animals or a pet that experiences extreme stress and anxiety around new people, consider pet boarding services to ensure everyone is healthy and happy during the party.

3. Monitor Children

Children are often excited to interact with animals, but sometimes they don’t understand the proper way to do this. Talk to the children about appropriate behavior around your pet, including letting them have their space and using gentle hands while playing. Teach them about warning signs that your pet needs a break from the attention; pinned back ears, trying to escape, and whimpering should not be ignored by kids or adults.

With more than 45 years of experience, the professionals at Robinwood Kennel in northern Kentucky provide a safe place for your companion animal. Whether you have visitors staying in town or need a trustworthy place to keep your animal during holiday travel, Robinwood Kennel offers pet boarding services to meet your needs. To learn more about the boarding and grooming options their team offers, visit them online, and call (859) 781-2352 to reserve a spot for holiday pet boarding.