A flyer created by the Indigenous Harm Reduction Team (IHRT), based in British Columbia, has circulated among Seattle residents, warning dog owners about the risk of their pets overdosing on narcotics. The flyer provides information on how to administer naloxone (Narcan) and CPR to dogs, emphasizing that accidental overdoses can occur when pets ingest or inhale drug residues from the environment, such as licking the ground or discarded drug paraphernalia. The flyer states, 'If your furry friend ODs, it does NOT make you a bad person,' and advises owners not to leave their pets alone if they suspect exposure, as symptoms can appear within 30 minutes but may also be delayed [1].
The circulation of these flyers has sparked backlash among some Seattle residents and commentators. Andrea Suarez, founder of We Heart Seattle, highlighted the issue on social media, expressing concern over the prevalence of pet overdoses and the need for such public health information. Conservative podcaster Brandi Kruse also criticized the flyer, arguing that exposing pets to drugs is not excusable [1].
The issue of overdoses extends beyond pets, as Seattle continues to face a broader drug crisis. KOMO News reported that prosecutors in King County filed 46 felony drug-dealing charges in the first three months of 2026, with many cases concentrated in specific Seattle neighborhoods. Public Health — Seattle and King County recorded 191 overdose deaths in the region through April 2026 [1]. Additionally, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported seizing approximately 3.4 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl from two drug-trafficking groups in the Western District of Washington as of November [1].
A notable incident in January involved six puppies being revived at Sky Valley Fire, northeast of Seattle, after suspected drug overdoses, highlighting the real and present danger to pets in the area [1].
CONCLUSION
The circulation of overdose prevention flyers for pets in Seattle underscores the severity of the region's ongoing drug crisis, affecting both humans and animals. While the flyers aim to educate and prevent accidental pet overdoses, their appearance has generated public debate and highlighted the broader challenges facing the city.