As much fun as the holidays are, they can also be stressful for both you and your service dog or emotional support animal. Traveling a lot to see family or having dozens of strangers in your home for a holiday party, or even just being off your normal routine can leave you and your service dog or emotional support animal exhausted and anxious. Taking some time away to practice some self-care with your SA or ESA is a great holiday gift for the both of you. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate this season.
Make Homemade Dog Treats
Everyone loves Christmas cookies, so why not make some, especially for your service dog? Plus, you can make a couple of batches and give them to all your dog-loving friends and family as well. Find some recipe ideas here.
Buy Something Special for Your Service Dog
Does your service animal need some new gear? This is the perfect time of year to buy some for them. Get an updated ID card and registration, plus a vest and collar. Check out our store at United Support Animal to see our service animal packages.
Other gift ideas include a new bed, water and food dishes, toys, balls, treats, and more. Even get your ESA or SA a cute Christmas sweater just their size. The options for fun gifts are endless.
Head Out to See Some Light Displays
There is nothing quite like walking or driving through a magical Christmas lights display. Look up the closest displays near you and head out for a fun evening with your emotional support animal or service dog. This will give you a chance to get some fresh air and exercise and take a breath from the hustle and rush of the season. Google light displays near you or use this light display finder.
Take Some Holiday Photos
Take some cute photos with your ESA or SA as the perfect addition to your holiday cards or social media posts. Find some beautiful Christmas lights, a snowy landscape, or use your own Christmas tree as a background for some festive shots. You can share your holiday photos of you and ESA or SA to the United Support Animals Facebook page here and participate in our uplifting community.
Watch a Holiday Movie Together
Nothing beats snuggling up with a cup of hot chocolate under the blankets on the couch with your favorite furry friend and watching a movie. Choose your favorite holiday classic or binge through some cheesy Christmas Hallmark movies. Spending an evening in can give you a chance to rest and recover from the many holiday events going on.
Have a Snow Day
Are you hoping for a white Christmas? If it snows, bundle up and get outside with your ESA or SA and enjoy the powdery white fluff while it lasts. Being outside even in the wintertime can boost your spirits and help keep you physically and mentally well. Plus, your ESA or SA will love the opportunity to explore the fresh winter wonderland. Here are some ideas for staying active during the winter months.
Spread the Holiday Spirit
You know just how much your emotional support animal or service animal has helped you in overcoming your mental health challenges. Why not donate to a service animal organization or an animal shelter to help others receive the service animal they need or help animals find their forever home. If you can’t financially contribute, you could dedicate some volunteer hours at a local animal shelter, spending some time with the animals who don’t have homes this season.
It is easy to get so wrapped up in the holiday rush you forget to take time aside to be present at the moment and do something for yourself. Find some fun ways to celebrate the holidays with your emotional support animal or service animal this season. Do something fun together, or get a special gift for your furry companion. One gift that is great for both you and your emotional support animal or service animal is making sure that your animal is properly certified. Contact our experts here at United Support Animals to make sure your certification is up to date today.
