Published on March 11th, 2026
Updated on March 24th, 2026
When it comes to celebrating holidays, it’s always fun to include our fur kids! Easter is one of those times, and we’ve got some tips and guidelines for putting together something fun and safe. A well-designed basket for your doggie Easter—or any pet’s celebration—focuses on enrichment, safety and your pet’s personality.
Start by planning your basket around your pet’s species, size, age and primary play style. A high-energy retriever will enjoy very different items than a senior lap cat or a teething puppy.
Next, choose a pet-safe container such as a fabric bin, shallow box or washable storage basket. Many pet parents source these from trusted retailers like Petco, where options are designed with durability and pet safety in mind.
When assembling the basket, prioritize enrichment items first and decorative elements last. This ensures toys and treats remain the focus while keeping the presentation festive but functional. Read on for more ways to make an egg-stra special holiday that will get a four paws up rating!
Matching items to your pet’s natural play style helps extend enjoyment long after Easter morning.
Rubber chew toys
Long-lasting, appropriately sized edible chews
Balls and lightweight fetch toys
Wand toys and rolling treat toys
Treat-dispensing toys
Puzzle feeders and scent-based games
Soft plush toys designed for supervised use. Note: Stuffed toys for human kids can be tempting, but they should be avoided since they are not made to withstand being gnawed on. Plus, they often have plastic noses, filling materials and small pieces that can be harmful if swallowed
Simple textured cat toys and beds
Easy-access dog puzzles and calming treats
Avoid toys with loose parts, ribbons or thin plastic grass; if ingested, these can cause dangerous internal blockages
Keep the size of your pet in mind; smaller dog toys can be very cute, but you don’t want something your dog can swallow
Select treats with limited ingredients and species-appropriate formulations, and remember that treats should account for no more than 10% of your pet's total diet!
While your dog or cat can’t verbally thank you for customizing their basket, that “purrsonalization” is what turns a generic gift basket into meaningful enrichment.
A thoughtfully curated dog Easter basket reflects how your dog naturally plays, explores and relaxes rather than following trends or themes alone.
High-energy pets benefit most from chase toys, interactive play items and enrichment that burns mental and physical energy instead of excess treats. Food-motivated solvers thrive with puzzle toys and slow-feeding options that turn treats into an activity. Shy and cautious pets feel more comfortable with familiar textures, low-noise toys and predictable engagement.
Puppies and kittens need softer materials and simpler puzzles that support developing coordination and confidence. Senior pets often prefer lightweight toys, easy-to-grip items and gentle chews that are easier on aging teeth and joints.
For kitties, a carefully planned cat Easter basket that focuses more on movement and curiosity than food may be preferred. Cat toys like wands, crinkle toys and scent-based enrichment like catnip usually outperform novelty treats. Again, you know your cat best!
Themed add-ons by personality:
Bunny bandanas for social and fashionable pets
Plush eggs for gentle players
Scent games and hidden treats for curious explorers
Petco offers a wide range of enrichment toys and seasonal accessories that make it easy to tailor baskets without compromising safety.
Easter celebrations come with unique risks for pets, especially when baskets are left unattended. Being proactive helps prevent emergency visits and keeps the holiday stress-free.
Chocolate, candy, xylitol, raisins and any other human food
Plastic grass, dyed eggs, breakable decor
Human toys and novelty items not made for pets
Nontoxic paper-based fillers or fabric liners
Pet-safe toys matched to play style
Supervised enrichment activities over unattended novelty items
Always supervise pets with toys and chews, but especially plush toys, rope-style items and multi-material toys. Even well-made products can become unsafe when damaged.
Easter fun doesn’t have to end with the basket. Extend the celebration with simple activities that match your pet’s personality.
For chasers, create an at-home egg hunt using pet-safe dog treat balls or toys. For solvers, set up DIY puzzle games with cardboard boxes or snuffle mats. Observers may enjoy scatter feeding or gentle scent trails that encourage exploration at their own pace. Cats often respond best to wand toy “egg hunts” or hide-and-seek games that encourage natural chasing behaviors. These activities reinforce enrichment habits that last well beyond the holiday.
A little planning goes a long way toward a very hoppy holiday! The most meaningful Easter baskets are built around your pet’s individual personality and play style. Whether you are celebrating doggie Easter with a canine companion or assembling a cat-focused basket, thoughtful choices promote safety, engagement and long-term enrichment. Observe how your pet naturally plays, choose items that feel intuitive and secure, and carry those same principles into everyday routines for year-round bonding and fun.