07/04/2024
Did You Know: More Pets Are Lost on the 4th of July Than Any Other Day of the Year?
According to the ASPCA, more pets are lost on this holiday than any other, with a staggering 30-60% increase in animal shelter intake between July 4th and July 6th. That’s why we put together some useful tips for every pet parent to help secure your furry family members.
Create Smart, Safe Spaces for Your Pet
Make sure your pet has a quiet, escape-proof area at home. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so remove any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful if chewed. Remember, dogs may seek comfort in different types of environments, so experiment to find whether your pet prefers a cozy crate, a blanket fort, snuggling in bed, etc.
Distract and Desensitize Your Pet to Fireworks
Prior to the big fireworks shows on the 4th of July, try playing recordings of fireworks at an increasingly loud volume. Reward your pet for remaining calm. This process of desensitization can make the actual event less stressful. You can also distract your pet with games and other activities when they alert you to noises that make them anxious.
In Case of Escape
Make sure tags (and microchips) are up to date. You can use Spokeo to find contact information for your neighbors and start asking everyone whether they've seen your lost pooch. You might also ask them to help mobilize a neighborhood search party.
If you are the one who finds a lost pet, perform a Spokeo search on the info you find on the collar. Many collars only have phone numbers and some are out-of-date or don’t contain mobile numbers for immediate contact. By performing a reverse phone lookup you can find a lost pet’s owner, address, and additional contact information in seconds.
Remember: less than 35% of lost pets in shelters are reunited with their families. Taking extra precautions and helping lost pets find their homes can make all the difference.
Let’s make this the best 4th of July for our friends, family and pets.
