With July 4 fireworks and holiday parties on the horizon, Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) reminds residents to take extra precautions to protect their pets this Independence Day, and all summer long.

Loud noises and flashing lights can frighten even the calmest animals, leading to panicked escapes and lost pets.

To help residents prepare, SBCAS is offering free microchips in June for all pets during regular business hours, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at all three shelter locations.

No appointment is needed, and each microchip includes lifetime registration to increase the chances of a swift reunion if a pet becomes lost.

In addition, to help create a safe and secure environment for pets during fireworks, SBCAS is offering crate loans through July 7.

Pet owners can stop by any shelter location during business hours to borrow a crate at no cost, providing pets a calm, contained space during stressful events.

“Independence Day is one of the busiest times of year for shelters across the country,” said Sarah Aguilar, director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services. “Microchipping and secure containment are simple, effective ways to help ensure pets stay safe and get home quickly if they run off during fireworks or festivities.”

SBCAS advises all pet owners to take the following steps to keep pets safe over the holiday weekend:

  • Keep pets indoors and in a secure, quiet space during fireworks.
  • Use calming music or white noise to help mask outdoor sounds.
  • Ensure all pets wear collars with ID tags.
  • Check that fences and gates are secure before the holiday.
  • Never bring pets to fireworks displays or crowded parties.

If your pet becomes lost:

  • File a report and upload a photo to Petco Love Lost. This free tool uses facial recognition to search shelter and community found pet databases.
  • Use our interactive map to see if your pet has been reported found nearby.
  • Check with local shelters in person.
  • Post on neighborhood platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook right away—many pets are found within just a few miles of home.

Visit one of the shelter locations for a free microchip or to borrow a crate:
• Santa Maria Animal Center: 548 W Foster Road, Santa Maria
• Lompoc Animal Center: 1501 W Central Ave., Lompoc
• Santa Barbara Animal Center: 5473 Overpass Road, Santa Barbara