With the Fourth of July and fireworks right around the corner, it is important to remember that the loud noises and bright lights scare many pets.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, animal shelters report a dramatic increase in lost pets during the holiday because animals try to escape the sounds. 

PAWS & More Animal Shelter Director Amber Talbot shares how owners can keep pets safe during the festivities, “If you can leave a tv on, soothing music, close curtains, make it a dark room for them. Whatever you can do that you know will help your pet relax and be less stimulated while they are hearing all of the sounds. One of the other components, in addition to keeping your pets calm and at home, and best you can at keeping them safe, is making sure they have their identification on. Obviously the 5th, 6th, and 7th are the busiest days for animal shelters nationwide. And again, maybe you have taken your dog to the parade and it got spooked and bolts out of your hand, it’s very easy for accidents to happen. And so making sure that your animal is microchipped, or at minimum has tags on that has a phone number that is a contact that someone is actually going to answer.”  

All pets should always wear collars with identification tags, so that if they get away through a door or window it is easier to be returned home. Pets that are normally outside should be brought inside.