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A day for fireworks and sparklers, Independence Day is a holiday celebrated with bright lights and loud noises. While the flashing lights and explosions bring joy to many, the Fourth of July can be a stressful, scary time for Contra Costa’s furry residents.
For the Contra Costa Animal Services Department, the fourth and fifth of July are their two busiest days of the year for taking in lost animals. In order to reduce these numbers, the department has released some tips on how to keep the Tri-Valley’s animals as safe and comfortable as possible.
For starters, ensuring that your animals are properly documented is one of the best first steps towards protecting them, department officials said.
“Making sure that your pets are licensed, collared and microchipped greatly increases the likelihood of reuniting lost animals with their owners, and we cannot stress enough the importance of taking those measures to ensure the safety of your animals,” said Beth Ward, the county’s animal services director, in a statement.
While proper documentation and up-to-date tags are the best way to assure reunification, Ward has also laid out some strategies for reducing the risk of an animal running away, the chief strategy being a simple one: just keep your pets indoors.
“Even if they spend the majority of their time outside, bring them in during the Fourth of July. It will help them feel safe and might save your pet’s life,” Ward said. “Many pets go missing because they become extremely scared of the fireworks and other loud noises, which results in them escaping and fleeing.”
If heading out to a party, parade or other public gathering, it is recommended that residents leave their dogs at home. While it might be fun to take your dog to the local parade, Ward said, large crowds and loud noises often stress dogs out and make them uncomfortable, two key attributes that cause runaways.
Ward added that residents should consider enlisting a pet sitter for the evening to help keep pets company.
An opportunity to soothe animals is to keep windows closed and the television or light radio on to a calming station, to help drown out noise. Dogs in particular are more sensitive to sounds than humans and will still be able to feel the fireworks, but the distracting noises should help alleviate stress.
For dogs, ensuring they receive a good amount of exercise early in the day before parties begin is also recommended. Animal services also added on its Facebook page that dogs left home alone could be given a frozen stuffed treat to keep them occupied.
In the event that your pet does escape, call Contra Costa County Animal Services’ lost and found department at 608-8430, or 510-942-4530 for their Pinole shelter to file a report.
On July 5, the department will launch their second annual Mission Unite Program, to help reunite lost animals with their families. Using social media as well as their two locations in Martinez and Pinole, the department will help owners by providing them with information and resources, such as free posters and vehicle displays.
While strategies are in place to help locate and return lost pets, the best way to ensure their safety is prevention through preparation.
Find more information on how to keep your pets safe online at Summer Pet Safety.
