How to Throw the Ultimate Homegating Party With Your Pet

Gather your football-loving friends and family at your place on the big day. But remember: While some pets thrive in groups of people, others might feel stressed by crowds or loud cheering.

Only put your pets in situations where they’ll feel at-ease and keep an eye on them throughout the event to make sure all’s going well.

Try the following to help your pets have just as much fun as your guests at your homegating event:

• Give the low-down to guests regarding the best way to greet and play with your pet, especially if they’re particular about anything. It’s also a good idea to go over acceptable foods, open doors, and rules regarding furniture.
• Keep trash, bones, skewers, and unattended plates out of your pet’s reach, since these are common causes of emergency veterinary visits during parties.
• Prepare your pet in advance by making sure they’ve eaten, exercised, and used the bathroom.
• Keep your pet’s feeding and potty routine on schedule, even if it means stepping away from the party for a few minutes.
• Provide snuggles, petting, and toys for your pet to help keep them entertained and feeling loved.
• Create a safe and quiet space for your pet in an area of the home that guests can’t access. This gives them a place to find some peace when they want a break from the party.

When designing your menu, think simple bite-sized appetizers and hand-held items, Falk says. You also want a balance of savory items and sweet treats, keeping in mind that most people will want to fill up on the salty stuff and then indulge in a sweet treat or two.

• Buffalo chicken wings
• Nachos
• Mini burgers
• Charcuterie board
• Cupcakes frosted in team colors

Pro tip: Take classic dishes like nachos, burgers, sliders and tacos to the next level by setting up a topping bar with a range of condiments and extras, such as cheese, jalapeños, sauces and veggies. Remember to keep all foods out of reach of pets—many common toppings aren’t safe for them to eat.

Chances are your pet will want to snack along with you during the big game—but lots of human foods aren’t safe for pets. Generally speaking, avoid giving your pets anything with:

• Garlic
• Onions
• Chocolate
• Spices
• Candy
• Alcohol
• Xylitol
• Grapes or raisins
• Macadamia nuts

• Frozen fruit in your team’s colors (i.e. strawberries and blueberries if you’re a fan of the Patriots, Bills, Texans, Giants, or Titans)
• DIY baked treats in sports-themed shapes, like this football jersey snack for dogs
• Homemade, pet-safe BBQ sauce
• Tasty turkey treats for cats

You know you’ll be sporting your team’s colors with a jersey, T-shirt, hat and/or koozie—so why not make your dog the MVP of the night in a matching wardrobe?

If they’re comfortable wearing clothing, dress them in a sporty T-shirt, sweatshirt, or jersey. 

Make sure clothing fits properly, doesn’t restrict movement or breathing, and remove it if your pet seems uncomfortable.

Furry friends who don’t do clothing can usually still sport a themed collar or bandana. 

Some pet football apparel can even be personalized with your pet’s name, which makes for a fun game-day photo!

While you’re at it, throw in a few sports pet toys:

From chowing on tasty, pet-approved appetizers to looking adorable in pet sports jerseys, a homegating event is the perfect way to include your pet in some great fun. With a little planning and plenty of pet-safe fun, everyone in the house—including your four-legged MVP—can enjoy game day together.