Lunar New Year is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world, and across Europe, it has become a meaningful occasion for multicultural households, curious pet parents, and anyone who appreciates the intention behind a fresh start. Whether you have roots in a culture that has observed this tradition for generations, or you simply love the idea of welcoming a new year with colour, symbolism, and warmth, there is a genuinely joyful way to include your dog in the celebration.
At the same time, we know that festive seasons can bring hidden hazards for pets - from loud fireworks to toxic foods and small decorative objects. That is why we believe the best celebrations are the ones that are thoughtful, safe, and designed with every family member in mind, including the ones with paws.
In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about celebrating Lunar New Year with your dog in 2026: the meaning behind this year's zodiac animal, the lucky colours and symbols you can weave into your home, safe ways to include your pet, and a simple celebration checklist to make the day effortless and special.
What Is Lunar New Year and Why It Matters for Pet Families
Lunar New Year, often referred to as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. In 2026, it falls on 17 February, and celebrations traditionally continue for about fifteen days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
It is one of the most significant cultural celebrations across East and Southeast Asia, observed in countries including China, Vietnam, South Korea, and across diaspora communities worldwide, including a growing number of households throughout Europe.
At its heart, Lunar New Year is about:
- Renewal - releasing the old and welcoming the new
- Family - gathering loved ones under one roof
- Gratitude - honouring what has been and setting intentions for what is to come
- Abundance - symbolised through food, colour, and meaningful gifts
For those of us who consider our dogs part of the family, this is a beautiful moment to include them intentionally. And there is a practical side, too. Pet parents who are health-conscious and detail-oriented, which, if you are reading this, is likely you, know that any festive occasion is better when it is safe, calm, and planned with care.
Why we care about this: Celebrations should bring joy to every member of your household. That includes knowing which traditions are perfectly pet-safe, and which ones need a thoughtful adjustment.
Year of the Horse 2026: What It Means and Why Dog Lovers Will Feel Right at Home
The Chinese zodiac follows a twelve-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse - an animal associated with energy, freedom, loyalty, and spirited warmth.
If any zodiac animal understands the bond between companion animals and their humans, it might just be the Horse. Horses and dogs share some remarkable qualities: devotion, enthusiasm, a love of movement, and an almost intuitive connection with the people they trust. That makes 2026 a particularly resonant year for dog parents.
Here is what the Year of the Fire Horse represents:
- Energy and vitality - a call to move, play, and embrace the outdoors with your dog
- Warmth - the Fire element amplifies passion, heart, and emotional connection
- Adventure - an invitation to explore new walks, new routines, and new experiences together
- Independence and strength - honouring your dog's unique personality and spirit
- Social connection - the Horse is known for its gregarious nature, much like our social, people-loving dogs
Every zodiac year carries its own energy. For 2026, the invitation is clear: move with heart. And for pet families, that could mean something as simple as spending more intentional time outdoors, refining your dog's daily routine, or creating a vibrant, joyful tradition you share year after year.
What this means for your pet: The Year of the Horse celebrates the same qualities we love most in our dogs - loyalty, energy, and joyful companionship. Let 2026 be the year you lean into that bond even more.
Lucky Colours, Symbols, and Pet-Safe Décor for Lunar New Year
Colour and symbolism play a central role in Lunar New Year celebrations. Here is what to know and how to bring these elements into your home safely when you have a dog.
Lucky Colours for 2026
- Red - the most iconic Lunar New Year colour, symbolising luck, joy, and protection
- Gold and yellow - representing wealth, prosperity, and the warmth of the Fire element
- Orange - connected to abundance and happiness, reinforced by the fiery energy of 2026
- Green - symbolising growth, renewal, and fresh beginnings
These colours are a wonderful starting point for pet-safe décor. Think fabric, not foil. Choose soft textiles over small, chewable ornaments.
Pet-Safe Décor Tips
- Use fabric banners and soft wall hangings instead of paper lanterns with wire frames
- Avoid placing small ornamental objects at floor level where curious dogs might investigate
- Choose unscented or pet-safe candles - or opt for LED alternatives
- If you display fresh flowers (such as orchids or plum blossoms), verify they are non-toxic for dogs. Lilies, for example, should always be avoided in pet households
- Swap traditional firecrackers for quiet, visual celebrations - your dog's ears will thank you
Quick summary:
- Stick to red, gold, orange, and green for a festive feel
- Choose soft, non-toxic, chew-resistant décor
- Keep small objects and toxic plants out of paw's reach
- Prioritise calm, sensory-friendly celebrations
Safe Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year With Your Dog
Celebrating Lunar New Year with your dog does not require elaborate planning. It does require awareness. Here are our favourite dog-friendly Chinese New Year ideas, designed for pet parents who want to make the day memorable without introducing stress or risk.
1. Dress Up - Thoughtfully
A lightweight bandana or a comfortable collar in red or gold is a charming way to include your dog in the festive spirit. Avoid costumes that restrict movement, cover the eyes or ears, or cause visible discomfort.
In our collection, we focus on accessories that look beautiful and feel comfortable - because true luxury means your dog actually enjoys wearing it.
2. Prepare a Pet-Safe Feast
Lunar New Year is synonymous with food and abundance. While your dog cannot join you for dumplings, you can prepare a small, safe celebration meal:
- Plain cooked chicken or salmon (no seasoning, no bones)
- Steamed sweet potato or pumpkin
- A small portion of plain rice
- A dog-safe treat shaped or presented festively
Avoid sharing table food that contains garlic, onion, spring onion, soy sauce, or xylitol - all of which are harmful to dogs.
What to look for: Always check ingredient lists, even for commercial dog treats marketed as "festive." Quality matters more than packaging.
Explore our Dog Treats Collection
3. Embrace the Energy of the Horse - Get Moving Together
The Year of the Fire Horse is all about vitality and movement. Channel that energy with your dog:
- Take a longer-than-usual walk on Lunar New Year morning to welcome the year together
- Try a new trail, park, or route you have never explored - adventure is the theme of 2026
- Play an active game of fetch or try a new enrichment toy that encourages movement
- If the weather allows, make it a social outing - invite a fellow dog parent to join you
For quieter dogs, a gentle walk followed by a calming indoor activity is just as meaningful. The point is intentional time spent together.
4. Create a Calm, Enriching Activity at Home
Balance the spirited energy of the Horse with moments of stillness:
- A snuffle mat or enrichment puzzle with hidden treats
- A relaxed grooming session - brushing can be a bonding ritual
- Quiet music or a calming playlist designed for dogs
- Simply curling up together with a cosy blanket in seasonal colours
5. Gift Your Dog Something Meaningful
Lunar New Year is traditionally a time for gift-giving. Why not extend that to your pet? A new toy, a sustainable feeding bowl, a durable harness for those 2026 adventures, or a cosy blanket in warm seasonal tones can mark the occasion beautifully.
Explore our Toy Collection for Dogs
Quick summary:
- Choose comfortable, non-restrictive festive accessories
- Prepare a pet-safe celebration meal with simple, whole ingredients
- Honour the Year of the Horse with movement and adventure
- Balance activity with calm enrichment
- Give a meaningful, quality gift that supports your dog's daily life
Your Pet-Friendly Lunar New Year Celebration Checklist
Here is a simple, printable-style checklist to make your dog-friendly Chinese New Year celebration easy and stress-free:
- Check your décor - remove small, breakable, or toxic items from your dog's reach
- Prepare a pet-safe meal or treat - plan it the day before so it is ready and calm
- Choose a festive accessory - a red bandana, gold collar charm, or seasonal harness
- Plan for noise - if fireworks are expected in your area, create a safe, quiet space indoors with familiar blankets and background sound or give the calming paste in advance
- Plan an adventure - map out a new walk, trail, or park to explore on the day
- Set up an enrichment activity - puzzle feeder, snuffle mat, or a calm training session
- Keep toxic foods out of reach - brief all household members and guests
- Take a photo - capture the moment, share it, and start a tradition
- Enjoy it - the best celebrations are the ones where every family member feels safe and included
Why we care about this: We believe celebrations should never come at the cost of your dog's comfort. A thoughtful, intentional approach is always more meaningful than a noisy one.
