Eclipse Information

Animals & The Eclipse

Your Furry Friends and the Eclipse

Resident Pet Owners

Resident pet owners should take precautions for their animals as if the Eclipse weekend was a mega-holiday. This includes internal household stress (excitement), visitors or relatives (often viewed as interlopers in the pet's territory) and new pets from visitors to the Eclipse may be present in the area as well. Caution to relatives or visitors about your animal (especially "little ones" who may not be used to socializing with pets at all or your pet in particular-food bowls are not play areas). Celebrations involving food or fireworks create flashpoints for "situations" to develop. All of these and others increase the stress and likelihood of a "flight or fight" behavior reaction from your pet. Solutions are simple; keep your pet indoors if possible, under your direct control or supervision at all times, rabies tags and ID tags will allow for your animals to return to you should a pet stray or run from a situation and disappear.

Non-Resident Pet Owners

Visitors to our land during these times who choose to bring their pets should check with campground, county, and local city ordinances regarding their pets (also see information above). In addition, all dogs over the age of four months must be vaccinated against rabies and have a valid tag attached to their collar or harness at all times indicating their vaccination status.

Out-of-state visitors are reminded that the Illinois Department of Agriculture requires pets entering from out of state to have travel permits signed by their home veterinarian. These permits require proof of vaccinations and a description of the general health of the animal.

Stress (as described above) may cause animals to react out of the norm to other people or non-familiar animals. If you bring your pet to this historic event, make sure it is safe and comfortable in its surroundings. Tag your animal with your home information and cell phone information so you can be directly contacted if the "flight" behavior pattern kicks in. Let's hope everyone including your animals enjoys the experience of this historic event.

Common Question

Should I be concerned about my outside pet suffering an eye injury as a result of the Eclipse?

Discussions with local veterinarians and eye specialists have resulted in the following conclusions: Mammalian eyes are similar so no research has ever been done regarding animal eye injury as a result of an Eclipse. It is possible that injury could occur if direct exposure to the sun/eclipse happens. That said, unlike humans (who for inquisitive or educational reasons) may fixate on the "happening", knowledgeable animal people feel that animals will not "stare" at the event but will probably react as they would to the normal sunrise and sunset time frames (albeit somewhat shortened).

Keep your animal inside to avoid any possible concerns both from a physical and behavioral situation.

Enjoy Southern Illinois

If you have questions that are not listed below please call the Jackson County Animal Control office at 618-634-5558.