With all the fun everyone is busy having on a day like today- grilling, drinking, lighting fireworks, etc..don't forget to keep your pets in mind!! Fireworks can be absolutely TERRIFYING for many pets, who can panic, hurt themselves, or run away.
There is a reported 30% increase in lost pets each 4th of July, normally between July 4th-6th, with the 5th being the busiest for shelters.
Mark Jakubczak, Certified Pet Detective and Founder, PetAmberAlert™, is committed to increasing the chance of beloved lost pets returning home. He said, "Sadly, only 14% of lost pets are returned to their owners, according to nationwide statistics. And worse, 30-60% of lost pets are euthanized because they cannot be properly identified and returned to their owners."
You never know how pets are going to react to the flashing lights and loud noises of fireworks, so your best bet if you love your fur child is just to keep them indoors where they will be safe!
Animal care experts advise owners to, of course, make sure your pet's tags are up to date with correct contact info of owners. Keep your pets indoors, and if they MUST go outside, make sure all gates and fences are closed and secured. Create a safe spot for them at home, maybe locked in a room away off limits to guests, windows covered, with plenty of food and water available if they will not be attended to for a while.
Happy celebrating!