Summer is long gone, and it’s time for fun-in-the-sun summer activities to make way for cold-weather memories. When it’s too chilly for you and your pet to enjoy the outdoors, there’s nothing better than snuggling up together on the sofa for a movie night. From Christmas classics to feel-good holiday favorites, get ready to dim the lights, grab a snack, and enjoy these perfect holiday movies for pet lovers
10 Christmas Movies to Watch with Your Pet
When it comes to Christmas, you no doubt expect to see lots of dazzling lights, taste way too many Christmas cookies (time to loosen the jeans!), and hear your holiday favorites on the radio. You also likely stay busy with Christmas shopping, decorating, and a wide array of other festive activities. But, the holidays also come with their very own assortment of film favorites; whether it’s a comedy, musical, drama, or something in between, you probably have your own must-watch list of Christmas movies that you need to watch each year.
If you’re a pet lover, then make sure to add these holiday movies to your Christmas to-do list!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This classic Christmas tale is a definite favorite of many, and the Grinch’s faithful dog Max often steals the show. When the Grinch disguises Max as a makeshift reindeer for his dastardly plans to steal all the Christmas gifts and decorations from Whoville, you can’t help but smile. Ultimately, you see just how much the Grinch loves his furry friend. Whether you watch it in its original animated glory or live-action versions, this Dr. Seuss legend has withstood the test of time.
A Christmas Story
Another Christmas favorite, this is one of those holiday movies that’s pretty much a requirement to watch year after year. And, if you’re a dog lover, you can’t help but chuckle at the famous scene where the neighbor’s dogs (the mischievous Bumpus Hounds) chow down on the holiday feast and make off with the turkey.
A Dog Named Christmas
A touching story of how one young man with special needs inspires his rural community and changes his family forever after adopting a lovable Golden retriever from the local shelter. Heart-warming and full of all the cozy feelings you want to have at Christmas time while sending an important message of animal adoption too.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Whether you’re a kid or a kid-at-heart, you can’t miss this holiday classic featuring America’s most famous “lovable loser,” Charlie Brown, and his ever-faithful pal Snoopy. The Peanuts gang sets out to celebrate the season as Charlie attempts to direct the Christmas play and find the perfect tree.
The Search for Santa Paws
When Santa loses his memory after being hit by a taxi in New York and Santa Paws gets lost, it’s up to a group of elves and a team of magic dogs to save the day...because, well, why not?
A Golden Christmas
A true story of puppy love, this holiday “tail” centers around young children brought together by a lovable golden retriever. The girl moves away, and 30 years later, she moves back home to live in her family home with her son. But, she discovers the home has already been purchased by...can you guess who?
The Nine Lives of Christmas
Leave it to an adorable stray cat to bring a confirmed bachelor out of his single-life and into the arms of the woman of his dreams. It’s the romantic, warm, and fuzzy kind of movie you expect to enjoy when Christmas comes around.
Santa Claws
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Santa had a basket of kittens in his sleigh, but he was allergic to cats? Well, this completely silly, but loads of fun movie aims to offer a guess. It shows a group of precious kittens saving Christmas when they have to deliver presents all around the world after Santa’s allergic reaction.
Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever
The popular Grumpy Cat started out as a viral meme that quickly garnered over 6 million Facebook friends, and of course, that led to inspiring the famous feline’s very own movie. The internet sensation plays a lonely cat in a pet store until a young girl brings her home. Oh, and they have to thwart a robbery and save the day, because, again, why not? After all, there are many Christmas movies that feature an adventurous twist!
Christmas with the Kranks
This movie focuses on Luther and Nora Krank, who decide to skip Christmas and go on a cruise, much to the dismay of their close-knit community. While not the star of the show and often used for a comic edge in the movie, the neighbor’s Persian Muffles also ends up serving an essential role in the film. She ultimately helps show just how much Luther (Tim Allen) has learned about what is truly important at Christmas time.
Don’t Want a Sad Ending?
You would think holiday movies for pet lovers would be all warm and fuzzy with no tears allowed, but sometimes, that isn’t the case. Often, some of the most memorable movies include some not so happy moments, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth watching. But, if you can’t stand a sad ending or you just need to know before you watch (and you don’t mind a few spoilers), check out doesthedogdie.com.
This crowdsourced collection of information tells you the answer to pretty much any questions you have about an animal’s fate in a movie (not just dogs). The site directly answers that all-important question, does the dog (or cat, or horse, insert animal here) die? It gives you the answer without revealing too much of the plot.
If you spend half the movie worrying about what happens to the animal star, then this site provides just enough info so you can sit back and relax while you enjoy the show. It’s an excellent resource to keep handy, no matter what movie genre you’re watching.
Don’t Forget the Popcorn!
Okay, you might want some popcorn, but it’s not the best goody for your pet. Instead, try some PupCorn for your pooch. This doggy-friendly treat packs a yummy taste in a low-cal bite, so you can let your dog have a nibble throughout the flick without overdoing it. You can extend your dog’s snack time extravaganza by crushing up some PupCorn pieces and putting them inside a Rolly Cannoli. For your feline friend, make sure to have some of her favorite tidbits on hand so she can join you when you’re munching. Or, maybe you can add a little extra catnip to her favorite toy.
Now, all that’s left to do is grab a cozy blanket, snuggle up, fill the snack, er pet bowl, and press play! Christmas is truly the most magical time of the year, and when you have someone special to spend it with, it makes it even better. For more holiday tips for you and your pet, check out the rest of our blog! You’ll also find helpful resources and advice on all other things pet-related to help you be the best pet parent that you can be!