Keeping Pets Safe During Hanukkah: A Pet Sitter's Guide to the Festival of Lights

As a pet sitter who cares for pets in many different homes, I've learned that every holiday brings its own unique safety considerations. Hanukkah, with its beautiful traditions and eight nights of celebration, requires some special attention to keep our furry family members safe. Let me share what I've learned from years of caring for pets during this special time.

Menorah Safety: The Heart of Hanukkah

The menorah is central to Hanukkah celebrations, and as someone who's watched many curious pets around open flames, I've gathered some important safety tips:

• Place the menorah well out of reach of wagging tails and jumping cats
• Consider using an elevated surface away from curtains and other hazards
• Create a secure barrier around the menorah area during lighting
• Never leave lit candles unattended with pets
• Keep matches and lighters safely stored
• Consider LED options if you have especially curious pets

Dreidel Games and Small Objects

Last year, I was pet sitting for the Cohen family when their puppy, Bailey, decided a dreidel looked like the perfect chew toy! Here's what I've learned about keeping game pieces safe:

• Store dreidels and gelt out of reach when not in use
• Supervise all play with small objects
• Count game pieces before and after play
• Consider larger, pet-safe versions for homes with pets
• Keep an eye on gift wrap and ribbons from gelt

Food Safety During Festivities

Traditional Hanukkah foods smell wonderful to our pets, but some can be hazardous. Here's my quick guide:

• Keep latkes out of reach (fried foods can cause upset tummies)
• Watch out for onions and garlic in traditional dishes
• Secure olive oil and other cooking oils
• Be careful with chocolate gelt - chocolate is toxic to pets
• Store sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) safely away

Managing Holiday Gatherings

Eight nights of celebration means multiple gatherings! Here's how I help pets stay comfortable:

• Set up a quiet room away from the festivities
• Maintain regular feeding and walking schedules
• Brief guests on pet safety rules
• Watch doors during guest arrivals
• Keep pet emergency numbers handy

Creating Pet-Safe Celebrations

I love helping pets participate safely in the holiday! Some ideas I use with my clients:

• Offer pet-safe treats in blue and white colors
• Create holiday-themed puzzle toys
• Use pet-safe decorations at their level
• Maintain consistent routines despite the excitement

My Emergency Preparation Tips

As a professional pet sitter, I always ensure:

• Emergency vet information is readily available
• Pet first aid kit is stocked and accessible
• Clear paths to exits are maintained
• All holiday supplies are securely stored
• A list of toxic items is posted

Remember, enjoying Hanukkah with pets just takes a little extra planning. If you're celebrating this year and need someone to check on your pets, I'm here to help keep them safe and happy throughout all eight nights!

Happy Hanukkah to you and your pets, 🕍🕎
CJ

Need a pet sitter during the holidays?  Give me a call at (920) 385-3736 or fill out my contact form.