The 4th of July is the busiest time of year at The Animal Foundation as many pets get disoriented or spooked by all the commotion and end up lost and scared and at the animal shelter. Make sure that doesn’t happen to your dog or cat by following these ten pet safety tips.

1. Be sure your pet is wearing up-to-date and visible ID tags on their collars at all times.

Your dog or cat may not be a “runner” but anything can happen when your pet is surrounded by loud noises and/or a lot of commotion and people. Additionally, make sure your pet’s microchip registration is up-to-date. If your cat or dog isn’t microchipped, don’t wait, take advantage of our low-cost can and dog microchipping services today.  

2. If you don’t have a good, current picture of your pet, take one.

Even if it seems highly unlikely your pet will be among the many lost pets that enter the animal shelter following the 4th of July, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Having a current photo of will help in reclaiming your dog or cat.

3. Make sure the yard gate is closed and locked.

With people going in and out of the house for parties and barbecues, it’s important to remind guests to close and latch doors that might accidentally let dogs or cats out of the house. When animals are scared, they may try to run away, and nobody wants that!

4. Put your pet in a safe, comfy, escape-proof room or crate during fireworks and parties.

Leave soft, gentle music playing to cover the noise. If you won’t be home for the festivities, leave a few toys with us to help with the stress. If your dog has a history of extreme distress around loud noises, your veterinarian may also recommend medication to reduce anxiety. Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks

5. Make sure to let your guests know that human food and drink isn’t for pets.

Keep dog treats around so that your two-legged friends can give your pet appropriate, tasty treats if they’re feeling friendly. Never give pets alcohol or leave alcoholic drinks unattended around pets. Alcohol can potentially poison pets, and they don’t know not to drink it. Don’t forget to make sure your pet has access to plenty of cool, fresh water, too.

6. Keep charcoal, matches, lighter fluid, fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks away from curious canines. 

You should keep them away from cats, too! After celebrating, check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.

7. Take your dog for a long walk or to the dog park to play before the parties begin.

He or she will be much calmer and sleep better after a bit of exercise. The same is true for your cat – a little quality play time prior to all the excitement will help kitty sleep.

8. Sunscreen and insect repellent products are for human use only.

Please do not apply any product that is not labeled specifically for use on animals on your pet. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems. Citronella insect control products harm pets, too. Oils, candles, insect coils, and other citronella-based repellants are irritating toxins to pets, according to the ASPCA. The result of inhalation can cause severe respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, and ingestion can harm your pet’s nervous system.

9. Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets.

Keep your dog (or cat) inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure your dog has access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave your dog outside for extended periods in hot weather;

10. If your pet does escape and is lost, our Las Vegas animal shelter is the most likely place for your pet to be found. Visit The Animal Foundation IMMEDIATELY!

Lost and stray pets picked up by City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas, or Clark County Animal Control are brought to The Animal Foundation’s Lied Animal Shelter. The Animal Foundation also accepts stray and lost pets brought in by members of the community. (If you have lost a pet in the City of Henderson, please contact the Henderson Animal Shelter.) Our Lost & Found online database is updated regularly, however, a variety of circumstances may cause a delay in the posting of your animal’s photo or profile so it is important to visit our campus to search for your pet as soon and as often as possible.