Psychedelic Festival Attendance

Harm Reduction for Service Animals & Pets

As festival season is opening across the US & Canada, we share this post in hopes of creating a safer space for service animals, emotional support animals, or pets that may be joining their human companions at a festival this year. We wish you and your furry loved ones a wonderful experience. Keep some of these preparation and prevention tips in mind to keep everyone safe this year.

As we promote a Harm Reduction approach for humans and animals towards psychedelic medicines and beyond, we always encourage you to prevent and prepare with your best friend’s mind in mind. If you are looking for at home harm reduction tips for your pet please see here.

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Ten Tips when Bringing a Pet or Service Animal to a Festival

1. Is my pet allowed?:

   Checking with your festival organizers prior to the event to ensure if you animal is allowed is the first step. Many festival organizers will have clearly stated rules on their website, and if not, we recommend contacting them prior to departing. As an example, at this year’s Texas Eclipse Festival - only registered service dogs will be admitted. Please read the following information for further explanation and additional guidelines and rules.

2. Is this right for your pet?:

   Following checking in with policies, we recommend thinking through if this environment is best for your pet. Given the number of people, sound level, possible changes in consciousness of festival goers, dropped foods or substances, etc. - it is understandable how this could be an overwhelming and potentially dangerous environment. Pet parents should have a good understanding of the environment they are entering and how this may impact their animal.

3. Weather preparedness:

   Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions and how this may affect your pet. All animals should be provided proper shelter and protection from the elements (precipitation, extreme heat, cold). In certain instances, proper sun protection for the skin & eyes may be warranted.

4. Veterinary contacts & First Aid:

   In case of emergency, it is recommended to have a list of available veterinary emergency clinics within the region. Many festivals also have a human first aid & harm reduction stations that could prove to be a valuable resource with reciprocal cooperation and veterinary guidance when possible. Having a small first aid kit prepared that would include any regularly prescribed medications would be a valuable resource for you and your pet.

5. Noise breaks & Rest:

   The amount of noise can get tiring for anyone, now imagine if your auditory, sense & neurological systems were even more sensitive! It is important to find opportunities for your pet to rest with an opportunity for lower stimulus. Many festival grounds have nature spaces that are away from all the action.

6. Maintaining normal routine, feeding, hydration:

   It is important to do your best in maintaining proper routine for water breaks and feeding.

7. Noticing signs of discomfort:

   Sings of anxiety or stimulus overload may include vocalizations, drooling, inability to be still, hyper-vigilance or aggression, and trying to hide. This may be an indication for a noise break or a need to make alternative plans at a boarding kennel or heading home early. This is why we recommend knowing your animal well and not pushing them into overwhelming situations.

8. Being with your pets all times:

   Most festivals will require you to be with your pet the entire time and to keep them on a leash. A simple leash and harness, with proper ID tags, may be ideal. We recommend staying away from long ropes or extend-a-leash type products as they are consistently linked to injury.

9. Watch Out for Hazards:

   Be vigilant of potential hazards such as uneven terrain, tripping hazards, and substances that could be harmful if ingested. Additionally, be mindful of other festival-goers who may not be accustomed to being around animals and ensure that interactions are safe and respectful.

10. Prioritize Your Pet's Well-being:

    Above all, prioritize the well-being and comfort of your pet or service animal throughout the festival experience. Pay attention to their body language and behavior, and be prepared to make adjustments or leave the festival grounds if they show signs of distress or discomfort.

    Attending a psychedelic festival with a pet or service animal can be a memorable experience, but it requires careful planning and consideration to ensure their safety and well-being. By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your furry friend safe and happy.

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    Book An Online Consultation - Pet Parents, Animal Health Students & Veterinary Professionals

    Dr. Steven Kruzeniski is a Veterinarian and life-long student of Planetary Health, Human Support & Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.

    For over a decade he has been living and working across The Americas, Africa & Asia. His work combines social veterinary service & educational advocacy for animal welfare; support of veterinary professional wellbeing; and Psychedelic Harm Reduction. He currently provides virtual and in-person wellness support, cross-species psychedelic harm reduction, and integrative veterinary consultations from the Sacred Valley of Peru.