The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and while it is a monumental day of celebration, it can also be a stressful time for animals. Front Street Animal Shelter is urging pet owners to take extra care of their pets to prevent them from escaping during the festivities.
According to Front Street Animal Shelter, the loud boom of fireworks can be terrifying for pets. Even pets without a history of escaping may jump over or dig under fences out of sheer fear in search of safety. The Front Street Animal Shelter last July took in nearly 500 dogs.
“The shelter is already impacted and the upcoming noises around the holiday only increase that impact of strays coming into the shelter,” said Ryan Hinderman, the shelter’s communications and customer service manager. “Our hope is that pet owners will do their part in keeping their pets safe at home.”
The following tips can help your pet have a safe holiday and increase the chances of getting them back if they do stray from home:
- Keep pets inside not only on July 4, but during the few nights leading up to and following the holiday
- Using a crate inside the home can provide an additional feeling of safety as well as reduced chance of escape if a door to outside of the home is accidentally left open
- Make sure that windows and doors are kept closed
- Dim the lights and play soothing music
- Update your pet’s microchip and ID tag information – and acquire these ASAP, if you don’t have them already!
- Do not bring pets to venues where fireworks will be set off
- If they absolutely must be outside after dark, make sure they are not left unaccompanied or unleashed
- Double check that your fences and gates are closed, locked, and secure against potential escapes
If a pet goes missing, text STRAY to (833) 511-0426 to see pets at all Sacramento shelters and get expert pet-finding tips.
If you find a stray pet, try to hold onto them for 48 hours, as this can increase the chances of them being reunited with their owners and prevent them from adding to the shelter’s already impacted population. Helpful tips on how to find a lost pet’s family are available on the Found Pet Tips web page.