Pet Safety Tips for July 4th

We humans love to celebrate Independence Day with BBQ's, fireworks, and fun - but our canine friends are not as fond of the loud noises and hullabaloo. We want you to enjoy yourself while also keeping your pets safe and comfortable. Read here for some tips on pet safety for your July 4th festivities.

License and Microchip Your Pet

We highly suggest pets be up to date on their registration and microchip. If you have moved recently or changed your phone number don’t forget to update this information. Also some companies will allow you to put a secondary phone number on your account, which we recommend. The more information listed the better the chance you will be reconnected with your lost pet.

Please ensure that your dog is wearing his or her dog tag with your contact information, as well as his or her license tag. Many dogs do get loose on the 4th of July due to fear from the loud noises and commotion, and having these tracking devices can be a saving grace for your family.

You can contact any of the L.A. Animal Services Shelters and schedule an appointment to have your pet microchipped. The cost is $25 per animal.

Keep Pets Indoors

To ensure your pets are safe and sound, keep them inside and make sure if you do take them out for a break that you supervise them carefully. If you are going out, keep your pets crated or in an enclosed bedroom so they are secure. Even if you decide to hang at home, your pets may still be affected by loud noise levels, so be aware of open windows, as startled dogs may look for an escape route.

Create a Pleasant Environment

Whether you are at home with your pets, or out at a BBQ, you should create a familiar and calm environment for them. Surround them with their favorite toys and other familiar objects. We recommend filling a Kong with frozen peanut butter or giving them a yummy bone to keep them focused and occupied; the chewing can also help relieve stress. We also suggest playing some soft, soothing music at a low volume. There is even music specifically designed for keeping dogs calm, which you can find out more about by visiting throughadogsear.com. White noise, such as a sound machine or a fan is also great for blocking out loud sounds.

Another tool for reducing anxiety is the Thundershirt - a great way to keep dogs calm. You may also consider speaking with your vet about obtaining some prescription medicine for dogs with heightened anxiety levels.

Keep Your Pets Away From Fireworks

Not only are fireworks fear-inducing to most dogs and cats, but they can also cause harm to pets if contact is made. In order to avoid any injuries, burns or possible ingestion we suggest keeping your pets away altogether.

Adopt a Homeless Pet

Shelters are beginning to make space for lost dogs and cats brought in over the 4th of July holiday. Because our shelters have a limited amount of space to take in animals, they need to create space for the dogs they anticipate receiving.

In order to help decrease the number of euthanized animals over the July 4th holiday please consider adopting from your local shelter. If adoption is not an option, but you still want to make a difference in an animal's life, ask your local shelter about fostering.

Please view our current dogs available for adoption if you are interested, and contact adopt@angelcitypits.org if you’d like to adopt.

Please contact foster@angelcitypits.org if you’d like to become a foster parent for a dog in need.