2022 is almost here! While festive decorations and treats may be making their way out of your home, there is still one more holiday to celebrate. Check out these tips and tricks from the ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) to help you and your furry friends prepare for a fun, and safe, New Year's Eve!

1. Alcohol: New Year's Eve is known for its late-night parties, midnight countdowns, and popping champagne. It is also known as one of the most popular holidays for pets to get into alcohol. Furry friends who ingest any amount of alcohol can be at risk for depression, unsteady walking, vomiting, and in extreme cases, a drop in blood pressure and temperature. Even a small mixed drink can be fatal for a small pet. Keep all adult beverages out of reach of your pets to avoid welcoming in the New Year in the vet's office.

2. Marijuana: Marijuana is also a common indulgence during New Year's Eve festivities. Curious pets can easily sniff out edible forms of marijuana, such as chocolates or brownies. Ingestion of this drug can cause furry friends to become lethargic, unsteady, and can decrease their heart rate and temperature. In extreme cases, it can even cause seizures or death. If you think your pet has ingested any amount of marijuana, contact your veterinarian or the APCC immediately.

3. Fireworks: These colorful sky displays are not just for the Fourth of July! The loud sounds and bright lights that accompany fireworks can be very scary to furry friends. Make sure your animals have a safe and quiet space to spend the night to avoid panicking pets. It is also important to clean up all remnants of explosives, noisemakers, etc. to prevent any potential problems. 

4. Identification: With all the hustle and bustle of New Year's Eve celebrations, it is easy for pets to escape and get lost. Be sure your animals have up-to-date ID tags and consider a microchip. Microchipping your furry friends can help ensure a safe return in the event they lose their collars or ID tags. The HSVC offers ID tags for $5 and performs microchipping for $15 including registration. If you are in need of this service, please call the Shelter at 805-646-6505 to schedule an appointment.

With these tips in mind, we wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!