Fireworks Are Not a Blast for Pets

Fireworks displays will illuminate the skies during Fourth of July celebrations, including every night of the Marin County Fair. This can be a very traumatic time for our pets. Loud noises can frighten animals, causing them to panic and even run away from home. In fact, animal shelters across the country report an increased number of lost animal companions after fireworks displays, and Marin County is no exception. Last year, nine lost animals were brought to the Marin Humane Society on the evenings of local fireworks displays.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for you and your pet.

• Keep your pets indoors during fireworks displays. A quiet, sheltered “den-like” retreat is best.  
• Close windows and curtains and turn on the TV or radio to help drown out some of the noise.
• Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure to remove any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful if chewed.
• Make sure your pets are wearing current identification and tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned to you promptly.
• Never take your dog to a fireworks display. It’s usually hot. There are always large crowds. And the dogs really don’t enjoy it.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a tether. Pets who normally wouldn’t try to leave the yard may panic and try to escape. Dogs may become entangled in their tethers or hang themselves if they try to leap over a fence.  

If, despite your best efforts, your pet does become lost, don’t panic. Check inside garages, yards, storage sheds, basements, closets, under cars and in the shrubbery at your home and throughout the neighborhood. The Marin Humane Society can assist you in finding a lost pet. Come to the shelter to check the kennels, fill out a lost pet report and look over the “Found” reports. Download lost animal flyers from our website at marinhumanesociety.org. And check our 24-hour lost animal hotline at 415.883.4621.

Carrie Harrington is the director of communications for the Marin Humane Society.