Madison Shelter Issues Warning For Seasonal Dangers

MADISON, NJ — The holidays are upon us and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center is asking everyone to take a moment to make sure celebrations fun for everyone, including pets.

“This is the season to treasure time with the ones we love, so don’t forget to consider your pets’ needs as you make holiday plans,” Vice President of Communications for St. Hubert’s said Erika Mathews.

The holidays can get hectic, and here are tips before the season is in full swing:

• Hold the tinsel. New decorations are always interesting and potentially dangerous for pets, so check everything for safety before you put it out. Make sure the Christmas tree is secured, and consider skipping the biggest threats like tinsel and anything involving an open flame. If candles are central to your celebrations never, ever leave them unattended.
• Don’t party too hard. Spending time with old friends and family can make you feel warm and fuzzy, but for your pets it’s a big shake up in routine. They need a quiet and cozy place to get away from the party. If your pet is going to be meeting new people—especially children—make sure everyone knows the basics of interacting with your animal friends.
• Easy on the treats. Store all your holiday snacks stay well out of the way of any pets, and keep a close eye on chocolate, candy wrappers, and anything else with ingredients toxic to pets. If you serve alcohol, make sure it’s always out of reach of pets.
• Be prepared. If your pets aren’t microchipped with up-to-date information, now is the time to do it. You should also be sure their collars and ID tags are intact.

Those interested can make a donation to help St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center to make the holidays special for shelter pets in the community. Visit www.sthuberts.org or drop in to our Madison shelter to add to the Tree of Love.

(Photo courtesy of St. Hubert's)

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