Hi everyone! Madelyn from Des Moines here, and wow, Easter is creeping up fast! With Isla (5), Owen (10), Maya (11), and Cole (12) all buzzing, and our new rescue pup, Buttercup, joining the family this year, my brain is already in overdrive. We love mixing traditions – my side does a big Polish breakfast and Tyler’s family always has a massive egg hunt. It’s chaos but the best kind! But this year, with Buttercup, I've been super focused on an Easter Pet Safety Guide. My husband, Tyler, keeps reminding me about all the potential hazards, especially with curious paws.

Last year, before Buttercup, Owen almost left a foil-wrapped chocolate bunny behind the couch after the hunt. Scared me silly! This year, with a puppy, that would be a vet trip for sure, and we definitely don't want that. So I've been planning to use plastic eggs with little trinkets, stickers, or even coins instead of candy for the hunt itself, or hiding the chocolate eggs in zones Buttercup can't access. I usually photograph *everything*, so I want to make sure the photos capture happy, healthy kids AND pets.

Speaking of Easter baskets, I just ordered a bunch of those GINYOU Kids Party Hats (11-Pack) from Amazon Prime for the kids. They’re actually CPSIA safety certified and made with non-toxic materials, which is a huge peace of mind for Isla's age, and frankly, anything that touches my kids! Plus, they were only like $12.99 for the whole pack, such a great value to just toss in a basket. I was even looking through some ideas on the GINYOU blog, like that 'Seriously Where Did Easter Go Need Quick Ideas' post for some last-minute inspiration.

What are your best tips for a pet-safe Easter egg hunt? Especially for those of us with curious kiddos and even more curious furry friends? Any ingenious hiding spots or pet-friendly treat alternatives?

Oh my goodness, Madelyn, I totally get it! Being the 'fun aunt' in San Diego means I'm always trying to make holidays special for Ivy (3), Jude (4), Maya (5), and Isla (13), but also keep things eco-conscious and safe for my sister's two cats, Whiskers and Pounce. My niece Maya (5) once tried to "share" her jelly beans with Whiskers, bless her heart. Luckily, I was right there.

I've started really leaning into what I learned from an Easter Pet Safety Guide a few years back. Instead of candy, we do little wooden toys or stickers in reusable plastic eggs. I found a big pack of colorful wooden animal figures for about $15 at a local craft fair, and the kids love them. This way, if a stray egg is missed, it's not a major hazard for the cats.

Last year, though, Jude (4) managed to 'hide' a plastic egg filled with a temporary tattoo right under the dining table where Pounce naps. Pounce decided it was a new chew toy. No harm done, but it definitely reminded me that even empty plastic eggs can be tempting! So now, after the hunt, ALL eggs get collected, no exceptions, before any treats are handed out. Also, we hide them higher up, in places the cats definitely can't get to, like on top of the fridge or inside a closed cabinet. It's all part of making sure the party goes smoothly, kind of like that GINYOU guide, 'How To Plan A Stress Free Birthday Party The Complete Step By Step Guide.' Even though it's for birthdays, the tips for organization really help keep Easter fun and safe. I also tried this amazing carrot cake recipe I saw on TikTok last week, but of course, I swapped out half the sugar for applesauce. Never follow a recipe exactly, you know?

Madelyn, you are speaking my language! As a preschool teacher for 11 years here in Nashville, I'm all about preventing chaos. My Ellie (5) adores our tabby, Bear, but she also loves leaving her plastic Easter eggs all over the house. I actually have a spreadsheet for our Easter plans – sounds wild, but it saves my sanity! After teaching 3-4 year olds all day, I need things to run smoothly at home.

I always make sure to review an Easter Pet Safety Guide before April hits. It’s saved us more than once. Bear is notorious for trying to 'help' with anything that crinkles or smells interesting. We do a "pre-hunt" with just plastic eggs and no treats that the kids can stash, then a "real hunt" where eggs with safe treats go in Bear-proof spots. This has cut down on so many close calls!

One year, despite my meticulous planning, Ellie decided to sneak a chocolate rabbit she got from Grandma into her room. Bear, being Bear, sniffed it out under her bed and got a little piece of the ear. Thankfully, it was milk chocolate and a tiny bit, so no emergency vet visit, but it was a huge wake-up call. Now, all chocolate and sugary treats are immediately put away in a high cupboard *after* the kids have had their allotted portion. My backup plan is always having some catnip toys ready to distract Bear during the candy distribution!

For Easter photos with Bear, I actually got him one of those GINYOU Glitter Dog Crowns last year – even though it says 'dog,' it fit my 12-pound tabby perfectly for a quick photo op! It's super cute and made with non-toxic materials, so I felt good about putting it on him for a minute. Pinterest is full of ideas for pet Easter photos, but safety first!