Tips For Keeping Your Pets Safe This New Year's

AUSTIN, TX -- The New Year is a time for revelry and celebration...a good time to be had by all. But for many pet owners, New Year's can signal a tough time for their beloved fur babies. Many animals become understandably anxious and scared with loud noises including fireworks.

For many animals, these noises create an urge to run away and it's not uncommon for shelters to report greater numbers of lost pets during the holiday season. The ASPCA also warns pet owners to monitor what ends up on the floor that may be accessible for pets to ingest such as poppers, noisemakers or fireworks that may look tempting for animals.

There are ways to help your pet cope with the anxiety surrounding the sounds of the New Year and to keep them safe. Here are some helpful expert tips for pet owners to follow:

• Exercise your pets throughout the day leading up to the celebrations. Lead them on a long walk or increase their play time. Tired pets are likely to sleep through the festivities.
  
• Secure your home's exits. Animals may feel an instinct to run and hide when subjected to loud sounds.
  
• Keep your pets indoors and in a familiar area in your home with enough food, water, toys, and bedding. Introduce calming sounds or sights such as background music or TV to keep animals calm and distracted. If you have multiple pets, it may be a good idea to keep them separated.
• Ensure guests do not give pets food or alcohol and be mindful of what ends up on the floor as pets are likely to find them appetizing. Be sure and keep fireworks, confetti poppers, or any celebratory noisemakers and toys away from pets.

For advice and tips on keeping your pet safe, contact the Austin Animal Center (AAC) at (512) 512-974-2000. AAC will be open until 5 PM New Year's Eve and CLOSED on New Year's Day. However, Austin residents may call 311 to report lost animals or phone the number listed above for after-hours inquiries.

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