Pet owners are being urged to keep a close watch on their animals on the Fourth of July since fireworks frighten them, often leading them to run loose onto streets and freeways, get lost or wind up in shelters.
Fourth of July celebrations, many of which will be held on Saturday this year, typically generate the busiest day of the year for animal control officers, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.
Dogs and cats can be startled and disoriented by the sound of fireworks, while owners out celebrating don't realize extra precautions are necessary.
"Pet owners should be aware that some dogs will do anything they can to escape the noise of fireworks," Riverside County Department of Animal Services spokesman John Welsh said. "One of the easiest ways for pet owners to ensure their pet won't run away is by placing them in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area of the home. Give a dog a special chew treat or something that keeps them occupied."
Welsh urged residents not to leave their pets outdoors when pyrotechnics are being detonated.
"Scared dogs will flee their yard and run and run," he said. "The lucky ones might end up in our shelter. Some are hit by a car and seriously injured, or get killed."
Riverside County operates shelters in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms, all of which will be closed to visitors during the holiday weekend.
Officials with the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA will be setting up additional kennels in anticipation of a surge in lost pets.
The society also plans to be open on Sunday, the day after the Fourth of July, to help reunite pets and their owners.
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A Long Beach shelter is using the hashtag #LBLostFoundPets to help bring pets and owners back together if they're separated.
Animal control officials warned against keeping pets in backyards or tied up during fireworks shows.
Dogs in particular may panic and injure themselves on a rope or chain.
Other safety tips include:
- Make sure your pet is microchipped, its license is current and tags are secured to the pet's collar.
- Keep pets indoors in a cool, comfortable place with some "white noise" distraction such as a radio or television.
- Do not take pets to fireworks events.
- If you are leaving town and cannot take your pets with you, make sure you leave them with someone who will be particularly cautious and responsible during Fourth of July celebrations.
The LA County's animal care centers will be open Saturday for anyone who has lost a pet or wants to turn in a found animal. Normal business hours for all other services will resume Sunday.
Anyone who witnesses animal cruelty or an animal in distress is urged to call 562-940-6898 or 911.
A full listing of LA County animal centers can be found here. Other agencies can be found here.
More information about how to keep pets safe can be found here.
