Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) is encouraging pet owners to be ready “Before the Boom” to keep pets safe, secure and identifiable before fireworks begin for Fourth of July events.
“Fireworks can frighten even calm pets, causing them to hide, panic, run, or escape through doors, windows, gates and fences,” SBCAS said.
To help reduce lost pets and improve reunification, community members can plan ahead by microchipping pets, updating contact information, using collars and ID tags, securing homes and yards, creating quiet indoor spaces, and using lost/found pet resources quickly if a pet goes missing.
Throughout June, pet owners can visit any SBCAS shelter during regular business hours for free microchips, crate loans, collars, and ID tags. These resources are available 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at all three shelter locations.
SBCAS urges pet owners to prepare before fireworks begin by:
Getting a microchip or updating current microchip information;
Writing a phone number directly on a pet’s collar, since tags can fall off;
Checking windows, doors, fences and gates;
Borrowing a crate from SBCAS to create a safe indoor den space;
Identifying a quiet room, ideally with no windows;
Asking a veterinarian about calming medications or supplements if a pet is fearful;
using calming tools such as a Thundercoat, pheromone diffuser, or other supports;
Desensitizing dogs to loud sounds when possible;
Keeping pets indoors and supervised on the day of fireworks;
Turning on a TV, stereo, fan, or white noise to help muffle outside sounds;
Avoiding table scraps and unfamiliar foods;
Double-checking the family’s pet safety plan before evening celebrations begin.
“Fireworks can be frightening for even the most well-cared-for pets, and a single open door or gate can lead to a lost animal.” said Sarah Aguilar, Animal Services director. “We want families to prepare early so pets have every possible way to stay safe and get home quickly if they become lost.
“A microchip, an ID tag, and a secure indoor space can make all the difference.”
If a pet is lost, owners should search the neighborhood immediately, post clear photos online, file a lost pet report, check shelter listings, and use Petco Love Lost facial recognition to help match lost and found pets.
If someone finds a pet, they should check for ID, have the pet scanned for a microchip, file a found pet report, post clear photos, and use Petco Love Lost.
For the most current event schedule, pet safety tips, and lost/found pet links, visit www.sbcanimalservices.org/july4 or sign up for the Santa Barbara County Animal Services newsletter.