Safety warning for pet owners on New Years Eve

December 27, 2021 | Source: Pawshake Australia and New Zealand
 

With many cities still planning New Year's Eve fireworks events around Australia and New Zealand, pet experts are warning owners to take extra precautions to prevent pet anxiety and lost pets. 

The dangers of New Year's Eve celebrations and pets

Although 2021 celebrations are likely to be quieter than planned due to Covid cases in the community, pet owners are being warned not to let their guard down. A number of cities and towns are going ahead with firework celebrations, and outdoor house parties are predicted to be a popular choice this year.

Dogs and cats can be easily spooked by loud and unfamiliar noises, including fireworks, visitors and noisy people passing on the street. Likewise, smaller pets such as rabbits, birds and guinea pigs can be terrified by fireworks. Sadly, these smaller pets can even die from fright. 

Unfortunately, many cats and dogs go missing on New Year's Eve every year. This can lead to a huge amount of stress for the pet and worry for the pet owner. Pawshake is urging pet owners to be diligent this coming New Year’s Eve and not assume that the streets will be quiet and calm.  

How to keep pets safe on New Years Eve 

Tanguy Peers, the CEO of online pet-sitting platform Pawshake, comments on the upcoming celebrations, “The best way to prepare for New Year's eve is to plan ahead. Pet owners can avoid a lot of heartache and stress by putting a few simple safety precautions in place before New Year’s Eve.”

A first step should include doing a safety check around your home boundary to make sure there are no holes, open windows or loose gates. It’s important to remember that many pets are cunning escape artists, especially when they are very frightened, so be extra cautious when securing your house. 

Secondly, if you are having visitors to your home, let them know to keep gates, doors and windows closed as they arrive and leave. It’s also a good idea to keep human food and alcoholic drinks well out of reach of pets, as these can make pets feel very sick. Prepare a quiet, secure room in your home for your pet with food and water and a cosy place to nap.  

Lastly, it’s a good idea to spend some playtime with your pet before the celebrations kick-off. Mental and physical stimulation can relieve pent-up energy and help your pet feel more relaxed as the day goes on. You may also like to give your dog a Kong or chew-toy, as dogs can find chewing calming.

Pet Sitting as a solution to New Years Eve stress

Pet sitting can be a flexible solution for pet owners who are worried about their pets on New Year's Eve. Online services such as Pawshake Australia and Pawshake New Zealand allow for dog walkers and sitters to drop around and give pets some cuddles and exercise, or board dogs in their home overnight. An experienced pet carer can ensure that the pet is safe and sound, which can be hugely relieving for owners who are busy on New Year's Eve.

“Our pet sitters have been as busy as ever this year, despite the disruptions and stress caused by Covid,” says Tanguy Peers.

“If there is one tip pet owners should remember, it’s not to leave it to the last minute when booking a pet sitter. It’s important to have a meet and greet before you agree to anything to make sure you get the perfect match.” 

For more information on Pawshake Australia, visit www.pawshake.com.au, Facebook www.facebook.com/pawshakeau, Instagram www.instagram.com/pawshakeau

For more information, visit www.pawshake.co.nz, Facebook www.facebook.com/pawshakenz, Instagram www.instagram.com/pawshakenz

Contact: media@pawshake.com - Jess Tanner

About Pawshake

Pawshake is a trusted community of pet lovers. Pet owners can find vetted pet sitters, dog walkers, doggy daycare or home boarding solutions through the Pawshake website or app. Rates start at $20/night and include veterinary coverage, online customer support 7 days a week, and daily updates. Pawshake was co-founded in 2013 by Tanguy Peers, a former eBay executive who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people and their pets. Since launching in Australia and New Zealand in 2014, Pawshake has built a reputation for connecting pet owners with trusted and vetted pet sitters and now, more than 20,000  Aussie and Kiwi sitters are offering their services on Pawshake.