Set your pet up for success in 2025

Whether a new pet will be joining your crew in 2025, or you’ll be continuing to care for a long-time family companion, here are some ways to keep your pet safe and cared for in the new year:

1. Help your pet get back home quickly if they are ever lost by putting an ID tag on them. Making sure your pet is microchipped and the chip is registered is also important, but neighbors will first look for a collar and tag if they find your cat or dog out and about.
2. Make sure your dog is licensed and the contact information connected to the license is up to date. Call us at 503-846-7041 with licensing questions or to make updates. We can also add your pup’s microchip number to their record. You can license your dog for the first time or renew it through our website, by mail, via phone or in person at the shelter.
3. Look ahead to see if your pet will need vaccines, dental cleanings or other veterinary services this year, and book your appointments well in advance. As a reminder, a current rabies vaccine is required for your dog’s license to be valid.
4. If you have a dog, check your yard, fencing and gates for places they might be able to escape. Winter weather can create new opportunities for a smart pup to get out of the yard!
5. Add your pet to your family’s emergency preparedness plan. Find resources at www.ready.gov/pets.
6. Make a plan now in case you ever can’t care for your pet due to injury, illness or another life situation. Identify at least two people who can care for your animal in an emergency. They should have a key to your home, feeding and care instructions, and the contact information for your veterinarian.

Thank you for doing what you can now to help your pet have a great year!

For more information on these topics and more, please visit www.WashingtonCountyPets.com. The Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter is located at 1901 SE 24th Ave in Hillsboro.