As the holiday weekend approaches, the Starke County Humane Society is encouraging pet owners to take extra steps to help keep animals safe during fireworks celebrations.
The Humane Society shared pet safety information online this week, reminding residents that holidays that involve fireworks, including Independence Day, Memorial Day, New Year’s Eve, and Canada Day, are associated with an increase in missing pet reports across the country.
Tips for pet owners during fireworks:
- Keep all doors and windows securely closed while fireworks are being used
- Make sure pets have access to a familiar hiding place, such as a crate or other safe space
- Consider a calming garment or anxiety wrap, such as a ThunderShirt.
- Keep pets in a separate, quiet, low-activity room if hosting guests, and watch for doors or windows that visitors may accidentally leave open.
Before allowing your pet back outside after festivities, be sure to inspect your pet’s outdoor space for firework debris or other left-behind materials.
The Humane Society also emphasizes the importance of ensuring pets can be identified if they become lost. Owners are encouraged to verify their pet’s microchip registration information is current, and that their animal is wearing a readable identification tag with up-to-date contact information.
