Los Angeles, April 8, 2023 – As we prepare to celebrate the Easter holiday this weekend, LA Animal Services would like to remind pet owners about the hazards of Easter decorations, baskets full of candy, chocolate, and toys, that may be harmful to our furry family members.

To help keep you and your pets safe this Easter, LA Animal Services is offering the following tips:

1. The Easter basket. Our pets often see these festive décor as something to eat or play with. Colorful eggs, plastic grass, chocolate, and candy can be toxic to pets if they are eaten. To keep pets safe, place baskets filled with goodies out of reach. If you plan on doing an egg hunt with children, keep pets indoors and away from the plastic eggs. 
2. Beware of festive flowers and plants. Easter lilies are one of the most dangerous plants you can have around your pet, especially cats. Call your veterinarian immediately if you see your cat licking the flower.
3. Keep alcohol and people's food away from pets. We have a tendency to share our meals with our pets, which often results in overindulgence. Even when we don’t purposely include them, our dog or cat can sneak a bite of food from the kitchen counter, trash, or the dining room table. Dogs and cats can suffer very serious and sometimes fatal consequences from consuming too much rich and fatty foods, yeast dough, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and from just plain overeating. Instead of giving your companion animal leftovers, stop by a pet store and purchase a special treat, made especially for them.
4. Don’t buy animals as impulsive gifts for giving. Although bunnies and baby chicks are cute, they should not be given as Easter gifts. Bunnies and chicks are pets who require special feedings and care, and their needs should be fully researched before bringing one home. Before adopting a rabbit, please view our rabbit care resource guide at laanimalservices.com/all-about-rabbits

By keeping these safety precautions in mind, the holiday weekend can be an enjoyable and safe one for you and your furry family members.

For more information on how to keep pets safe, visit: laanimalservices.com/keeping-your-pets-safe

Center Operating Hours

Our six LA Animal Services locations are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8am to 5pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 5pm. Appointments are required on Wednesdays and Fridays, for pet adoptions, fostering, and owner surrenders, with our Centers closed on Mondays. Sick or injured animals will be admitted without an appointment. Appointments may be scheduled by going online or by calling 1-888-452-7381.

For more information about LA Animal Services and to learn more about microchipping and licensing, visit: laanimalservices.com.

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