The best gifts come with four legs, bright eyes and plenty of energy, but they also need a little extra planning over the holiday season.⁠ ⁠ Here’s our checklist to help your new puppy or kitten settle in safely, confidently and calmly this Christmas.⁠ ⁠

From vaccinations and microchipping to sleep needs, separation training and holiday safety, we’ve covered the essentials so you can enjoy every joyful moment.

Arrange Vet Appointments

Early The holiday period comes with public holiday closures, limited appointments and reduced staffing. If you’re welcoming a new pet this Christmas, book your initial check-up, vaccination schedule and parasite prevention ahead of time.

Avoid High-Risk Areas Until Vaccinations Are Complete

If your puppy hasn’t finished their vaccination course, avoid high-traffic environments like beaches, dog parks and play dates with unknown pets. Your vet will let you know when it’s safe to explore the world more freely.

Pet-Proof Your Home

Tinsel, small toys, wrapping paper, ribbons and edible gifts can all pose choking or obstruction risks. Do a quick “pet-level scan” of your living spaces to remove tempting items.

Microchip + Check Your Details

Busy holidays mean open doors, visitors coming and going, and lots of distractions, making it easier for new pets to slip out unnoticed. Ensure your new puppy or kitten is microchipped early, and double-check that the registry has your current contact details.

Many pets come microchipped but not transferred to the new owner, which can delay reunions if they become lost. A quick update now can prevent a lot of stress later. 

Prevent Early Separation Anxiety

If you’re home over Christmas but returning to work soon after, your puppy won’t understand why the family suddenly disappears.

To build healthy independence, schedule short periods of calm “alone time” each day, even while everyone is home. This helps prevent separation-related behaviours forming early.

Protect Their Sleep Needs

Puppies and kittens require significant sleep for proper development. With excited kids on holidays, remind the household that your new pet is still a baby and needs quiet breaks.

Crate training (for puppies) and creating elevated safe spaces or cosy beds (for kittens) help ensure they get quality rest.

Welcoming a new pet this festive season?

Speak with the team at Happy Paws! We cannot wait to meet your new fur baby.

See our Festive Season Trading Hours >>

We are thrilled to welcome two wonderful new team members: Dr Sam, who joined us on 10 November, and CertIV nurse Bobbi.

Prior To Christmas

With Dr Sam joining the veterinary team, we are delighted to be opening up more appointment spots leading into Christmas. 

• Regular trading hours until 25 Dec
• Open every Saturday morning from 8am to 12pm

Clinic Closed For A Short Christmas Break

• The clinic will be closed from Thursday 25 December through to Thursday 1 January 2026

Need a Vet When We’re Closed?

Emergencies

If something urgent arises while we’re away, please contact one of the 24/7 emergency hospitals below:

• Animal Emergency Services Carrara – 104 Eastlake Street, Carrara 4211, Phone (07) 5559 1599
• SASH – Specialist & 24/7 Emergency Vets – 20 Scottsdale Drive, Robina 4226, Phone (07) 5584 7300

Furbaby Tips during the Festive Season

Make a Holiday Activity Plan

Between unwrapping gifts, swimming, eating pavlova and playing board games, it can be hard to give your pet the attention they deserve during Christmas. Make a plan beforehand to ensure they are entertained all day long.

• For kitty-cats, especially indoor kitties, aim for two five-minute play sessions throughout the day using dangly toys, balls, scrunched paper, cardboard boxes, interactive/treat toys, and laser pointers.
• For doggos, make some frozen, stuffed Kong treats with peanut butter or salt-reduced stock as a treat or consider organising a poochy playdate or, if they’re not a fan of noise, keep them in a cool, quiet room with food, water, toys and bedding until the guests head home … or pass out.

Christmas Food and Your Pet

With all the yummy Christmas foods coming out, an important reminder about which Christmas delicacies you can safely share with your pets.

• Dangerous items that must be taken off the menu include; cooked bones, chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, highly fatty cuts of meat, and foods sweetened with xylitol.
• Safe seasonal foods include lean cooked meat (e.g. white turkey meat), plainly cooked veggies such as pumpkin, peas and carrots, and small amounts of cut fruit such as melon, mango, bananas or blueberries.

See a list of what to keep off their Christmas menu >>

Summer Heat Hazards

Want tips on how to help you doggo or kitty deal with summer heat hazards.

See our Hot tips to keep your pet cool and safe this Summer >>

Operating As Normal Except for Public Holidays

During the festive season, the clinic will be operating as per normal.

• Monday to Friday from 8am to 5:30pm
• Saturday from 8am to 12midday

Closed Public Holidays

The clinic will be Closed only on the public holidays:

• Mon 25 December 2023 – Christmas Day
• Tue 26 December 2023 – Boxing Day
• Mon 1 January 2024 – New Years Day

Need a Vet When We’re Closed?

Emergencies

• For all emergencies, please contact Animal Emergency Services Carrara on (07) 5559 1599

Furbaby Tips during the Festive Season

Make a Holiday Activity Plan

Between unwrapping gifts, swimming, eating pavlova and playing board games, it can be hard to give your pet the attention they deserve during Christmas. Make a plan beforehand to ensure they are entertained all day long.

For kitty-cats, especially indoor kitties, aim for two five-minute play sessions throughout the day using dangly toys, balls, scrunched paper, cardboard boxes, interactive/treat toys, and laser pointers.

For doggos, make some frozen, stuffed Kong treats with peanut butter or salt-reduced stock as a treat or consider organising a poochy playdate or, if they’re not a fan of noise, keep them in a cool, quiet room with food, water, toys and bedding until the guests head home … or pass out.

Christmas Food and Your Pet

With all the yummy Christmas foods coming out, an important reminder about which Christmas delicacies you can safely share with your pets.

Dangerous items that must be taken off the menu include; cooked bones, chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, highly fatty cuts of meat, and foods sweetened with xylitol.

Safe seasonal foods include lean cooked meat (e.g. white turkey meat), plainly cooked veggies such as pumpkin, peas and carrots, and small amounts of cut fruit such as melon, mango, bananas or blueberries.

Summer Heat Hazards

For more tips on how to help you doggo or kitty deal with summer heat hazards , see our Hot tips to keep your pet cool and safe this Summer.