The safety and well-being of pets are of utmost importance to the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the HVGB SPCA as well. With Seasonal current temperatures, Dog and Cat Owners are reminded of the following Animal Safety Tips from the HVGB SPCA:

1. Never let your Dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Dogs frequently lose their scent in snow and ice and easily become lost.
2. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he/she comes in of the rain, snow, or ice. Check his/her sensitive paw pads, which may bleed from snow or ice encrusted in them. Also, salt, antifreeze, or other chemicals could hurt your dog if he/she ingests them while licking their paws.
3. If you own a short-haired breed, consider getting a warm coat or sweater for your dog. Look for one with a high collar or turtle neck that covers your dog from the base of the tail on top and to the belly underneath. While this may seem to be a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.
4. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your companion animal could freeze to death. Never leave your pet in a vehicle during the summer with the windows up, the intense heat will kill them.
5. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness, or breed type, take him/her outdoors only long enough to relieve themselves.
6. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to house train during the winter. If necessary, paper train your puppy inside if they appear to be sensitive to the weather.
7. If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase their supply of food, particularly protein, to keep their fur thick and healthy.
8. Antifreeze, even in very tiny doses, is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Because of its sweet taste, dogs are attracted to it. Be sure to, thoroughly, clean up any spills from your vehicle. Call your Veterinarian at 709-896-2627 or the Animal Poison Center at 1-888-426-4435 (free) if you suspect your animal has ingested poison.
9. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat in a longer style, which provides more warmth. Remember that such a style will require more frequent brushing due to dry winter air and static electricity. When you bathe your dog, make sure they are completely dry before taking them out for a walk.
10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep far away from all drafts and off the floor, such as in a dog or cat bed or basket with a warm blanket or pillow in it.

Residents are advised that all Dogs must be registered with the Town, and all Dogs must have Dog Tags. The cost to register your Dog is free, first Tags issued are no cost but there is a fee to replace them.

To register your Dog, please download the Dog Tag Registration Form and bring it to Town Hall Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.