New Yorkers who stop smoking or vaping to protect their pets can share photos and tobacco-free messages for a chance to win pet-supply gift cards through a statewide campaign running through Oct. 31.
The New York State Quitline's “Quit for Your Pet” campaign is intended to draw attention to the effects of secondhand smoke, vaping aerosol and tobacco residue on animals while connecting residents with free help to quit.
Participants may post a pet photo or an animated image to the campaign's online Kudoboard. The Quitline said entries may come from people who have already quit for a pet, people who remain tobacco-free for their pets or people pledging to make a quit attempt.
The campaign encourages participants to pair their images with creative messages about maintaining a tobacco-free environment for animals. Submissions are open through Saturday, Oct. 31.
Two prizes will recognize creativity and engagement
A panel convened by the Quitline will select one entry for a $500 gift card based on creativity and the strength of its message. A separate $250 gift card will go to a post that receives high engagement.
Both prizes, which were donated to the Quitline, are intended for pet products and supplies. The campaign website includes additional contest details and materials that organizations and residents can use to promote the effort, including a flyer, newsletter copy, public service announcements and social media graphics.
Dr. Andrew Hyland, director of the New York State Quitline and senior vice president of population sciences at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, said pets can motivate people to stop using tobacco because they are part of the family.
Smoke, vapor and residue can affect animals
The Quitline said people who use commercial tobacco products may not recognize the ways those products can harm pets. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has identified risks involving dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, fish and other animals.
Secondhand smoke and vaping aerosol can increase pets' risk of cancer and respiratory problems, according to the campaign. Cigarette butts, nicotine pouches and other commercial tobacco products can also poison animals if ingested.
Thirdhand smoke presents another exposure route. Residue left on carpets, furniture and other surfaces can transfer to fur or feathers and may be taken in when animals groom themselves.
The campaign's use of the term tobacco refers to manufactured combustible products and electronic or vaping products. It does not refer to the sacred, medicinal or traditional use of tobacco by Native American nations and other Indigenous groups.
Free coaching and medication support are available
New York residents seeking help may call 1-866-NY-QUITS, or 1-866-697-8487, to reach the Quitline. Online chat and callback requests are also available through the Quitline's website.
Adults 18 and older may be eligible to order free nicotine replacement therapy medications online. The Quitline also offers free coaching and other resources seven days a week.
Text-based support is available by sending QUITNOW in English or DÉJELO YA NY in Spanish to 333888. Vaping-related support is also available through the Drop the Vape program.
The Quitline, supported by the New York State Department of Health and based at Roswell Park in Buffalo, said it has responded to more than 3 million calls since it began operating in 2000. It also encourages people who use commercial tobacco or vaping products to discuss medication support with health care professionals and review benefits available through Medicaid or private health insurance.
Free “Quit for Your Pet” cards can be ordered through the campaign's print-materials page. The campaign and photo submission details are available on the Quit for Your Pet section of the New York State Quitline website.
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