Easter Pet Safety Advice from the GSPCA
With Easter just around the corner, the GSPCA is reminding pet owners across the island to stay vigilant and keep their animals safe during the celebrations. While the season brings joy, treats and family time, it can also present a number of hidden hazards for pets — especially dogs.
Beware of Chocolate: A Serious Hazard for Dogs
Chocolate remains one of the most common Easter‑related dangers. It contains theobromine and caffeine, substances that are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity and an elevated heart rate to seizures and, in severe cases, can be life‑threatening.
Even small amounts can be dangerous depending on the dog’s size, the type of chocolate (dark chocolate is particularly potent), and how much has been eaten. Keep all Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, sweets and decorative treats stored well out of reach.
If you suspect your dog may have eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately.
Other Easter Hazards to Watch Out For
Hot cross buns
These often contain raisins or sultanas, which are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
Spring flowers
Daffodils, lilies and tulips can be harmful if eaten. Even the water from a vase of lilies can be toxic to cats.
Plastic eggs, foil wrappers & decorations
These can cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed.
Easter lunch leftovers
Fatty meats, cooked bones and certain ingredients can lead to pancreatitis or internal injury.
Dog & Cat First Aid Courses – Coming This May
To help owners feel more confident handling emergencies, the GSPCA is running Dog First Aid and Cat First Aid training sessions in May 2026.
These popular courses are ideal for anyone wanting to learn how to respond to poisoning, injuries, choking, seizures, heatstroke and other urgent situations before veterinary help is available.
Dates, times and booking information has been published shortly on the GSPCA website https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses and social media channels.
Quote from GSPCA Manager, Steve Byrne
“Easter is a wonderful time for families, but it’s easy to forget how many seasonal items can pose real risks to our pets. Chocolate is one of the biggest hazards at this time of year, and every Easter we receive calls from worried owners whose dogs have managed to get hold of treats. By keeping chocolate, hot cross buns and decorations safely out of reach, and being aware of toxic plants, pet owners can help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for their animals. We also encourage owners to join our dog and cat first aid courses in May — learning what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. From all of us at the GSPCA, we wish every family and every pet a very Happy Easter.”
#GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal Update
The GSPCA Wildlife Hospital, part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, continues to progress impressively. The west wing roof trusses are now complete, giving a striking preview of the future facility, and the east wing roof trusses are scheduled to begin very soon.
With the project now at its halfway point, the GSPCA is encouraging supporters to join the appeal by:
- Donating to the Build Fund
- Sponsoring a room, kennel, aviary, or specialised unit
- Supporting sustainability upgrades, including planned solar panel installations
- Taking part in events or community fundraising
- Leaving a gift or message of support via giving.gg
Every contribution supports the future of wildlife rescue in Guernsey for generations to come.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- Easter Tours March/April 2026 To be confirmed
- National Ferret Day 2nd April 2026
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 15th April 2026 Ref – Dog15/04
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 26th April 2026
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 29th April 2026 Ref – Cat29/04
- Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday 3rd May 2026
- Hedgehog Awareness Week 3rd – 9th May 2026
- Charities Seafront Sunday 17th May 2026
- GSPCA Cupcake Week 15th to 22nd May 2026
- Half Term Tours May 2026 May 2026 To be confirmed
- Microchip Month June 2026
- Volunteers Week 1st – 7th June 2026
- Guernsey Together Saturday 13th June 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 21st June 2026
- Classic Vehicle Show Sunday 21st June 2026
- Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26th June 2026
- Kitten Day 10th July 2026
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 19th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 30th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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