Fireworks prove hazardous for pets: Animal Care Sanctuary implores pet owners to act with care

As residents begin planning their Fourth of July celebrations, Animal Care Sanctuary (ACS) is putting out a plea asking that animals be kept in mind, as this is the number one holiday that pets are lost because of fireworks on the Fourth of July. 

Festivities for the holiday often include fireworks and other commotion, which can be stressful to pets or result in them getting lost. For the safety and protection of pets, Animal Care Sanctuary joins the Humane Society of the United States in recommending the following:

Leave pets at home and inside. Fireworks can be terrifying to pets, even pets that are accustomed to being around crowds and commotion. 

Create a home sanctuary. Leave your pet in an area of your home where he or she is safe, comfortable and sheltered from any outside noise and lights. An interior room without immediate access to the outside is preferred. Playing a radio with relaxing music may help mask the sound of fireworks. 

Pet-proof your home. When scared, some animals may become destructive so be sure to remove anything from reach that can become damaged or may harm the pet if chewed or eaten.

Identification is essential. Pets may panic, escape and become lost. Updated identification is critical to ensuring lost pets are reunited with their families. Ideal identification is both a tag and microchip (make sure your chip is registered on a site such as www.petmicrochiplookup.org). Animal Care Sanctuary will microchip your cat or dog for the month of July for $15 instead of $25. 

Consult a veterinarian for pets with anxiety. Consult your veterinarian before the Fourth of July to seek out remedies to lower your pet’s stress level if this is a known issue.

Dr. Karen Gillette, director of Veterinary Services for Animal Care Sanctuary stated, “These safety tips can make your holiday celebration much more enjoyable knowing that your pets are safe and that your pet will not be brought to a shelter or be lost on the streets.”

For tips on what to do if you’re pet becomes lost, visit www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-if-you-lose-your-pet.

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