Connecticut Agriculture Department urges winter, holiday safety steps for pets and livestock

As cold weather and holiday celebrations approach, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) reminds animal owners to take proactive steps to protect pets and livestock from seasonal hazards.

“From freezing temperatures to holiday stressors, animals face unique risks this time of year,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “We want to help caregivers stay informed and prepared.”

Winter Weather Precautions

Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can pose serious threats to animals. Here are a few things for owners to keep in mind:

Provide access to warm, dry shelter with adequate insulation or bedding.
Connecticut law prohibits tethering dogs for more than 15 minutes unless you are in their presence during severe weather or cold weather warnings.
Ensure access to fresh, unfrozen water. Dehydration is a concern as animals are less likely to consume water at or near freezing temperatures.
Use heated equipment (buckets, tank heaters, and heat lamps) safely to avoid fire hazards.
Proper nutrition as animals require more calories to maintain body heat.
Regular health checks to monitor for frostbite, respiratory issues, and weight loss.
Check paws or hooves for ice buildup and keep animals away from frozen bodies of water.
Keep antifreeze and other toxic substances out of reach.

Holiday Hazards to Avoid

As people gather on holidays to celebrate, be aware of these risks for pets:

Decorations such as tinsel, lights, plants, and candles can cause injury or illness.
Toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and alcohol should be kept out of reach.
Stress from guests and noise can overwhelm pets. Consider creating a quiet, secure space.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top December events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to events at Fairfield Theatre Company — and don’t miss our links for Connecticut merch by town!

Travel & Boarding Tips

Whether you are bringing your pet with you or boarding them while you travel for the holidays, ensure their vaccinations are current and confirm their microchip registration is up to date with your contact information. The latter will help reunite you with your pet in case of escape or emergency.

If you are boarding your pet, tour the facility in advance. All Connecticut kennels are required to be licensed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and are routinely inspected to meet health, safety, and sanitation standards. All boarding facilities require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) as proof of vaccination and good health. A CVI is also required when crossing state lines, especially if by public transportation such as bus, plane, or train.

Thinking of Gifting a Pet?

Adding a pet to your household can bring great joy, but it requires careful consideration. State Veterinarian Thamus Morgan, DVM, MS, DACVPM, offers the following points to help you make an informed decision:

Ensure the recipient is ready and willing to care for a pet long-term, up to 15-20 years depending on the species.
Have financial resources to properly care for your animals, including housing, vaccinations, and emergency care.
Evaluate your lifestyle to ensure you can provide your pet with the proper attention and exercise it requires.
Avoid impulse purchases or adoptions, and make sure you meet the pet before committing.

For more information on animal care and regulations, visit Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Animals webpage.

Don’t miss

• Nate Smith announces 2026 Long Live Country Rock & Roll Tour, tickets on sale now
• Playhouse on Park’s Comedy Night series continues in January
• Hartford Public Library, Kaman Foundation Launch 22nd Season of Baby Grand Jazz

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

Got Connecticut Merch?

Show your Connecticut pride with our exclusive Connecticut merch, featuring designs that celebrate every corner of the state. From our popular “Just a Kid From…” town series to Patriotic, Coordinates, and other locally inspired styles, each design captures what makes Connecticut home. Explore a variety of items, including T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, tote bags, blankets, and more, all with free shipping. Whether you’re representing your hometown or celebrating your love for the state, these pieces are the perfect way to wear your Connecticut pride every day.

203 • Two O’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut

Vintage Merritt Parkway Exits
Exit 27 • Exit 28 • Exit 29 • Exit 31 • Exit 33 • Exit 34 • Exit 35 • Exit 36 • Exit 37 • Exit 38 • Exit 39 • Exit 40 • Exit 41 • Exit 42 • Exit 44 • Exit 46 • Exit 47 • Exit 48 • Exit 49 • Exit 50 • Exit 51 • Exit 52 • Exit 53 • Exit 54

Vintage Wilbur Cross Parkway
Exit 55 • Exit 55B • Exit 56 • Exit 57 • Exit 58 • Exit 59 • Exit 60 • Exit 61 • Exit 62 • Exit 63 • Exit 64 • Exit 65 • Exit 66• Exit 67 • Exit 68N-E • Exit 68W

Fairfield County
Bethel • Bridgeport• Brookfield • Danbury • Darien • Easton • Fairfield • Greenwich• Monroe • New Canaan • New Fairfield • Newtown • Norwalk • Redding • Ridgefield • Shelton • Sherman • Stamford • Stratford • Trumbull • Weston • Westport • Wilton

Hartford County
Avon • Berlin • Bloomfield • Bristol • Burlington • Canton • East Granby • East Hartford • East Windsor • Enfield • Farmington • Glastonbury • Granby • Hartford • Hartland • Manchester • Marlborough • New Britain • Newington • Plainville • Rocky Hill • Simsbury • South Windsor • Southington • Suffield • West Hartford • Wethersfield • Windsor • Windsor Locks

Litchfield County
Barkhamsted • Bethlehem • Bridgewater • Canaan • Colebrook • Cornwall • Goshen • Harwinton • Kent • Litchfield • Morris • New Hartford • New Milford • Norfolk •North Canaan • Plymouth • Salisbury • Sharon • Torrington • Warren • Washington • Watertown • Winchester • Woodbury

Middlesex County
Chester • Clinton • Cromwell • Deep River • Durham • East Haddam • East Hampton • Essex • Haddam • Killingworth • Middlefield • Middletown • Old Saybrook • Portland • Westbrook

New Haven County
Ansonia • Beacon Falls • Bethany • Branford • Cheshire • Derby • East Haven •Guilford • Hamden • Madison • Meriden • Milddlebury • Milford • Naugatuck • New Haven • Orange • Oxford • Prospect • Seymour • Southbury • Wallingford • Waterbury• West Haven • Wolcott • Woodbridge

New London County
Bozrah • Colchester • East Lyme • Franklin • Griswold • Groton • Lebanon • Ledyard• Lisbon • Lyme • Montville • New London • North Stonington • Norwich • Old Lyme • Preston • Salem • Sprague • Stonington • Voluntown • Waterford

Tolland County
Andover • Bolton • Columbia • Coventry • Ellington • Hebron • Mansfield • Somers • Stafford • Tolland • Union • Vernon • Willington

Windham County
Ashford • Brooklyn • Canterbury • Chaplin • Hampton • Killingly • Pomfret.• Putnam • Scotland • Sterling • Thompson • Windham • Woodstock

December events at Fairfield Theatre Company

Fairfield Theatre Company is ringing in the holiday season with a lively lineup of performances throughout December. Highlights include multiple performances of A Christmas Carol: The Musical on Dec. 12, 13, and 14, a holiday-themed Holiday In The Warehouse show on Dec. 10, and concerts from artists like Bob Schneider and Steve Poltz on Dec. 9, TAB Benoit on Dec. 13, Built to Spill on Dec. 16, and Caravan of Thieves on Dec. 20. Music fans can also catch Yacht Lobsters, The Alpaca Gnomes, The Weight Band, The Crystal Pyramid Band, and CTGB Night, while educational programming features Teachrock on Dec. 17. The schedule promises a mix of festive cheer, rock, and blues to close out the year.

December 2025 calendar of events
12/19 – The Alpaca Gnomes
12/20 – Caravan of Thieves
12/20 – The Weight Band
12/27 – The Crystal Pyramid Band
12/28 – CTGB Night

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this winter with AMG Catering

AMG Catering & Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is kicking off 2026 with a brand-new culinary class series packed with bold flavors, global inspiration, and seasonal comfort. Each session offers hands-on instruction, perfectly paired beverages, and a full menu of dishes to make together — all designed for home cooks of every skill level who love great food and a fun night out. Classes start January 14, 2026.

Click here for more information.

December events at PeoplesBank Arena

12/19 – Syracuse Crunch vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
12/27 – Harlem Globetrotters, click here to purchase tickets
12/31 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods spotlights December entertainment lineup with unforgettable shows and events

ICYMI: Our top 5 most visited stories of the week

Connecticut Agriculture Department urges winter, holiday safety steps for pets and livestock