More Pets Go Missing on July 4 Than Any Other Time
Humans might enjoy the beautiful and festive fireworks displays that take place on July 4th weekend throughout the country, but our four-legged companions most often do not. The noise, flashes, and burning smell of pyrotechnics are not something that dogs and cats appreciate, and they can often induce panic.
[Learn more about the Festival Foods fireworks show here.]
According to data from PetFinder.com, more pets go missing on July 4th than on any other day of the year and July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters nationwide.
“The best place for your furry family members to be during the fireworks is inside,” said Megan Jasurda, Lost & Found Coordinator for Marshfield Area Pet Shelter (MAPS).
MAPS receives dozens of frantic messages and phone calls from pet owners who lost a pet, as well as reports of found pets. Even if a dog has acted calmly in past years, there is no guarantee that they will be content again this year.
The best Independence Day Celebration for Fido is to keep him inside a cool home with a toy or chewy treat for distraction instead of in a crowded, unfamiliar, and noisy place. Locking a pet in a car is also not an option, as even on a summer night a pet can suffer brain damage or heat stroke (even with windows down).
“Lost animal reports spike around the 4th of July than any other time of the year,” affirmed Jasurda. “Please keep your pets safe and sound indoors.”
TIPS FOR PET OWNERS
BEFORE a pet goes missing
-Have a clear photo of your pet
-Microchip your pet and keep registration updated (MAPS hosts a microchip clinic on the last Saturday of every month at their Microchip & Adoption Center at Marshfield Mall. See www.MarshfieldPetShelter.org or Facebook.com/MarshfieldAreaPetShelter for details)
-Make sure collar and tags are securely worn and have current contact information
AFTER a pet goes missing
-Contact Marshfield Police Department at 715-387-4394
-Contact Marshfield Area Pet Shelter at 715-486-5140
-File a report with Lost Dogs of Wisconsin or Lost Cats of Wisconsin on Facebook
-Notify neighbors of your missing pet
-Post fliers in your neighborhood and use social media to get the word out about your missing pet
-Never give up!
Article updated from June 2018
