San Diego City Wire

To most people, Fourth of July fireworks are a brilliant, sparkly, and celebratory treat. However, for dogs and some other pets, the shrieking, booming, and explosive display can be terrifying and may cause them to panic and flee.

"Unless you are certain that your pet does not react negatively to fireworks, it is not a good idea to bring a dog or other pet to a fireworks show," advised the County Department of Animal Services. Panicky pets might run into traffic, get lost, or even be attacked by other animals. Last year, the County Department of Animal Services collected 165 strays—83 dogs and 82 cats—in the week leading up to the holiday.

People can prevent pets from escaping yards, homes, and even their owner’s arms by taking steps to ensure dogs and pets are secured inside away from the earsplitting noise outside.

Some additional steps to keep your pet safe or reunite you quickly with your pet this Independence Day include:

- If you find a lost pet in the unincorporated area of the County after the fireworks, try to secure the animal and check for a tag to notify the owner. Check social media sites and lost-and-found websites to see if someone is looking for their pet.

- If you are unable to reach the owner, call County Animal Services’ 24-hour emergency dispatch number at (619) 236-2341 so the animal can be cared for at the shelter.

- If you lost your cat or dog, check with neighbors, local veterinarians and pet hospitals, social media platforms like Pawboost.com. You can also check County Animal Services’ lost-and-found page online.

If your dog or cat is at County Animal Services’ shelters in Carlsbad or Bonita open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday through Wednesday before reclaiming animals. If your pet is lost after Wednesday or Thursday during this period, pick-up starts at 10 a.m., Friday.

Animal Services is waiving normal reclaim fees from July 3-10. Additionally, adoption and microchip fees will be waived through July 7 as part of their Stars, Stripes & Snuggles promotion which began June 16 in anticipation of increased stray animals due to fireworks.

Prospective adopters can browse available animals on County shelters' online listings including cats, dogs bunnies tortoises guinea pigs fowl pigs via Adoptions page. Due popularity adoption special recommend selecting second third choices case first choice already adopted.

Adoption fees always waived senior adopters senior pets pets waiting forever home over thirty days Walk-in hours both South Shelter Bonita North Shelter Carlsbad closed July Fourth week closed June Nineteenth Juneteenth holiday

For more information contact:

County Communications Office

communications@sdcounty.ca.gov

619-595-4633