MOST PUBLIC FIREWORKS DISPLAYS for New Year’s celebrations have been cancelled. But that doesn’t mean that lots of people – perhaps more this year than ever – will be setting off fireworks in their own neighborhoods. What a nightmare for pets and wildlife and the people who love them.
But you can plan now to make New Year’s Eve better for your pets and assure they will not fall victim to the fate of so many each year. And what plan could be more important than the one that assures that this will not be the last New Year your dog or cat ever sees.
It is sadly guaranteed that on the first of January, Facebook will be littered with the anguished cries of owners who are missing their beloved pets. Many will be run over on the roads as they try to flee in confusion from the terrifying sounds of fireworks. Many will become so lost they’ll never find their way home. Many will never be seen again.
And the saddest part is that this is completely preventable.
Decide now everything you will do to confine your pets and then do them all.
-Let your pets out – LEASHED! – for their last potty break of the day early. Many people start fireworks during the day and a sudden loud noise may cause your unleashed dog to bolt.
– Keep all pets INSIDE beginning early and do not let them back outside until the next day. No dog should EVER be tethered outside or even left unattended in a fenced-in yard. Many dogs have escaped fences that their owners would have sworn were secure.
– Every pet should wear a collar with contact info. Your phone number written in magic marker on their collar is fine. And it goes without saying, your pets should all be microchipped.
– If you plan to leave your pets inside your home while you are gone, make sure they are in a safe space where they are unable to hurt themselves should they panic from the sound of fireworks. Leaving music or your TV on may help.
Your pets have only you to take care of them and keep them safe. Please…don’t let them down.
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