Easter is almost here! To ensure that your pets have as happy an Easter holiday as you do, here are some important safety tips:

The ASPCA places Lilies on their list: The Ten Most Poisonous Plants.  Though the poisonous component in the plant hasn't been identified yet, there is more than enough evidence that even ingesting a very small amount of the plant can cause severe kidney damage in your cats.  So be sure to keep Lilies out of reach of your cats!

Easter baskets are colorful and festive, but please be sure your animals aren't nibbling on the Easter "grass" (plastic) or the tempting candies in the baskets.  Chocolates are toxic to your pets, and the foil or plastic wrappings can create intestinal blockages if ingested.

Please do not consider giving animals - such as Easter chicks - as gifts!  Needless to say, these are living baby animals, not "toys".  In fact, a great alternative would be just that - a toy stuffed animal, large or small  - fairly inexpensive and readily available here in town.