OCTOBER marks the start of the fireworks season that runs all the way through to New Year’s Eve, and during this time the SPCA experiences a rise in number of stray animals coming through its doors, and lost reports from worried pet owners start to pour in.
The Durban and Coast SPCA is taking a proactive stance this year and will be holding a microchipping drive to encourage pet owners to get their animals microchipped.
“This is the best way to ensure you will be reunited with your pet should they go missing during this busy time,” said Lindsey Concer from SPCA.
The drive will be on 19 October from 9.30am to 3pm at 2 Willowfield Crescent, Springfield Park. It will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
Cost is R250 a pet. No documentation is needed, just take your pet and ensure dogs are on leads and cats are in carry cases.
“We will also have Anxitane, a herbal calming medication, on sale at reasonable prices. This is recommended for all pet owners during the fireworks season. It is highly effective and will help keep your pet calm without the harsh effects of a tranquilizer,” said Lindsey.
She said during the fireworks season, keep your pets safe by keeping them indoors in a familiar room, ensure you close the windows and curtains and have the TV or radio on to muffle the sound.
“Stay in the room with them and act normally, our pets react to our emotions, so if you are calm, they will feel calm. Give them something to do, such as a chewy bone to munch on or catnip toys for cats,” she said.
Lindsey encouraged pet owners to get a herbal calming medication for your pet, which is most effective when started a week prior to the expected fireworks, and most importantly, have them microchipped.
“Please make the SPCA your first port of call should you find a lost or stray animal or if you have lost your pet. Animals are kept at the SPCA for seven days before they are put up for adoption. If your pet has gone missing, please ensure to visit your local SPCA’s within the seven day time frame,” she said.