While Independence Day is often marked with fireworks, barbecues and swimming for many Americans, it’s also a time many pets go missing amid the festivities, according to animal experts.
More animals go missing during the July 4 holiday than any other time, according to the American Kennel Club, which urges pet owners to prepare. Before the holiday celebration, the organization recommends pet owners update their pets’ microchip information and have a recent photo handy should their furry friend go missing.
But keeping pets inside is the most important tip animal experts share.
“No. 1 rule is you want to keep your animals indoors and away from all fireworks, whether it’s a public display or something you’re doing in the neighborhood,” said Mandi Kowaleski, a spokesperson with Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “You really just don’t want your animals involved because you don’t always know how they’re going to react or what variables can happen to make it a dangerous situation.”
Creating a safe haven by providing toys and treats in a quiet area away from windows where pets are most comfortable also is encouraged.
To prepare for the holiday festivities at Virginia Beach SPCA, staff aim to make animals feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Kowaleski said the more than 200 currently at the shelter will be tucked in with blankets, while soothing, meditative music akin to what one may hear in a yoga studio will be used in an effort to remove ambient noise and help them relax. Animals that staff know to be anxious receive their typical medications.
“(Even) without the wildcards of firework shows, shelters can be a really stressful place so we try to do whatever we can to really help the animals settle in during their time here,” she said.
Limited staffing means they can’t check on animals until the following day. But since the shelter is far enough from the Oceanfront, Kowaleski said the sound of fireworks is rarely a problem for their location at the corner of Holland and Dam Neck roads.
Kowaleski said owners are urged to keep their pets inside if they can, even if they never previously reacted to the sound of fireworks.
“Even if they’re on a leash or in the yard, it still can be really startling,” she said.
Virginia Beach SPCA does not take in lost animals, but any owners with missing pets are encouraged to visit the nearest animal control facility in person, bringing along pictures and any microchip information that can help locate them. A list of animal control locations across Hampton Roads can be found here.
The AKC Reunite program can help with missing pets by providing around-the-clock support to pet owners and microchip registration services. Live agents aid in searching, reporting a lost pet or reporting a found pet and can communicate with owners online and over the phone.
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