Keep Your Pets Safe this Fourth of July

For many, the Fourth of July is a day of celebration, barbecue, and mesmerizing fireworks. However, for our four-legged friends, the sudden and unexpected loud noises can be terrifying, causing them to panic and potentially run away. Every year, July 5th is one of the busiest days for our county animal shelter, which is already overstretched, dealing with too many dogs and not enough kennel space or staff to adequately care for these frightened pets.

There are simple steps we can take to ensure our pets are safe and comfortable during the holiday celebrations. By doing so, we not only protect our pets, but we also help to alleviate the extra pressure on our local shelters.

Ensure your pets are wearing a collar with updated tags that include your current contact information. This simple step can be the difference between your pet finding their way back home or spending anxious days in an already crowded shelter.

Microchips can also be lifesavers, but they are only as good as the information linked to them. Double-check that your pet’s microchip registration has your most up-to-date contact details.

It might seem harmless to have your pets join the family's outdoor celebration, but the unpredictability and intensity of fireworks could trigger their fight or flight response. To avoid any potential panic, consider creating a safe, quiet, and escape-proof space indoors for your pet.

If your pet must stay outside, ensure your backyard fence is secure. Check for any loose boards or potential escape points. Remember, scared animals can display impressive feats of agility when they're desperate to escape.

The Fourth of July doesn't have to be a day of worry for pet owners or an unusually busy day for our hardworking local shelter. By taking these proactive steps, we can ensure that our pets remain safe and that our celebration doesn't inadvertently add to the burden on our local shelters.

Let's all do our part to make this Fourth of July safe and happy for everyone, including our furry friends.