Animal Services urges pet safety during 4th of July celebrations

As the 4th of July approaches, Miami-Dade County Animal Services (Animal Services) is urging pet owners to take necessary precautions to keep their pets safe amidst the holiday festivities. The celebratory fireworks and loud noises can be particularly distressing for pets. Here are some important tips to ensure your pets remain safe and calm during the celebrations: 

•    Plan Ahead: Walk and feed your pets well before the festivities commence.
•    Keep Pets Indoors: During the fireworks, keep your pets inside to protect them from the noise and potential harm.
•    Create a Safe Space: Before the fireworks begin, set up a quiet, secure indoor area where your pet can feel comfortable.
•    Use Soothing Sounds: Play soft music to help mask the loud noises of fireworks.
•    Medication: If your pet requires anxiety medication, administer it prior to the start of the fireworks.
•    Comfort Items: Use an anxiety or thunder jacket and provide your pet with a favorite treat or toy in their safe space.
•    Clean Up Debris: Ensure all fireworks and debris are cleared away after celebrations to prevent ingestion by pets.

Fireworks and celebrations can cause pets to become frightened and potentially run away. To increase the chances of a quick reunion if your pet does go missing, consider these safety measures:

•    Identification: Ensure your pet wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags and is microchipped.
•    Update Information: Keep your contact information current with the microchip company and on your pet’s license tags, especially if you’ve recently moved.
•    Spread the Word: If your pet goes missing, create and distribute lost pet flyers in your neighborhood and post on social media. Utilize resources like Petco Love Lost and 24petconnect for additional assistance.

If You Find a Lost Pet:

•    Check for a Microchip: Take the pet to a local veterinary office to check for a microchip and contact the owner if one is found.
•    Keep the Pet Close: If the pet doesn’t have a microchip, assume it is lost rather than stray. Lost pets often stay near their homes, so try to keep the pet close to where you found it.
•    Inform the Community: Create flyers for the area where you found the pet and share information on social media platforms and neighborhood apps like Nextdoor and Neighbors. Walk the pet around the neighborhood to help locate its home.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable 4th of July for both you and your pets.

About Miami-Dade County Animal Services 
Every year Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department (Animal Services) takes in approximately 30,000 to 36,000 lost, abandoned, injured, ill, or abused dogs and cats. Every day, Animal Services staff works diligently to find life-long homes for these abandoned animals by facilitating onsite adoptions, hosting offsite adoptions at events and locations throughout the community, and working collaboratively with rescue organizations, volunteers, and adoption partners.