One Health

National Pollinator Week (June 16–22, 2025) is a time to celebrate the vital role that bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators play in our ecosystems, food systems, and gardens. As pet lovers and responsible environmental stewards, it's also a great opportunity to think about how we can support pollinators while keeping our pets safe and healthy.

Here are a few simple tips to honor pollinators without compromising pet safety:

🌸 Choose Pet-Friendly Plants
Many native plants support pollinators and are non-toxic to pets. Consider bee balm, snapdragons, and sunflowers. Always double-check a plant's safety on databases like the ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list before planting.

🐝 Skip the Pesticides
Chemical pesticides and herbicides can harm pollinators, pets and people. Look for organic or pet-safe gardening products, or try natural pest deterrents like neem oil or companion planting.

🌿 Create a Safe Garden Space
Set aside areas where pollinators can thrive-think milkweed for monarchs or lavender for bees-but keep these sections separate from where your pets roam. Raised beds or barriers can help.

💧 Provide Water for All
A shallow dish with pebbles can offer pollinators a safe drink, while a clean water bowl for pets keeps everyone hydrated and healthy outdoors.

🐾 Supervise Outdoor Time
Curious pets may chase bees or butterflies. Supervise outdoor time or train pets to avoid insect activity, especially during high-pollinator hours (late morning to early afternoon).

By making small changes, we can support the health of our environment and our animal companions. This National Pollinator Week, let's grow gardens that buzz with life and keep tails wagging safely.

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Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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The USDA  produced this fun "Pollinator Activity Book" to help educate folks about our pollinators and what we can do to protect them.
	In "Weird but true animal facts: unusual pollinators", they discuss how even dogs can be pollinators, like this Ethiopian wolf lapping nectar from a Kniphofia foliosa inflorescence
If you are stung, WebMD has information on "How to Treat a Bee Sting"
		VCA Animal Hospitals has information on First Aid for Insect Stings in Cats
Vets Now has this handy poster you can post for all staff and volunteers to see/use if needed.

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-16-2025 07:58 AM
From: Candice Hinkle
Subject: Celebrating National Pollinator Week: How to Protect Pollinators and Keep Pets Safe

National Pollinator Week (June 16–22, 2025) is a time to celebrate the vital role that bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinators play in our ecosystems, food systems, and gardens. As pet lovers and responsible environmental stewards, it's also a great opportunity to think about how we can support pollinators while keeping our pets safe and healthy.

Here are a few simple tips to honor pollinators without compromising pet safety:

🌸 Choose Pet-Friendly Plants
Many native plants support pollinators and are non-toxic to pets. Consider bee balm, snapdragons, and sunflowers. Always double-check a plant's safety on databases like the ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list before planting.

🐝 Skip the Pesticides
Chemical pesticides and herbicides can harm pollinators, pets and people. Look for organic or pet-safe gardening products, or try natural pest deterrents like neem oil or companion planting.

🌿 Create a Safe Garden Space
Set aside areas where pollinators can thrive-think milkweed for monarchs or lavender for bees-but keep these sections separate from where your pets roam. Raised beds or barriers can help.

💧 Provide Water for All
A shallow dish with pebbles can offer pollinators a safe drink, while a clean water bowl for pets keeps everyone hydrated and healthy outdoors.

🐾 Supervise Outdoor Time
Curious pets may chase bees or butterflies. Supervise outdoor time or train pets to avoid insect activity, especially during high-pollinator hours (late morning to early afternoon).

By making small changes, we can support the health of our environment and our animal companions. This National Pollinator Week, let's grow gardens that buzz with life and keep tails wagging safely.

------------------------------
Candice Hinkle
Assistant Director
Program for Pet Health Equity
Knoxville, TN
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