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Holiday pet guide: hazards, costs and a budget checklist

Thanksgiving through New Year's brings rich food, decorations and travel. Here's what's dangerous for dogs and cats, what an emergency could cost, and what to budget for boarding or a sitter.

Last updated: October 2026 · US only · 16 sources · see sources

Keep these numbers handy (24/7): ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) [5] · Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 ($99 per incident fee) [6]. Also save your vet's number and the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic [3].

Common holiday hazards

Chocolate

Toxic to dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the higher the risk; baking chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous. Treat any chocolate eaten as an emergency and call your vet. [1] [4]

Xylitol (sugar-free sweetener)

Found in sugar-free gum, candy, mints, baked goods, some peanut butters and toothpaste. It can drop a dog's blood sugar fast and harm the liver. Signs can start within 20 minutes. [1] [2] [4]

Grapes and raisins

Can cause kidney damage in dogs. Watch fruitcake, stuffing and trail mix. [3] [4]

Lilies (cats)

All parts of true lilies are toxic to cats, even pollen or vase water, and can cause kidney failure. Get a cat seen right away after any exposure. [7]

Tinsel, ribbon and string

Pets see them as prey. Swallowed, they can cause serious stomach and intestinal damage. Keep tinsel off the tree and pick up ribbon after gifts. [1] [3]

Turkey bones and fatty foods

Fat trimmings and turkey skin can cause pancreatitis. Bones can get stuck or cause internal injuries. Lock the trash. [1] [3]

Ornaments

Breakable ones cause cuts; swallowed ones can block the gut. Salt-dough ornaments are very salty: a 10-pound pet can get sick from ½ teaspoon of salt. [1] [3]

Poinsettia

Only mildly toxic. It may cause drooling, vomiting or, rarely, diarrhea, and usually doesn't need treatment. Mistletoe and holly can cause more problems. [8] [1]

Salt and antifreeze

Very salty foods can cause vomiting, tremors and seizures. Small amounts of ethylene-glycol antifreeze can kill if treatment is delayed. Check for leaks in garages and driveways. [4] [9]

When to call a vet

Call your vet, an emergency clinic or a poison control line right away if your pet ate chocolate, xylitol, grapes or raisins, lilies (cats), antifreeze, bones or tinsel/ribbon, even if they seem fine. Signs that something is wrong include sudden behavior changes, pain, not eating, vomiting or diarrhea [3]. Don't make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison control tells you to [6].

When to see a vet Find a vet near you

Not veterinary advice. When in doubt, call.

What a holiday mishap or trip can cost

Typical US costs (national ranges, from our sourced guides)
Item	Typical US cost
Emergency vet exam fee (before any treatment)	$115 (most $99–$129) [11]
Emergency vet visit, typical owner bill	$500–$1,600 [10]
Emergency invoice, median of 400+ bills	$808 (typical $409–$1,807) [12]
Vomiting / diarrhea treatment (dog)	$250–$1,050 [15]
Surgery for a swallowed object (dog)	$1,150–$3,500 (Pawlicy: $3,000–$7,000) [13] [14]
Boarding, standard kennel, per night	$20–$75 [16]
Boarding at a vet clinic, per night	$35 (most $28–$50) [11]
Pet sitter in your home, per night	$30–$100 [16]
Pet Poison Helpline call	$99 per incident (follow-ups included) [6]
ASPCA Poison Control call	A consultation fee may apply (ASPCA doesn't list the amount) [5]

Prices vary by city and clinic. See costs in your city. Holiday weeks and peak dates often cost more for boarding and sitters.

Holiday budget checklist

☐ Boarding or sitter: nights away × $20–$75 (kennel) or $30–$100 (sitter) details
☐ Book early: holiday weeks fill up and can cost more
☐ Vaccines up to date for boarding (ask your vet about canine flu) [3] vaccine costs
☐ Emergency cushion: at least an exam fee (~$115) plus a typical emergency bill ($500–$1,600) emergency costs
☐ Travel health certificate from your vet if crossing state lines, even by car [3] (ask your vet for the fee)
☐ Microchip registered with your current phone number [3] microchip costs
☐ Pet-safe treats and toys instead of table scraps
☐ Covered trash can and pet-proof ornaments
☐ Poison control numbers saved in your phone

Use the cost calculator for your yearly budget.

Travel tips

Pets crossing state lines need a health certificate from your vet, even by car [3].
Restrain pets in a secure harness or carrier, away from airbags, and never leave them alone in the car [3].
Talk to your vet before flying, especially with short-nosed dogs and cats [3].
Pack food, medicines, medical records and ID [3].

Holiday pet FAQ

Is chocolate dangerous for dogs and cats?

Yes. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, and dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. If your pet eats chocolate, call your vet or a poison control line right away.

Are poinsettias poisonous to pets?

Poinsettias are only mildly toxic. They can cause drooling, vomiting or rarely diarrhea, and usually don't need treatment. Lilies are far more dangerous for cats.

What is the pet poison control phone number?

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 ($99 per incident fee). Both are open 24/7.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost over the holidays?

An emergency exam fee alone is about $115, and typical emergency bills run $500 to $1,600. Surgery for a swallowed object typically costs $1,150 to $3,500.

How much does boarding or a pet sitter cost per night?

Standard kennels commonly charge $20 to $75 a night, vet-clinic boarding has a median of $35, and in-home pet sitters commonly charge $30 to $100 a night. Holiday weeks often cost more.

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