Thanksgiving brings families together for delicious meals, cherished traditions, and memorable moments. Naturally, our pets want to join the celebration! Your dog might follow every movement in the kitchen, hoping for a tasty surprise, while your cat watches the excitement from a favorite perch.

The backpacks are packed, alarms are ringing earlier, and suddenly the house is much quieter during the day. While families may be settling into a familiar school-year rhythm, pets can be left wondering where everyone went. Dogs and cats often become accustomed to summer routines filled with extra attention, playtime, walks, and companionship. When those routines change, some pets adapt quickly, while others may show signs of stress. Fortunately, a little planning and patience can make pet schedule changes easier and help your companion feel secure in the new routine.