Pets love their human companions unconditionally. If pets could speak, they might say, “We love when the air around us is clean. Thank you for keeping us healthy and not smoking or vaping around us.”
Now through October 31, the New York State Quitline (NYS Quitline) encourages residents to become or stay tobacco-free for their pets. Through a new “Quit for Your Pet” campaign, participants can share pet photos with tobacco-free messages at www.nysmokefree.com/pets for a chance to win a $500 or $250 gift card towards pet products and supplies.
People who use commercial tobacco products may not realize the potential harms to their pets. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cites numerous harms to a variety of pets such as dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, and fish. Secondhand smoke and vapor increase the risk of cancer and respiratory problems. Ingested commercial tobacco products such as cigarette butts or nicotine pouches can cause poisoning. Thirdhand smoke residue on carpets and furniture can transfer to pets’ fur or feathers.
“Pets are part of the family, and many people are motivated to quit tobacco to protect the ones they love,” said Dr. Andrew Hyland, director of the NYS Quitline and senior vice president of population sciences at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y. “This campaign makes it fun and meaningful to take that step.”
Visitors to the Quit for Your Pet campaign website can post to an embedded service called Kudoboard. Posts may be pictures of their pets, or they may select a creative GIF. The NYS Quitline encourages creativity and messaging promoting tobacco-free lifestyles for the sake of pets. Participants can be those who have quit for their pets, those who remain tobacco-free for their pets, and those who pledge to attempt quitting for their pets.
The final day of the campaign will be Saturday, October 31. The NYS Quitline will convene a panel of judges to award a $500 gift card for a highly creative post with a powerful message and a $250 gift card for a post with high engagement. More details are available online.
Anyone seeking assistance to become tobacco-free may contact the NYS Quitline by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). They can reach a specialist through an online chat or request a call-back by visiting nysmokefree.com. Adults 18 years or older can also order free NRT medications online. The NYS Quitline additionally offers free text-support programs by visiting www.DropTheVape.org and by texting QUITNOW (English) or DÉJELO YA NY (Spanish) to 333888.
Pets offer endless love but cannot speak for themselves. Providing a tobacco-free environment protects their health and yours. The NYS Quitline remains available seven days a week to help those on a tobacco-free journey to protect their loved ones – including pets.
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