Tips to keep your pets from running away this 4th of July

In light of the upcoming July 4th holiday, the Animal Services Department is urging owners to keep their pets inside as it prepares for an influx of lost animals.

Each year on July 5, Animal Services receives a large number of calls regarding pets that escaped from their homes in an attempt to flee after they were frightened by fireworks the night before.

The bright lights and noises created by the fireworks tend to cause animals a great deal of stress and pet owners are urged to follow the tips listed below:

Tips to help keep your pets safe and calm:

— Resist the urge to take your pets to fireworks displays

— Keep pets indoors, close the curtains

— Take pets outside on a leash to “do their business” prior to the fireworks starting

— Turn on the radio or television to help mask outdoor noises

— Keep a well-fitting (not tight) collar and identification/license on your pet; animals that are licensed, microchipped or that have ID tags have a better chance of being returned to their owners

— If your pet is crate-trained, place it in its crate

— If you have a new pet and you do not know how it will react to loud noises, stay with your pet

— If you must be outside, keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times

In addition, Animal Services encourages owners to update their pet’s microchip information in case they need to be reconnected with their animals.

On Saturday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Animal Services will be hosting a “Chip Check” microchip update drive, with additional staff on hand to help owners update their contact information.

To update your information, please bring proper proof-of-ownership documentation, such as vaccine records, as well as a photo ID. Please bring dogs on a leash and have cats contained.

Animal Services is located at 5001 Fred Wilson and will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.