Mayor's Corner

December 17, 2024

With the holiday season underway, I wanted to take a moment to talk about our beloved pets—and maybe even inspire some of you to bring home a new furry family member! The holidays are a wonderful time to adopt, and our Moreno Valley Animal Shelter has some truly lovable pets waiting to find their forever homes. 

I also wanted to remind everyone that adopting a pet is a big responsibility. It should never be a spontaneous decision – for your sake, or the pet’s. If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, make sure your home – and your family – is fully prepared for the commitment. Your new family member will need a safe, loving home that will help them thrive for many years.

For those of us who already have pets, let’s not forget about their safety as we get into holiday mode. Decorations, foods, and gatherings can be overwhelming (and sometimes dangerous) for our furry friends. Keep decorations like tinsel and ornaments out of reach, and remember that some of the treats we enjoy, like chocolate, can harm pets.

If you’re hosting a holiday get-together, consider setting up a cozy, quiet space for your pets to retreat if things get too lively. And be mindful of open doors—excitement and extra visitors can lead to accidental escapes. Make sure your pet has an ID tag in case of an escape. (And, as a gift to your pets, the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter is offering free microchips during the month of December to MoVal residents.) It’s a small step that can make a big difference if your pet ever wanders off.

Let’s make this season a happy, safe, and memorable time for both people and pets in our community.

Thank you, Moreno Valley, for helping us make every season a season of compassion!

 

Woman with puppy.

With the holiday season underway, I wanted to take a moment to talk about our beloved pets—and maybe even inspire some of you to bring home a new furry family member! The holidays are a wonderful time to adopt, and our Moreno Valley Animal Shelter has some truly lovable pets waiting to find their forever homes. 

I also wanted to remind everyone that adopting a pet is a big responsibility. It should never be a spontaneous decision – for your sake, or the pet’s. If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, make sure your home – and your family – is fully prepared for the commitment. Your new family member will need a safe, loving home that will help them thrive for many years.

For those of us who already have pets, let’s not forget about their safety as we get into holiday mode. Decorations, foods, and gatherings can be overwhelming (and sometimes dangerous) for our furry friends. Keep decorations like tinsel and ornaments out of reach, and remember that some of the treats we enjoy, like chocolate, can harm pets.

If you’re hosting a holiday get-together, consider setting up a cozy, quiet space for your pets to retreat if things get too lively. And be mindful of open doors—excitement and extra visitors can lead to accidental escapes. Make sure your pet has an ID tag in case of an escape. (And, as a gift to your pets, the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter is offering free microchips during the month of December to MoVal residents.) It’s a small step that can make a big difference if your pet ever wanders off.

Let’s make this season a happy, safe, and memorable time for both people and pets in our community.

Thank you, Moreno Valley, for helping us make every season a season of compassion!

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