El Paso Animal Services Urges Pet Owners to Take Precautions Before Festivities Begin

EL PASO, Texas―As fireworks and celebrations ramp up on New Year’s Eve, thousands of pets are at greater risk of running off and going missing. Much like the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve is consistently one of the most high-risk nights of the year for pets to go missing.

With more than 25,000 pets entering the City shelter this year, El Paso Animal Services is urging pet owners to take immediate precautions and ensure pets are safely secured before festivities begin.

“Once fireworks start, pets can panic and escape in seconds,” said Michael Wachsmann, Interim Director of El Paso Animal Services. “When a pet goes missing, the odds of reunification are much lower than people realize, which is why prevention, proper identification, and microchips are so critical.”

To help keep pets safe as the new year approaches, El Paso Animal Services recommends the following tips:

1. Keep Pets Indoors: Bring pets inside before celebrations begin and confine them to an enclosed area, such as a spare bathroom, laundry room, or kennel, away from noise, guests, and potential escape routes.
2. Secure Outdoor Pets Safely: If pets stay outside, make sure your fence is secure and fully enclosed to prevent escapes. Pets can be safely tethered, but chains are not allowed, and they must have access to adequate shelter, shade, and clean, drinkable water, as required under the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act.
3. ID Is Key: Ensure pets are wearing a collar with a visible ID tag. If you don’t have a tag, write your phone number and address directly on the collar using a permanent marker.
4. Microchip and Update Information: Microchips are one of the most reliable ways to reunite lost pets with their families, but only if the information is current. Pet owners can check their microchip registry company at PetMicrochipLookUp.org and register or update information for free through 24PetWatch.com.
5. Register with Petco Love Lost: PetcoLoveLost.org is a free resource that uses facial recognition technology to help reunite lost pets.
6. Consider Calming Aids: For pets with anxiety, calming treats available at local pet stores may ease stress during celebrations.

El Paso Animal Services reminds residents that keeping pets safely confined and properly identified not only protects animals, but also helps reduce strain on shelter resources during high-intake periods. Fireworks may last only a few minutes, but their impact can continue for days as lost pets arrive at shelters after the holiday.

For more information about pet safety tips, lost pet resources, or microchipping, visit ElPasoAnimalServices.org.

###