Pet of the Week and Howl-O-Ween Safety for Tips

The following is from the Rancho Coastal Humane Society

Before safety tips for your pets this Halloween, meet "Chica" the Pet of the Week at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas. She's a 4 year old, 34 pound, spayed, female, Whippet, Cattle Dog, Pit mix.               

Chica’s back is brindle. Her legs and face are white. She has a black nose. And Chica’s eyes are pale blue. They’re kind of exotic looking. Her fur coat is very soft. Almost like satin.

She doesn’t like loud noises and she’s a bit cautions in new situations. She loves going for a ride in the car. If she gets tired, she’ll lie down and take a nap until you get where you’re going.

Chica was transferred to Rancho Coastal Humane Society from another shelter through the FOCAS program.    

The $145 adoption fee for Chica includes medical exam, up to date vaccinations, spay, and microchip identification.  

Safety Tips

RCHS Community Liaison Nick Winfrey has the following advice for pet owners this Halloween:

It’s not a good idea to take your dog along trick or treating, but if you insist, make sure that there’s an adult holding the leash. Don’t take your dog up to the door. And make sure it’s wearing a reflective leash, collar or vest that can be easily seen by drivers.

Winfrey offers these suggestions about people who put costumes on their pets:
*           Wrapping your pet in a sheet is not a costume. It’s a strait jacket. 
*           Make sure the costume fits the pet and it doesn’t obstruct vision.
*           DO NOT force a pet to wear a costume if it doesn’t want to.

Safety tips in your home can also help you avoid a trip to the emergency veterinary clinic on Halloween night or during the following days:
*           Make sure your pets cannot get to the candy. Pets don’t unwrap candy. They eat it in the wrapper. That can cause blockages and also damage internal organs.
*           Use pet safe materials for Halloween decorations
*           No alcohol for pets…EVER!