While fireworks and festivities may be the highlight of the Fourth of July for many, they can be frightening—and even dangerous—for our pets. In fact, Independence Day consistently ranks as the number one day of the year for pets to go missing. The Humane Society of Greater Dayton wants to ensure that this year’s celebrations don’t end with a desperate search for a lost pet.
The loud booms, bright flashes, and bustling gatherings that make the holiday exciting for humans can cause panic in animals, prompting them to run, hide, or bolt. Every year, shelters nationwide see a surge in stray pets immediately following July 4th.
“Even pets who are normally calm or well-behaved can get spooked and escape during the hustle and bustle that surround the Fourth of July” said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “By taking simple, proactive steps now you can make all the difference in keeping your pets safe and out of harm’s way.”
Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe at Home This Fourth of July
- Keep pets indoors before the fireworks begin. Create a secure and cozy space with familiar toys, soft bedding, and soothing background noise.
- Close all doors and windows to prevent pets from escaping and to lower the noise of nearby fireworks.
- Ensure pets have proper ID – including a collar with up-to-date contact information and a registered microchip. These are critical tools that can help you reunite with your pet quickly if they go missing. If your pet is not microchipped, you can bring them to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton (no appointment needed) and we can microchip them in just a few short minutes for just $20.
- Don’t bring pets to fireworks shows or large parties. The unfamiliar environment and sudden noises can overwhelm them.
- Talk to your vet ahead of time if your pet suffers from anxiety. There are calming aids and medications available that may help lower their stress level.
- Have an Updated Photo – Before festivities begin, make sure you have a clear and updated photo of your pet. This way if they do somehow get out, you have a recent photo that shows how theY look now. From the way they are groomed to even the color of their collar, all those key little details could help as you search for your pet.
A Powerful New Partnership for Lost Pet Recovery
To help reunite lost pets with their families faster and more efficiently, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton has proudly partnered with Petco Love Lost—a free, national resource that uses facial recognition technology to match lost and found pets with their owners.
If your pet goes missing—or if you find a lost animal—you can visit hsdayton.org/lost and upload a photo. The Petco Love Lost system will scan the image and search a national database of lost and found animals that have been uploaded from shelters, individuals, and community networks such as Ring and Nextdoor. It’s fast, free, simple, and effective and is one additional way you can spread the word about the missing animal.
Stay Safe, Celebrate Responsibly
This holiday, celebrate freedom while protecting all members of your household—including the four-legged ones. By taking a few precautions and using the resources available through the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and Petco Love Lost, you can help ensure your pets stay safe, calm, and close to home.
