Post Your Pet’s Photo for Prizes 

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 by not smoking or vaping around us.”  

Through October 31, the New York State Quitline (NYS Quitline) encourages residents to become or remain 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 for pet products and supplies.  

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cites numerous harms due to smoking or vaping to 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,” says 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.

Visitors to the Quit for Your Pet campaign website can post on an embedded service called Kudoboard. Posts may include pictures of their pets or a creative GIF. The NYS Quitline encourages creativity and messaging that promotes tobacco-free lifestyles for the sake of pets. Participants may be those who have quit for their pets, who remain tobacco-free for their pets, or who pledge to make a quit attempt 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.   

At www.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. 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 in becoming tobacco-free may contact the NYS Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). They can reach a specialist via online chat or request a callback 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.