Weekly Tip - Fourth of July Pet Safety

Fourth of July Pet Safety
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
By: Pasadena Humane Society

July 5th is a busy day for the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and animal shelters around the country. The festivities we humans enjoy can be terrifying to our pets, and humane officers and concerned citizens bring countless dogs and cats—most of them exhausted and confused -- to safety at animal shelters during and after the holiday.

The safety and comfort of your pet requires special attention. PHS offers the following recommendations to help keep your pet secure.

• Do not take your pets with you to watch fireworks.
• Keep your pet inside during Fourth of July celebrations. Many cats and dogs are frightened by the loud noises of fireworks and will be happier safely confined at home. Playing a radio may help diffuse the loud noise of fireworks.
• Be certain that your pet’s identification is current. Update your pet’s microchip information if necessary. A visible form of identification is the best way to ensure that your pet can be returned home to you.
• If you think your pet may become extremely agitated or stressed, consult your veterinarian and discuss the possibility of sedatives or overnight boarding. You may wish to call an animal behavior specialist to work with your pet, but do this well in advance.
• If your pet runs away, search the kennels of the shelter closest to you. Many shelters post photos of the animals that come into their facility on their website. PHS’ website,www.pasadenahumane.org, is updated hourly so that lost animals may be quickly reunited with their lost owners. Post signs and visit nearby shelters for at least the next month. Animals can run a long way when they are badly frightened.
• If your cat is lost, it may stay in hiding for several days or weeks, so leave plenty of food and fresh water outside your door. (Pick it up at night so you don’t attract unwanted wild animals.) Post signs and check your local and neighboring shelters in person and on line; your description of your pet may fit several animals in the shelter.

Staff at the Pasadena Humane Society will be available until 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4th and again at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 5th so people can find their lost pets.  PHS can be reached at (626) 792-7151.  After hours, please contact your local police agency.

The staff at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA wishes that you and your pet have a very safe and happy 4th of July.


*Thanks to the Pasadena Humane Society for allowing us to use their post for our Weekly Tip!