Pets are not aware of the many dangers waiting for them outdoors and unfortunately, neither are many of their owners. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to keep
your pet indoors or under close supervision when outdoors so that it does not become lost or fall victim to any of the dangers listed below.
Disease
Your pet can pick up diseases for which there are no preventative vaccinations.
If your pet becomes ill or is injured while outdoors, you may not be aware of his condition until it's too late.
Worms and fleas are easily contracted outside but not always easy to eliminate.
Neighbourhood Dangers
Antifreeze and other chemicals stored or spilled in garages or driveways are dangerous.
Lawns treated with pesticides are dangerous.
Many garden plants are poisonous to animals if eaten. Read The Toronto Humane Society Fact Sheet " Protect Your Pet From Common Poisonous Plants " for more information.
Your pet may eat spoiled food or splintering bones from the garbage.
People
Always remember to be considerate of your neighbours - for your pet's sake! A pet left to roam freely will uproot flower beds and defecate and urinate on other people's property, causing needless frustration for your neighbours. Abuse of animals does occur but a supervised pet does not fall victim to uncaring individuals.
Predators
Some dogs chase cats, causing injury and needless fear.
Large dogs pose threats to smaller dogs.
Unneutered cats frequently fight with one another.
If you live near a ravine or wooded area, any number of wild animals could harm your pet. This may be "the way of nature" but you do not have to expose your pet to such situations.
Vehicles
Some pets survive an encounter with a moving vehicle: thousands do not. An accident could be painful and expensive for you even if it is not fatal for your pet.
Weather
Very hot or very cold weather is hard on your pet. It could also kill him. In severe weather - hot or cold - a pet can die from exposure or heatstroke in a surprisingly short time.
Never leave your pet in a car for more than a few minutes.
Never leave your pet outside in cold weather.
Your pet's "fur coat" is not adequate protection from freezing temperatures.
Winter salt on roads and sidewalks will cause irritation to foot pads and may burn.
A cat seeking warmth may climb under the hood of a car, resulting in serious injury or death when the engine is started.
