Please protect your pets from fireworks. As New Year’s Eve approaches, there may be people using fireworks, which is allowed for consumers in Eugene on December 31 and January 1 (commercial fireworks public displays within the Eugene city limits are restricted to July 3-5. There is a temporary ban on fireworks south hills area: south from W. 18th Avenue and east of Agate Street). For many pets, this time of year is scary and potentially dangerous. Fireworks, loud noises and large gatherings of family and friends can all serve as catalysts for pet incidents including lost or injured pets, as well as bites.
Plan for Your Pet’s Safety
Fireworks and Noise –
- Make sure pets are secured in a safe and place during times when fireworks will be going off. Leave a television, radio or other subtle audio running to help create a calming cover of “white noise”.
- If a pet is extremely sensitive, call your veterinarian ahead of time to check if medication may help keep them calm. Carefully monitor any pet on medications.
- Secure animals away from any area where you will be setting off fireworks. If your pet is sensitive, or if you don’t know how they will react to the noise of fireworks, secure them in a safe, peaceful location.
- Don’t let any pet chase fireworks.
- Parties - Be aware that children with food in their hands are at risk of bites by dogs reaching for the food and ensure the children are protected.
- Outside your home - Keep dogs on a leash at all times.
Crowds –
Be aware of and anticipate your pet’s reactions to unusual activities and people at parties. If your pet is not used to crowds and/or does not know visitors, introduce them carefully and monitor their activity and comfort level. If there is a potential problem, address it by securing them in a safe place away from activities.
- Dogs can misread horseplay between people as an attack and become protective of their loves ones or get excited, leading to bites. Be aware of and anticipate your pet’s reactions to unusual activities and people.
Other animals –
- Ensure your dog is safe from other dogs that are loose, and keep them at a distance
- Be aware that breaking up a dog fight is risky and that owners are frequently bitten when intervening.
Help for Lost and Found Pets
- Make sure your animals are microchipped or wearing an ID tag so you can be called if they around found and returned to you.
- Lost and found animals, animals at large, or abuse call 541-687-4060
- To contact Greenhill Humane Society at 88530 Green Hill Road call 541-689-1503
- To see animals in the care of the shelter visit green-hill.org and click on Lost & Found.
Remember HOT Weather and PETS in Vehicles Do not Mix
Eugene Animal Services is urging people to not leave their pets unattended inside a vehicle, even for just a few minutes in hot weather. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly, easily causing an animal to experience heat stroke or brain damage, even with windows slightly open and the vehicle parked under shade.
Remember to License your Dog
The average cost of a one year dog license is $18. Licenses can be obtained in person at most local veterinary offices and at Greenhill Humane Society; or online and by phone through PetData at 855-328-1400 or petdata.com/eugene.