Animal Care Services Offers Pet Safety Tips for Easter

Published on April 02, 2026

SAN ANTONIO (April 2, 2026) – With Easter celebrations and egg hunts right around the corner, San Antonio Animal Care Services wants to remind residents to be mindful of their pets during celebrations. Easter traditions are not pet-friendly, so the following simple tips can help ensure a safe holiday for everyone.

• Pets can enjoy the holiday without going to an Easter celebration. Get them in on the fun with a new toy or treat they can enjoy at home while the family enjoys the festivities.
• If you’re staying home, create a safe, indoor place for your pet to relax away from the noise of the celebration. Make sure you put out plenty of fresh food, water, and toys.
• Traditional Easter egg hunts are no place for pets. Instead, consider curating a special pet-friendly solo treat hunt for your pet to enjoy an enrichment activity safely.
• The brightly colored eggs — both plastic and natural — may be too interesting for a curious pet to pass up. Watch them around your dog or cat.
• Plastic Easter grass, clear wrap and ribbons can be troublesome if swallowed. Baskets often include plush stuffed toys that pets can mistake for their own.
• Although it may be tempting, do not give your pet food off the table. Many holiday foods like ham, chocolate, raisins, onions, and candies or gums with the artificial sweetener Xylitol can be hard on your animal’s stomach and may lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
• Pet parents should also keep San Antonio Easter favorites like brisket and chicken away from their companion animals. Also mind your pets around the pit.
• Giving alcohol — even a sip or two — to a pet is dangerous and could be fatal.
• Common Easter plants like lilies, daffodils and crocus bulbs are very poisonous to pets and can cause upset stomach, vomiting, heart, and kidney problems.
• If you suspect your animal may have ingested something toxic, get your pet to a vet immediately or call the ASPCA animal poison control center at 1-888-426-4435, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (there may be a charge).