Encinitas' Rancho Coastal Humane Society Shares Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners

ENCINITAS, CA - As you spread cheer to others this holiday season, don't forget about your pets.

With Christmas just days away, Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas recently shared tips to help keep your four-legged friends safe during the holiday season.

John Van Zante, a spokesman for Rancho Coastal Humane Society, said pets often wind up hurt or missing this time of year.

“Lots of pets run away on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve,” Van Zante said. “There are loud noises, guests come and go, and there are lots of opportunities for pets to do a ‘door dash.’

“Pets just want to be in a safe place,” he added. “If you’re lucky that’s a spare room or under the bed. But a frightened pet can easily slip out the door and run down the street. When they get out, they’re in unfamiliar surroundings. So they hide or keep running until they’re totally lost. Keep them inside. Keep them safe.”

To keep your pets safe and home this holiday season, consider these helpful tips from the humane society:

• Provide your pets with a crate or other safe place away from the party.
• Make sure your pets have pet food and water – no table food.
• Remind your guests not to feed your pets.
• Do not give your pets alcohol.
• Keep your pets away from the tree, packages and other holiday decorations.
• Even during the party, dogs need “potty breaks.”
• Don’t put your pets in the yard and forget about them.
• Watch out for “door dashing” as guests come and go.
• If you’re going out on Christmas or New Year’s Eve, leave the TV or radio on.
• Make sure your pets are microchipped so they can be identified if they escape.
• Ask before taking your pets along to someone else’s house.

– Image courtesy of Rancho Coastal Humane Society