Margaret Langworthy, Author at Humane Society of Utah

Spring Cleaning For A Cause

Posted on March 13, 2025March 13, 2025 by Margaret Langworthy

Spring is making its way to Utah! Even through these final chilly days, there is a sense of warmth, growth, and renewal on the horizon. And for many Utahns, the start of spring means the start of spring cleaning! There is no time like the spring to declutter, re-organize, and make room for new and exciting things in your life. But what happens to all of those old, unused belongings? That toy your dog never plays with or that extra throw blanket you never use may be taking up space in your house. But those items could be extremely valuable to a homeless pet in need of comfort and care. As you say, “out with the old and in with the new,” this spring, consider donating your clean and gently used items to help pets in our community!

One Pet’s Trash, Another Pet’s Treasure

There are many reasons your perfectly good pet supplies may be ready for a new home. Maybe your cat isn’t feeling that mouse toy you got him for the holidays (try as you might; he still only plays with loose hair ties and plastic spoons). Maybe your vet recently prescribed a special diet for your dog, but you still have plenty of her old kibble. Or maybe you decided to treat your rabbit to a fancy new ex-pen, but her old one is still in great shape.

These items may no longer serve a purpose for your pet, but they could be a great source of comfort, care, or enrichment for an animal in need. Donating your unused or gently used pet supplies is a great act of kindness for pets waiting to find a home. Visit our donation wish list to learn more about the items we can use for the animals in our care. This page is updated regularly and includes our most-needed donation items.

More Items to Donate

“But wait… what if I don’t have old pet supplies? I want to help too!” You can still get in the giving spirit with certain human items! Do you have any extra blankets taking up space in your home? Fleece blankets are perfect for the animals in our care, giving them a cozy spot to cuddle when they are feeling stressed, fearful, or sleepy. Your unused blanket can provide warmth and comfort to an animal when they need it most! Clean and gently used towels are also incredibly helpful for a variety of care tasks. If you are going through the linen closet this spring, please keep the Humane Society of Utah in mind.

We can also take donations of certain office supplies or other items you may find around the house as you are decluttering this spring. For more ideas (of both pet and human items), visit our Amazon wish list. Who knows? Maybe you already have some of these items in your spring cleaning “to go” pile. Clearing out space in your home and giving back to animals in need? We call that a win-win!

The Importance of Cat Enrichment

Posted on February 13, 2025February 13, 2025 by Margaret Langworthy

As cat owners, we all want our feline friends to be happy, healthy, and comfortable in their home. Luckily, there are many ways to enhance the lives of indoor cats through enrichment activities that keep them engaged, active, and at ease in their surroundings. Whether you’re introducing a newly adopted cat to your home or looking to add excitement for a long-term companion, these tips will help bring variety and joy to their daily lives, giving them a taste of the adventure they naturally crave.

The Dangers of Boredom and Lack of Enrichment in Cats

Mental Impacts:

A lack of enrichment can lead to significant mental health issues for cats, impacting their mood and overall behavior. Without proper stimulation, cats may experience problems like:

Depression: Marked by a loss of interest in play and social interaction.
Anxiety: Often seen through excessive grooming, hiding, or clingy behavior.
Boredom: Leads to restless behavior, such as pacing or vocalizing more than usual.
Aggression: Frustration from lack of activity can cause irritability and aggression toward people or other pets.

To recognize if your cat is under-stimulated, watch for signs like excessive sleeping, lethargy, or destructive behaviors such as scratching furniture or knocking things over. These behaviors often indicate they need more mental and physical engagement in their environment.

Physical Impacts:

Without sufficient activity, cats are at risk for physical health issues that can significantly impact their quality of life, including:

Obesity: Often a result of inactivity and overeating, leading to joint stress and other health concerns.
Diabetes: Reduced activity and weight gain can increase the risk of insulin resistance.
Muscle Weakness: Lack of exercise can cause muscle loss and reduced mobility.

To spot signs of physical decline, watch for noticeable weight gain, reduced movement, or a lack of energy during playtime. As a guardian, it’s essential to monitor these signs closely to ensure your cat maintains a healthy, active lifestyle.

6 Easy Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Life

Interactive Playtime
Daily play is essential for cats. Use feather wands or battery-operated toys that mimic prey to promote exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding.
Food Puzzles & Treat Dispensers
Engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts with puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys. These encourage problem-solving and help prevent overeating.
Rotating Toys
Cats love novelty! Keep playtime fresh by rotating toys regularly to prevent boredom and maintain interest.
Scratching Posts & Climbing Furniture
Provide scratching posts, cat trees, and wall-mounted shelves to satisfy climbing and scratching urges—saving your furniture in the process.
Window Perches & Bird-Watching Stations
A window perch offers sunlight and a safe outdoor view, making bird-watching a mentally enriching activity for your cat.
Catio: The Ultimate Enrichment Solution
A catio (cat patio) lets cats safely experience the outdoors. These enclosed spaces encourage climbing, scratching, and exploration while promoting mental and physical well-being.

Enrichment’s Role in Helping Cats Adjust to New Homes

We all want our cats to feel safe and comfortable, especially those adopted from shelters or rescued from challenging situations. Cats may sometimes struggle to adjust to a new environment, but with the right enrichment activities and practices in place, you can help your new cat feel more at ease. Enrichment can bridge the gap between you and your cat by creating a stress-free environment that offers ample stimulation and fosters a lasting bond.

Why Enrichment is More Than Playtime

Finding the balance for each of our cats’ unique needs can be challenging. Enrichment is vital to our cats’ overall well-being. Arguably, it can be the difference between a cat simply surviving versus thriving. A well-enriched environment allows cats to engage in their natural behaviors, improves their mental health and physical health, and prevents boredom that could lead to behavioral problems. Interactive play, scratching pads, or even a catio, are excellent ways to significantly improve your cat’s life. An enriched cat is a healthy, happy, and fulfilled cat.

An Important Service: Bristol’s Story

Posted on December 13, 2024March 24, 2025 by Margaret Langworthy

There is nothing more heartbreaking than watching your pet suffer, especially when you are not sure how to get the help they need. Bristol was a sweet senior dog who needed urgent dental care. She had a bad infection in her teeth which would become fatal if left untreated. Affordable dental care for pets is extremely hard to find, and pet guardians often have limited options. Luckily, the Humane Society of Utah St. George Clinic can provide a low-cost option in some emergency cases, thanks to the generous support of our community. We believe in keeping pets and families together whenever we can. Sometimes, an affordable veterinary service can make all the difference.

Finding Veterinary Service

The first thing our staff noticed about Bristol when she arrived at the St. George clinic was her sweet nature. She was friendly and excited to meet everyone at the clinic. However, under her sweet and goofy personality, Bristol was suffering. Many senior dogs experience dental issues. But Bristol’s case was so severe, she was no longer eating. Her guardian, N. Joy Witte, was extremely concerned and determined to help her beloved pet.

Joy tried desperately to find the help she needed for her dog, but dental procedures are very expensive. That is when she turned to the St. George clinic. When we saw the severity of Bristol’s condition, we knew we had to do something. We offered to complete the procedure at a price Joy could afford. Then we got to work! Staff remember that Bristol was very sweet and good natured, even as she went through her exam and treatment.

Bristol’s Beginning

Bristol’s story began long before she ever came to the St. George clinic. She was found as a stray pup ten years ago in Kentucky, emaciated and covered in fleas. A couple of kind strangers took her in, cared for her, and gave her a good home. However, after moving to Utah, they found they could not keep her any longer. That is when she found a new home with Joy. In her new home Bristol quickly became a part of the family. She fit right in with her human family members, as well as her two rescue dog siblings. Joy remembers when her husband was in hospice and Bristol formed a special connection with him. She would sit on his bed, giving love and cuddles until the day he passed. In the days since his passing, Bristol has been a source of love and companionship for the rest of the family. As Joy describes, “Bristol and I are best friends.”

Stories like this are a reminder of why affordable veterinary care is important for our community. Pets are so much more than animals who share a space with us. They are our family members and a source of comfort in our toughest times. There is no better feeling than sending an animal home to their family, happy and healthy! Joy explains, “they not only took care of Bristol, but also me. We will be forever grateful!”

Bristol the dog and her two dog siblings at home

Support for Affordable Veterinary Services

Bristol’s story might have had a very different ending without the support of our community. Thanks to our caring donors we can offer low-cost emergency care for pets like Bristol. Our affordable community services are made possible thanks to individual donor support, as well as generous funding partners. HSU is incredibly grateful to the Grey Muzzle Organization for providing grant funds to make dentals for senior dogs affordable to clients who need them most. If you want to help more pets in our community get the help they need, you can make a donation to the Humane Society of Utah. Today, we are thrilled to report that Bristol is back to her happy and healthy self, enjoying life with her beloved family. We think this is a perfect ending for a sweet and deserving pup like Bristol!

An Enchanting Masquerade: Highlights From The 2024 Gala

Posted on November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

Our community came together on Saturday, November 2nd, for a night of enchantment at the annual Wags to Wishes Gala. The theme was masquerade and our attendees did not disappoint! Looking across the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency in downtown Salt Lake City, a spectator would find a sea of elegant costumes and unique decorative masks. Why did all of these people converge on the Hyatt ballroom in their masquerade finest? To show their support for the Humane Society of Utah and raise much-needed funds for local pets and their families!

Thanks to our caring supporters, the 2024 Wags to Wishes Gala was the most successful to date. Over $320,000 was raised to support animal care, community clinic services, pet retention, humane education programs, and so much more.

An Evening of Masquerade Fun

This year’s Gala was full of unique and exciting experiences for attendees. The reception hall featured acrobatic performances by artists clad in intricate masquerade attire, and VIP guests enjoyed an exclusive meet-&-greet with Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, Bronwyn Newport. Guests created lasting memories with their friends and families at a special photo-op provided by PixieGramUtah Photobooth. And, of course, attendees enjoyed their regular gala favorites. Guests were bidding on auction items, participating in the opportunity drawing, and eating delicious food!

A Humane Society of Utah gala would not be complete without the real stars of the show – the animals! Attendees visited the puppy lounge to take a break from the hustle and bustle and get some cuddles from adoptable HSU puppies. The gala program featured heartwarming stories of cats and dogs who overcame adversity and found a better life with the help of HSU staff and generous support from our community of donors. With these stories, attendees witnessed the real-life impact of their donations: animals whose lives are better today because of their support. Three HSU alumni dogs, Belle, Hank, and Xena, even made an appearance to walk the doggy runway and get some well-deserved attention from their adoring public!

A Good Night For A Good Cause

The Wags to Wishes Gala is always a great time, but it is also an important fundraiser. All proceeds from the gala go back to the animals and our community. This message was clear throughout the event. It was an atmosphere of fun, excitement, support, compassion, and care for animals. The Humane Society of Utah is immensely grateful to all who showed up on November 2nd for animals in our community. By bidding, donating, or simply attending, all who participated made a difference for families and pets in Utah! Funds from this event will support shelter care, medical resources, community clinic services, and life-saving programs, reaching thousands of animals and community members as we head into the new year. If you want to help even more animals in this season of giving, you can contribute today at utahhumane.org/donate!

We hope to see everyone again next year for another great gala and another night of support for animals! Thanks to all who made Wags to Wishes a success!

Barktoberfest: A Spooktacular Recap

Posted on October 11, 2024October 10, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

On Saturday, September 28th, five hundred people and their pups gathered at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center for an event unlike any other – Barktoberfest. The day was filled with spooky fall activities for humans and dogs alike, and the costumes were frightfully fantastic! But the best part? All proceeds from this spooktacular event will support lifesaving programs and vital resources for local pets! If you missed the festivities at Barktoberfest, it’s not too late to join in on the fun of giving back to animals who need a helping hand. Although the event is over, Barktoberfest peer-to-peer fundraising will continue through October 31st!

A Day Of Festivity

Barktoberfest is a fall Halloween festival for families and their dogs hosted by the Humane Society of Utah and presented by Subaru. Strolling the festival grounds, one might find spooky decorations, carnival games, dog enrichment activities, local vendor booths, and, of course, people and their pups dressed in their Halloween best! Our goal with Barktoberfest is to have something for everyone – games and candy for the kiddos, enrichment for the dogs, and what Barktoberfest would be complete without local brews for the adults? The event is a celebration of dogs and their families but also a reminder that homeless and vulnerable dogs in our community need our help! By purchasing a ticket, Barktoberfest attendees did their part to support the animals waiting for homes at HSU. And who knows, some of the pups in our shelter now may enjoy Barktoberfest themselves next year!

The FUNdraising Continues

Barktoberfest may be over, but you can still support fundraising efforts for local animals! This year, HSU implemented a peer-to-peer fundraising element to accompany Barktoberfest. Attendees had the option to create their own mini fundraiser, encouraging their friends and family members to contribute to the cause and widening the circle of community support for animals. Although the event is finished, community members can continue fundraising through October 31st! This is true whether or not you have already started your peer-to-peer fundraiser. After all, the spooky season is far from over – why shouldn’t the Barktoberfest fun continue?

Supporters who wish to start their fundraiser can register and find the tools they need on our Barktoberfest webpage. But don’t wait too long – the end of October will sneak up like a spooky ghost! Who knows, the funds you raise may be the helping hand an animal needs to find a new home, receive veterinary care, or get the resources necessary to stay with a loving guardian. Plus, you can win some awesome prizes if you raise $50 or more! We think that sounds like a Barktoberfest win for people and pets alike!

Care In Every Paw: A Day At The St. George Clinic

Posted on September 26, 2024September 26, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

At the Humane Society of Utah, we want to see all animals safe, happy, and healthy. This is true for the adoptable animals in our care as well as family pets throughout our state! That is why the services at our St. George and Murray clinics are so vital to our mission. We offer essential care like vaccinations and spay/neuter surgeries at an affordable cost for local pet guardians. We know families in Utah love their pets, and we can give them the resources to avoid preventable and costly ailments. It may seem like a basic service, but access to preventative care can make all the difference in keeping an animal with their loving family. With the ‘Care in Every Paw’ campaign, we are expanding services at the St. George clinic so even more pets in southern Utah can get the care they need!

Staff members at the St. George clinic have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact of these services in the community. Their hard work and dedication are apparent as we explore a day in the life of the St. George clinic.

A Day In The Life

A typical day at the St. George clinic is full of activity. Between patient check-in, surgery hours, vaccinations, rechecks, and consultation appointments, there is rarely a dull moment. Not to mention all the cleaning and prep work for the following day! It sounds like a lot, but the staff are efficient and hard-working so they can help as many animals as possible. Taylor Flanagan, the Senior Veterinary Assistant Manager explains, “Every day we do up to 25-30 spay/neuter surgeries and countless vaccines and every day people from the community tell us how needed this has been.” Think of all those local pets who are safer and healthier after a visit to the St. George clinic!

The numbers are impressive, but we know there is always more work to do. Rising costs are making pet guardianship more expensive than ever. More families in southern Utah are seeing the benefit of a low-cost resource, like the St. George clinic, for their basic veterinary needs. With the help of generous donors, we are rising to meet the needs of our community. The ‘Care in Every Paw’ campaign aims to increase hours of operation, surgery appointments, and veterinary staff at the clinic. With these expanded services, we can reach more families and pets who rely on our essential care each year. Community members can support pet health in St. George by donating to the campaign!

Meaningful Work

Chat with the St. George clinic staff, and you can tell how much they care about their work and its impact. Veterinary Assistant, Kayleigh Swensen, sees how her work is helping animals in St. George – not just for today but for their whole lives. She tells us, “I love being able to help the community and their pets with our low-cost prices, giving animals the services they need to live a long and healthy life.”

The St. George clinic helps local guardians and their pets, as well as homeless and vulnerable animals in the community. Another Veterinary Assistant at the clinic explains, “Our ‘Catnip’ service is also very important in keeping the feral cat population controlled.” This program helps prevent overpopulation with effective and humane Trap Neuter Release (TNR) methods. The clinic also works with local rescue groups to provide low-cost services for the adoptable animals in their care. Between routine visits, special-case emergency care, and low-cost services for local rescues, the HSU clinic is making a real difference for all animals in St. George!

Care In Every Paw: Growing Impact

If you feel inspired by these stories of care and service to the community, please consider donating to the ‘Care in Every Paw’ campaign! Your contribution helps more animals have access to essential care. With the expanded capacity supported by this campaign, we estimate around 3,000 more St. George families will have access to pet care in 2025. These services keep pets healthy and prevent overpopulation, so fewer animals end up in a shelter. This vital work is about keeping pets and people together because they are part of the family! Lead Receptionist, Riley Pew, explains it perfectly – “I would say my favorite thing each day is when owners come to pick up their animals and to see them get so happy and excited to see their people…it’s very heartwarming to see.”

Support for Animals: Your Impact

Posted on August 23, 2024August 23, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

We know that Utah is full of caring individuals who want to help animals in need because we have seen it firsthand! At the Humane Society of Utah, we are fortunate to have a generous community of donors who step up and regularly provide support for vulnerable animals. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely solely on funding from individuals, foundations, and businesses to accomplish our lifesaving work. But what does it mean to support HSU? What is the real-life impact of sending that check in the mail or hitting that donate button? Let’s look at some of the amazing ways your support is helping animals in our state!

Low-Cost Veterinary Care

When you support the Humane Society of Utah, you support low-cost veterinary care for pets in our community. We offer spay/neuter services for dogs, cats, and rabbits, as well as comprehensive vaccination packages. And with clinic locations in Murray and St. George, your donations benefit pet guardians in northern and southern Utah!

Donations from our caring supporters help keep these services affordable. With the cost of veterinary care skyrocketing, this dramatically impacts pet guardianship in our community. We know that people love their animals, and the cost of basic preventative care should not be a barrier to pet health. By donating to the Humane Society of Utah, you are removing that barrier to accessible care. In the first six months of 2024, our Murray and St. George clinics administered 60,898 vaccines and performed 6,231 spay/neuter surgeries. Think of all the animals who have received vital care so far in 2024, thanks to support from generous donors!

Adoptions & Sheltering

When people think of the Humane Society of Utah, the first thing that comes to mind is often adoption. Sometimes, through changing circumstances, unexpected life events, or unforeseen challenges, companion animals need a new home. HSU offers safe shelter and care for animals as they wait for adoption. Our staff works diligently to set animals up for success and find the best fit. So far in 2024, nearly 4,000 cats, dogs, and small animals found new homes.

But animal adoptions do not exist in a vacuum, which is why donations are important! Animals waiting for adoption must have access to food, water, space, enrichment, and medical care. Animals who have specific medical or behavioral needs require even more resources. But that does not make them less deserving of a good home and a happy life! Regular donations provide for the animals in our care, giving them the time and tools they need to find the right fit. You can help adoptable animals by donating funds, essential supplies, or both! Visit our donation wish list to learn more about donating supplies.

Support for Pet Guardians

At the Humane Society of Utah, we believe you cannot help animals without helping humans. An animal’s first and most important support system is their loving guardian. We believe keeping a beloved pet with their guardian is the best outcome for both. Thanks to generous donors, that outcome has become a reality for many pets and people in our community! With donor support, we offer low-cost emergency care for pet guardians who find themselves in difficult situations, provide food and supplies to local pet pantries, and enroll pets in our incredibly effective last litter program. In the first half of 2024 alone, support from our donors helped 282 animals stay in their loving homes through emergency assistance. When you donate to the Humane Society of Utah, you help keep families together by providing the care their pets need when they need it most.

We are incredibly grateful to those who support our animals and our programs. This is just a snapshot of the work made possible thanks to your generosity!

August: Make-A-Will Month

Posted on August 15, 2024August 16, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

Did you know that August is national Make-A-Will month? It can be strange to think about as we go through our daily lives, but creating or updating your will is the best way to secure your wishes for the future. With a will or trust, you can make a lasting legacy for the people you love and the causes you care about. And it’s easier than you might think!

Helpful Information

The Humane Society of Utah planned giving page has a wealth of information about bequests and other estate planning options. You can learn about types of bequests, review sample language, and download helpful brochures with more information. If the Humane Society of Utah is already in your estate plans, you can let us know directly through our planned giving page.

That’s right – you can give to your favorite charities through your will, including the Humane Society of Utah. By doing so, you are extending the impact of your generosity and creating a legacy of support for animals that will carry on into the future. Just as we desire the best for our family’s future generations, we also want the best for future generations of animals!

Providing for your favorite cause does not mean you need to forget about your loved ones. You can tailor a will to your needs and your situation. Reference these bequest types to see some examples. You can divide your estate between different individuals or organizations, using the amounts or percentages that work best for you.

Getting Started

Are you ready for next steps, or just want to learn more? Request our free Estate Planning Guide. This will help you take stock of your assets, gather important information, and define your priorities. It can serve as a helpful guide as you draw up your will or speak with your estate planning attorney.

As pet guardians, we know that planning for our future also means planning for the future of our pets. Enroll in our Pet Legacy program to make a care plan for your pets with the Humane Society of Utah.

Creating A Legacy

When you make a will, you are securing a legacy for the people and causes you care about. We hope you will let us know if you wish to include the Humane Society of Utah as a beneficiary of any kind. This compassionate decision will help create a bright future for animals in Utah, and we want to honor your incredible commitment.

Whether we are included in your plans or not, we encourage you to take a moment this August and think about the legacy you want for your loved ones, your community, or anything else that is important to you!

Belle’s Story: A Healing Journey

Posted on August 2, 2024August 2, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

A dedicated foster with the Humane Society of Utah (kept anonymous for this story) was on her way to pick up a mama dog and her litter of puppies. She had fostered many animals before, including young litters, and she was up to the task. But at the 11th hour, she received a call from the HSU Foster Team. An adult dog named Belle was in bad shape and desperately needed a foster home to recover. We asked our caring foster if she could take Belle instead. She did not hesitate to step in and help this poor dog on her healing journey. At the time, she did not realize how Belle would profoundly impact her life.

A Dog in Need

Belle came to HSU after an accident left her with a terrible leg injury. In her previous home, she lived as an outdoor dog and got her leg caught in a backyard fence. By the time she was discovered, too much damage was done, and the leg would never heal properly. Amputating the leg was Belle’s only hope for living a pain-free and active life. We took Belle in and immediately prepped her for amputation surgery.

Belle’s road to recovery would be long and difficult, as her foster guardian soon found out. Her amputation site needed time to heal, but that was not her only problem. Upon further examination, HSU medical staff found foxtails embedded in her skin, causing painful sores. While Belle recovered, her foster guardian had to keep a careful eye on her various injuries. “We gave her daily medications and antibiotics, cleaned her wounds, gave her a comfortable place to rest, and lots of love.”

A Journey to Healing

With time, patience, and proper care, Belle’s physical wounds began to heal. But she still struggled to adjust to her new life and surroundings. Her foster guardian discovered that she suffered from phantom pains associated with her missing limb and adjusting to life on three legs would not happen overnight. But her foster was ready to put in the work. Daily massage and sensory therapy helped to manage the phantom pains. Other minor adjustments also made a world of difference – “We made simple changes around the house to help Belle get around easier and more comfortable. We put slip-proof rugs and yoga mats on all the wood floors and got her a special harness.” Before long, the sweet and loveable tripawd navigated her new world like a pro!

A New Beginning

Through Belle’s healing journey, her foster family started to see how well she fit into their lives. As she became more confident and comfortable, they saw her personality come through. She was sweet, intelligent, and loveable. She even bonded with their dog, Clementine. Before long, Belle’s foster guardian knew the goofy, loveable dog was not going anywhere; she was home. She decided to adopt Belle permanently. She recalls losing one of her dogs four years ago, “we didn’t think we would ever be able to recover from the loss we felt…until we met Belle. We knew that she was meant to be with us and there was no way we could ever let her go”.

These days, Belle is living a great life on three legs with her new family. Her foster-turned-adopter explains that she loves everyone and always wants to be around people. “We call her our little ‘BellHop’, because she is eager to please and ‘hoppy’ to escort you from room to room. The only form of payment she will accept is kind words and a pat on the back.” She loves her doggy sister, Clementine, and she loves to be a couch potato. She is unsure what to do with toys yet, but she is figuring it out! And mostly, she just wants love and cuddles. As her new forever family member describes, “We have 2 dogs again and our family feels complete now that Belle is part of it.”

Fireworks Safety: Protect Your Pet This Summer!

Posted on July 11, 2024July 11, 2024 by Margaret Langworthy

The Fourth of July may be over, but with Pioneer Day just around the corner and plenty of warm summer days ahead, we know that the fireworks season is still in full swing! We want everyone to have a fun and safe summer, including your beloved pets. Fireworks season can be a stressful time for many pet guardians. By following some simple fireworks safety tips you can help your furry friends stay safe and comfortable while you enjoy your favorite summer celebrations!

Fireworks Safety Tips

Do you love a good fireworks display? We don’t blame you! Fireworks can be a fun way to celebrate. But your pet may not be so keen. Consider leaving your pets at home when you go to marvel at your favorite fireworks show. And if you hear fireworks nearby, it may be time to bring Fido or Mittens inside. Pets can be startled by the crowds and loud noises and may be tempted to flee or accidentally injure themselves. Indoors is the safest place for your pet when the fireworks start.

Give your pet a comfortable space where they can feel secure. This can be a crate filled with their favorite toys and blankets or an inner room away from doors and windows. Make sure they have access to fresh water, and don’t try to coax them out before they are ready!
White noise like a fan, air purifier, or soft music may help your pet relax and drown out noise from outside.
If your pet has access to a yard during fireworks season, make sure all fencing is secure and double-check that gates are closed at all times.
In case of escape, make sure your pet has up-to-date ID tags and microchip information. If your pet does escape, contact your local municipal animal shelter as soon as possible. You can also post on online or social media lost and found pages.
Keep your pets away from any leftover fireworks debris as the contents may be harmful.

Make Your Celebrations Fun and Safe!

Summer is a time for fireworks, but also a time for social gatherings. We all love a good picnic in the park with friends or a neighborhood block party. These events are supposed to be fun, and with the right precautions you can make sure they are comfortable and low-stress for your pets.

Know your pet’s temperament. Fluffy may love socializing with your friends and neighbors at the annual backyard party! But if she doesn’t, there’s no need to force it. Give your pet a comfortable place to hide from the action if they don’t want to interact with your guests.
Keep a careful eye on your pet around the food table, and discard scraps promptly. Many foods that we enjoy can be harmful to our pets. Onions, garlic, grapes, certain peanut butter brands, and chocolate can all be very dangerous. For more information, you can read our blog post on Toxic Items.
If you bring your pet with you to any social gatherings, talk to the host ahead of time and make sure they will be comfortable and welcome in the space. Ask about any rules, limitations, or other pets who may be attending. When in doubt, it is okay to leave your pet at home and plan something else fun and special just for them!

We want this summer to be fun and safe for everyone. With a little bit of planning and the right tools, you can make sure your summer celebrations are enjoyable for the whole family – four-legged family members included!

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