World-Class Pet Care Resources
Holiday Decorations
When dressing your pet for holiday photos, choose costumes that allow for easy movement and comfort.
Pets are curious and attracted to shiny decorations. Help keep them safe by opting for shatterproof ornaments, avoiding tinsel and hanging small or salt-dough ornaments high and out of reach. After opening gifts, be sure to quickly dispose of wrapping paper, bows and string, as they can be choking hazards.
Food and Drinks
Always keep food and drinks out of your pet’s reach. Remind your guests not to give your pet any treats, especially those containing chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or meat scraps, as these can be especially harmful. Pack away any leftover food as soon as possible. Pets quickly absorb alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning, so keep beverages out of reach as well.
Candles and Burns
Open flames pose serious burn risks. Maintain a safe distance between pets and sources of heat such as fireplaces and wood stoves, as curiosity can lead them to get too close, and keep candles and festive lights out of reach. Never leave a candle or fire unattended, even for a short period, as this can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation for you and your pets.
Plants and Trees
While holiday trees are generally nontoxic, the water in the tree stand can pose a risk, as it may contain bacteria, mold or fertilizers. To prevent your pet from drinking this water, consider using a tree skirt. Additionally, festive plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies, holly and amaryllis can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep these plants out of reach of curious pets.
Cold Weather Walking
Keep dogs on a non retractable leash when walking in the early morning and late evening hours. Both you and your pet should wear high-visibility gear, and it’s important to avoid paths, roads and trails with limited lighting.
If you’re in an area with snow and ice, be extra cautious in poor conditions and monitor the wind chill. Dress your pet warmly with a sweater, jacket and booties to help them be more comfortable in the cold.
Holiday Decorations
When dressing your pet for holiday photos, choose costumes that allow for easy movement and comfort.
Pets are curious and attracted to shiny decorations. Help keep them safe by opting for shatterproof ornaments, avoiding tinsel and hanging small or salt-dough ornaments high and out of reach. After opening gifts, be sure to quickly dispose of wrapping paper, bows and string, as they can be choking hazards.
Food and Drinks
Always keep food and drinks out of your pet’s reach. Remind your guests not to give your pet any treats, especially those containing chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or meat scraps, as these can be especially harmful. Pack away any leftover food as soon as possible. Pets quickly absorb alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning, so keep beverages out of reach as well.
Candles and Burns
Open flames pose serious burn risks. Maintain a safe distance between pets and sources of heat such as fireplaces and wood stoves, as curiosity can lead them to get too close, and keep candles and festive lights out of reach. Never leave a candle or fire unattended, even for a short period, as this can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation for you and your pets.
Plants and Trees
While holiday trees are generally nontoxic, the water in the tree stand can pose a risk, as it may contain bacteria, mold or fertilizers. To prevent your pet from drinking this water, consider using a tree skirt. Additionally, festive plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies, holly and amaryllis can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep these plants out of reach of curious pets.
Cold Weather Walking
Keep dogs on a non retractable leash when walking in the early morning and late evening hours. Both you and your pet should wear high-visibility gear, and it’s important to avoid paths, roads and trails with limited lighting.
If you’re in an area with snow and ice, be extra cautious in poor conditions and monitor the wind chill. Dress your pet warmly with a sweater, jacket and booties to help them be more comfortable in the cold.
*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.
CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.
VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.
**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.
Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.
NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.
Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.
