Fourth of July festivities can be a stressful and dangerous time for pets, Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) reports. Loud noises and fireworks can scare and disorient animals, causing them to run away. Sadly, many pets are lost, injured, or worse during these events.
To keep pets safe, SBCAS offers the following tips:
Keep pets indoors and in a secure environment during fireworks displays.
Ensure pets have ID tags with your current contact information.
Create a safe, quiet space where your pet can feel secure.
Keep a close eye on your pet and do not leave them unattended outside.
“Our shelters do our best to care for lost pets, but they are no substitute for the comfort and safety of a home,” said Sarah Aguilar, director of SBCAS. “We encourage pet owners to take these precautions to ensure their pets remain safe during the holiday.”
SBCAS is also asking for help to keep its shelters from overflowing, by asking community members to foster a shelter dog so there will be space for the scared dogs that will be coming in after the holiday.
To foster a shelter dogs, community members can visit during regular business hours, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. SBCAS will be open on July 4.
“The staff and volunteers at shelters in Santa Barbara, Lompoc and Santa Maria would be happy to match community members with a foster pet to keep them company over the holiday,” SBCAS said. “It’s a fun way to enjoy the summer with a canine visitor, and it will make a world of difference.