Tips to ring in 2016 safely for your pet

Many of you will use December 31 as a night celebrate the coming year and reflect on the 365 days of 2015 with house parties, bar hopping or perhaps Netflix binging with your four-legged friends in the comfort of your own home, as I likely will be.

Whether celebrating at a house party with friends and family, or out at an event, consider taking a few precautions to ensure that everyone has a great time, and your pets are also safe. 

1. Loud noises can scare pets. If you're celebrating at home, make sure you keep them in a safe place so they won't run away in a panic upon hearing the pop of a champagne bottle or exploding fireworks. 
2. If you do plan to head out for the night and if you can, please consider keeping your pets inside. Preferably in a comfortable room, with comforting music playing or a fan running to drown out possible loud, unusual noises. 
3. If you'll be having people come in and out of your house for the night, walk around your perimeter and make sure all fences and gates are secure. This way, if your pet manages to escape the house, they are confined to the yard.
4. If you pet has shown signs of extreme uneasiness around loud noises or crowds in the past, consider speaking with your vet about prescription meds that could help him out. Or, look into a Thunder Shirt, which can be purchased at most pet stores, or you can even make one using this example. 
5. Last, but not least, make sure your pet has a correct ID. And, if it has a microchip, make sure it is current. This will make it easier to get you pet back if he/she escapes your home and yard during festivities.

Oh, and if you are having a house party, or out celebrating with friends, please don't drink and drive. Afterall, Fido can't bail you out in the morning, and we hear that the Wyoming Highway Patrol will be using social media to shame drunken driving offenders, #DoNotGetHashTaggedByWHP. Just to help you be safe, here are a few numbers of cabs in the area to reach out to tonight:

1. City Cab, 307.685.1000
2. DC Cab LLC, 307.299.8294
3. and, if you don't like to leave your car behind, consider contacting Camel Towing at 307.660.4002.

Have a safe and happy 2016!