TIPS TO KEEP PETS SAFE ON THE FOURTH
WENATCHEE- Despite the inability to gather in large groups this Fourth of July, many are still planning a fun day of sunshine, barbecue, swimming, and, of course, fireworks. However, not all of these activities are fun for your furry family members, because many pets are frightened by fireworks.
Each year, Wenatchee Valley Animal Care and Control (ACC) sees a significant rise in lost animals around the days leading up to the Fourth of July and days immediately following the celebration, as pets escape from homes, yards or kennels due to panic.
Dawn Davies, Executive Director for Wenatchee Valley Humane Society (WVHS), reminds pet owners that a current pet license and identification tags is an important part of reuniting lost pets and their owners. “Our licenses are on PetHub digital pet ID tags and, as long as the owner has registered the tag for free with PetHub, anyone can contact a lost pet’s owner and help get them back home.”
Since the Fourth is ACC’s busiest day of the year, Davies says this is extremely helpful for all involved. “These tags give community members the ability to help reunite families, which means pets get home faster, without ever having to come to the shelter.”
Davies notes that the Fourth is a holiday best celebrated with pets left at home. “Not only is it a traditionally high temperature day, which can be dangerous for animals, but it’s also a stressful day. Sudden loud noises can cause even the friendliest, relaxed dog distress. And distress can cause animals to react negatively or panic and run.”
WVHS offers the following tips for keeping your pet safe and stress-free for on the Fourth:
Make sure pets are in a secure space with something soft to curl up to and music softly playing.
Secure doors and windows.
Do not bring pets to outdoor festivities where they cannot be secured and safe.
Ensure all tags or identification is up to date (Licenses should be registered with PetHub for free and profiles updated with any license renewals).
Take your pet for a nice walk or have play time. A tired pet, is a relaxed pet.
If your pet becomes lost or you find a lost pet, contact ACC to file a report at 509.662.9577, opt. 1. Lost/Found reports can also be filed online, where you can also view photos of lost/found pets.
If you’re looking for a missing pet, a visit to the shelter on July 5th to see if your pet was brought in by ACC or a concerned citizen, is also recommended. WVHS is currently open by appointment and those interested in visiting should call 509.662.9577, opt. 2 to schedule a time to come in.
About WVHS
Founded in 1967, the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society (WVHS) is a private non-profit organization with a mission is to serve the community through education, protection and pet adoptions. We continue our mission by caring for displaced pets, rescuing injured and lost animals, providing a low cost spay/neuter program, hosting a pet food assistance bank, offering a Pets for Life program, investigating cruelties and finding homes for the orphaned animals. If you would like to volunteer, donate, or more information on how you can help, email wvhs@wenatcheehumane.org or call (509) 662-9577.
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