Keeping pets safe during firework season

Jun 30, 2022, 10:00 AM | Updated: 10:01 am

Fireworks can cause pets a lot of stress. Photo: Getty Images

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — July brings two firework-filled holidays to Utah, which experts warn can be stressful for our pets.

Flashing lights and thunderous sounds from fireworks cause pets to get anxious and frightened. According to the Humane Society, the commotion causes some pets to flee and become lost. Pets can also suffer from devastating or even fatal health effects from stress.

Salt Lake County Animal Services wants to help keep your pet feel comfortable and safe in their home and offered some tips to protect your furry friends.

What to do Before and During Fireworks

Go for walks early.
Leave pets at home, they do not like fireworks displays or hot pavement.
If you’re having a BBQ, check that your gates, garages and doors are secured so your pet can’t escape.
Give them a safe place to hunker down, don’t try to pull them out of hiding if they’re scared.
Play soft music to distract them.
Keep them indoors, lower the blinds and close windows. When scared, dogs and cats will break through screens or windows to escape their home. The flickering lights are stress-inducing.
Prevent injury or bites to yourself. If you find a lost or injured animal, they will be scared! Please contact your local animal services and have an officer pick them up.

Salt Lake County Animal Services said the most important step is to make sure your dog or cat is microchipped and that the contact information on the microchip is up to date. If you don’t have time to get them microchipped before the holiday, be sure to put a collar and ID tag on them.

If you don’t have a tag for your pet, the shelter said you can put duct tape on their collar and use a permanent marker to put their name and your number on it.

Salt Lake County Animal Services said that nationally, more pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, keeping animal control officers extremely busy responding to stray pet calls.

Lost and found pets

If your pet gets lost, call 801-840-4000 to dispatch an animal control officer. Animal services said it is important to remember that a lost pet is not an unwanted pet.

Information for missing pets can be posted on the Nextdoor App. Pet oweners can also check community groups on Facebook, and look at the “Lost Pets” section on AdoptUtahPets.org.