Tips to keep your pets safe while ringing in the new year

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

The City of Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) has provided easy tips to keep your pets safe this New Year’s Eve.

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“New Year’s Eve can be a frightening and stressful time for pets. The loud noises and excitement may be overwhelming. Fireworks, alcohol and hazardous foods can pose a real threat to animals. Pet owners, we want to help you be aware of these dangers so you can keep everyone in your household safe and happy,” said ACPS division chief Jennifer Walter.

Here are the following recommendations from the ACPS for your pet:

• Create a safe haven: With the noise of fireworks, music and gatherings, your pet may be scared or stressed. Creating a safe haven — a quiet place with fresh water, food, toys and a soft spot to sleep — will help your pet relax and get away from the chaos.
• Prevent food and alcohol poisoning: Keep table food away from your pets. Alcohol can also be harmful to your pets, so make sure to keep an eye on any alcoholic beverages, ensuring that they are out of reach from your pets.
• Update your pets’ tags and microchip information: With fireworks and loud noises, some pets may run away. Having your animal’s information up to date on their tags and microchips ensure an easier time returning your pets home safely.
• Keep pets away from fireworks: Fireworks like sparklers can burn pets. Once your celebration is over, ensure any remnants are collected and thrown away, so they are out of reach from your animals and safe from consumption or burning.

“With just a few simple steps, you can keep your pets happy and safe as you ring in 2021,” said Walter.

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