The Fourth of July holiday, while celebrated with fireworks, presents a significant risk for pets, with July 5th marking the busiest intake day for animal shelters in the Los Angeles area, according to Elizabeth Oreck, senior manager of community programs for Best Friends Animal Society.
Oreck emphasized that the most effective method to ensure pet safety is to prevent them from leaving the home during fireworks displays. Pet owners are advised to familiarize themselves with local fireworks schedules and secure their animals indoors well in advance. Creating a calm environment by closing windows and blinds, playing soft music, and providing engaging activities like interactive treat toys can help mitigate fear caused by loud noises and flashing lights.
For pets that may escape, microchipping and ensuring up-to-date identification tags are crucial for their safe return. Oreck highlighted that a microchip's effectiveness relies on current contact information, particularly phone numbers. In Los Angeles County, microchipping is mandatory for pets over four months old. The procedure involves inserting a small chip under the pet's skin, which can be scanned to retrieve owner information.
L.A. Animal Services offers microchipping services at its shelters for $15 without an appointment, while L.A. County shelters provide them for $7.50 with an appointment. If microchipping is not feasible before the holiday, a secure collar with an accurate name tag and contact number is a necessary alternative. Oreck acknowledged that even with diligent precautions, pets can still go missing.
In the event a pet is lost, Allison Cardona, director of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, advises owners to remain calm and avoid pursuing the animal, as this could further encourage it to run. Recommended steps include distributing neighborhood posters, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor, and checking with all local shelters. Resources such as PetCo Lost Love can also aid in reuniting lost pets with their owners.
For individuals who find a lost pet, fostering it temporarily while attempting to locate the owner through social media, local services, or posters is encouraged before surrendering it to a shelter. In anticipation of an increased number of animals, Animal Services has appealed for additional foster volunteers to assist in the days surrounding the holiday.
