On the Monday following July 4th weekend, the phones at the Aiken County always blow up with calls from citizens who have lost their dogs or cats because the animals panicked and ran from the flashing skies and booming explosions around their yards.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is to bring your pets inside if you expect evening fireworks in your area,” said Aiken County Animal Shelter Manager Bobby Arthurs. “Animals can panic and feel like their lives are in danger, which results in them running from their homes, getting lost and going missing.”
A frightened dog may scale a fence they would not attempt under normal circumstances or might try to dig out of a pen in a panic. A terrified cat might jump out a window or even through a window screen.
Aiken County is not unique. Nationwide, more pets go missing July 4-6 than any other time of year. According to PetAmberAlert, a lost pet finder that helps four-legged family members find their way home, animal control officials across the nation report a 30%-60% increase in lost pets each year between these dates.
The following are some tips for preparing your pets for fireworks activity taking place near your home:
1. Be sure your pet is microchipped and has your contact information on his collar in case he runs away.
2. If your pet is inside, close the curtains/blinds and play soothing music to mask the outside explosions.
3. Provide a hiding spot for your pet that they have access to at all times. Examples: under furniture, in crate, in quiet corner
4. If your pets must remain outside, stay with them and comfort them.
5. Walk your dog during the daylight hours and keep dogs and cats indoors when the fireworks are likely to be set off
6. Some dogs are calmed by “thunder shirts” and you can also reduce your pets’ anxiety with pheromone diffusers
7. Feed your pet a solid meal an hour or two before the fireworks are scheduled to start. He will feel more relaxed and content, like you do after a big meal.
If your panicked pet does bolt from your home and goes missing, be sure to post their photo, description, and when and where they went missing on Aiken Pets Reunited’s Facebook page. This site is consistently monitored by shelters, rescues and other animal advocates. Many pets have been found and reunited with their owners through this excellent website.
You can also call the Aiken County Animal Shelter and SPCA Albrecht Center to see if your pet was brought in as a stray. At the ACAS, you can fill out a lost pet report.
“Please secure your pets at home this holiday weekend and keep them on a leash if you take them out in the evening,” Arthurs said. “We would love to see less lost pets brought into the shelter this year and more dogs and cats remain happy and safe with their families.”
The ACAS is located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, and open for adoptions Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, the ACAS will be closed for the July 4 weekend – both Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4 – reopening on Monday, July 6.
For more information, contact the ACAS, (803) 642-1537 or reach out to FOTAS at info@FOTASaiken.org. The FOTAS website is www.FOTASaiken.org.
— FOTAS Press Release
