Campaign encourages New York state residents to become tobacco-free for their pets – Saratogian

NEW YORK — 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.

According to a news release from the New York State Quitline, 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, bird, 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, it was noted in the news release.

“Pets are part of the family, and many people are motivated to quit tobacco to protect the ones they love,” 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., said in the release. “This campaign makes it fun and meaningful to take that step.”

Visitors to the website for the Quit for Your Pet campaign 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 make a quit-attempt for their pets.

The final day of the campaign will be Saturday, October 31. The NYS Quitline said they 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.

At nysmokefree.com/pets, the NYS Quitline reminds visitors to contact a Quit Coach for support, including free coaching and free nicotine replacement therapy medications. The NYS Quitline also encourages visitors to visit the Print Materials page and order free Quit for Your Pet cards (pictured above). Finally, the site also includes materials to promote the campaign to others, including a flyer, newsletter copy, public service announcements and social media graphics.

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.