Arizona Humane Society offers tips to keep pets safe during the holiday season

PHOENIX — This holiday season, friends, loved ones and pets deserve to be safe and merry, and the Arizona Humane Society is offering tips on how to achieve that.

As mistletoe and holly begin to pop up — both toxic to animals when ingested — AHS is encouraging pet owners with holiday plants to consider purchasing artificial ones instead.

When setting up a Christmas tree, be sure to properly secure it to prevent it from falling, keep decorative lights high and out of reach from animals and consider purchasing plastic ornaments instead of glass, AHS said in a press release.

Pets will need a safe place with water, bedding and toys to return to during the festivities, and if a pet prefers to be in a kennel be sure to leave it easily accessible.

Since New Year’s Eve is a popular night for animals to run away, be sure to keep pets in a safe, escape-proof space as midnight approaches, AHS said.

Travelers should always remember to never leave their pet in the car, have a pet carrier and take their pet on frequent bathroom breaks.

If traveling by plane, remember to have updated ID tags and microchips.

Owners are reminded to bring their pets’ medication when traveling and are encouraged to research animal clinics and hospitals prior to arrival in case of emergency.

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