Keep Pets Safe While Ringing in the New Year

On and around New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest days of the year for shelters across the country and many pets, frightened by the fireworks, end up wandering away from home. More pets go missing around the New Year than any other holiday, only second to the Fourth of July. Yesterday alone, the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) was able to reunite six stray pets with their owners and offers the following tips to help keep pets safe while ringing in 2023:

Proper Identification

Ensure pets have current ID tags and updated microchips. This will greatly increase the chances that a lost pet will be reunited with their family.

Keep Pets Indoors and Distracted

Fireworks and bursts of bright flashing lights can frighten pets and trigger them to flee or escape the yard. Keep pets away from firework displays and distract them from the loud noises by turning on the radio or TV.

Know Pet’s Whereabouts

Do not leave pets unattended in the backyard as the sound of fireworks can send them over the fence or digging to get out. When welcoming guests in and out of your home, always make sure your pet is secured so they do not slip out of an open door.

Consider a ThunderShirt

ThunderShirts are a calming wrap that applies gentle, constant pressure to a dog’s torso to help them feel safe and calm. It is best to have a pet test the ThunderShirt a few times prior to the holiday.

Report Pets in Distress

To report signs of animals in distress, please call AHS’ Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ at 602.997.7585 ext. 2073. For more information on lost or found pets, visit azhumane.org/lostpet

Help Homeless Pets with their New Year’s Resolution

AHS currently has more than 120 pets who are looking for their forever homes and almost 900 pets receiving care in the shelter and in Foster Hero homes. Help these pets check off their only New Year’s Resolution of finding a family by visiting azhumane.org/adopt!