Protecting Your Pets on the 4th of July

Did you know that animals run away on the 4th of July more than any other day of the year? Fireworks are frightening to animals on so many levels. Please keep your pets safe by following the tips below.

1. Take your dog for a walk prior to all the festivites. This helps use up some of their energy and helps keep them calmer.

2. Keep your pets safely in your home. 

3. Turn on some calming music or the TV for some background noise to help drown out the sounds.

5. Provide a safe place for your pets. This can include their crate, their bed or other rooms of the home where they feel safe and can "hide." 

5. DO NOT keep your animals caged or tied out during fireworks. If they must be outside, keep a leash on them and by your side at all times.

6. Make sure your pet has up-to-date ID tags in the event your dog escapes from his home.

What do you do if your pet escapes?

1. Notify everyone you know immediately.

2. Place familiar things outside of your house such as their bed, a blanket or a favorite toy.

3. Contact all area police and shelters on a daily basis. Do not rely on these people to determine if your dog is there. Go there yourself or send a friend/family member who knows your pet.

4. Post your pet's photo on facebook. Dogs and cats have been reunited with their owners this way.

5. Place flyers everywhere and do the footwork. Tell your neighbors, friends and local businesses to be on the lookout.

6. Most of all, don't give up. Pets have been relocated months after running off.