The Lead Off
- Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control is urging pet owners to take precautions to keep animals safe during Fourth of July celebrations.
- Fireworks can frighten pets, increasing the risk they may run away or become lost.
- Officials recommend keeping pets indoors, ensuring identification is current, and acting quickly if an animal goes missing.
FORT WAYNE, IND. (WOWO) Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control is encouraging pet owners to take extra precautions this Fourth of July as fireworks and holiday festivities can create stressful and potentially dangerous situations for animals.
Officials say the days surrounding Independence Day are among the busiest of the year for animal shelters because frightened pets often escape after being startled by fireworks. High summer temperatures can further increase the risk for animals that become lost.
Fireworks can frighten pets
Animal Care and Control says loud noises, flashing lights and crowded celebrations can cause pets to panic, increasing the likelihood they may run away or become injured.
Officials also note that animals experiencing fear or anxiety are more likely to bite if they become overwhelmed.
FWACC recommends keeping pets safely indoors during holiday celebrations rather than bringing them to fireworks displays or other large gatherings.
Safety tips for pet owners
Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control recommends the following steps to help keep pets safe during the holiday:
- Keep pets indoors in a safe, comfortable room away from windows.
- Close curtains or blinds to reduce flashing lights from fireworks.
- Play music, white noise or television programs to help mask loud noises.
- Provide favorite toys and enrichment treats to keep pets occupied.
- Speak with a veterinarian before the holiday if a pet experiences significant anxiety and may benefit from medication.
- Consider calming pheromone diffusers for cats.
- Keep dogs on a leash with a properly fitted collar or harness, even in fenced yards.
- Make sure pets wear current identification tags.
- Verify that microchip registration includes current contact information.
FWACC also reminds residents that microchipping is available for dogs and cats through the agency for $15.
What to do if a pet becomes lost
Officials say owners should begin searching immediately if a pet gets loose.
FWACC recommends:
- Posting photos on the Lost Dogs of Fort Wayne or Lost Cats of Fort Wayne Facebook pages.
- Checking the Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control website for photographs of stray animals brought to the shelter.
- Filing a lost pet report online or in person during regular business hours.
If someone finds a lost pet, officials encourage them to have the animal scanned for a microchip by a veterinarian or Animal Control Officer so the owner can be contacted.
Shelter reopening information
Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control says lost pets can be reclaimed beginning Monday, July 6, when the shelter reopens at 11 a.m.
Officials say preparing ahead of the holiday can help reduce the number of pets that become lost and improve the chances of a quick reunion if an animal does get loose.
The Takeaway
- Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control says the Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest times of the year for lost pets because fireworks often frighten animals into running away.
- Pet owners are encouraged to keep animals indoors, maintain current identification and microchip information, and consult a veterinarian if a pet has a history of anxiety during fireworks.
- If a pet becomes lost, officials recommend beginning the search immediately, filing a lost pet report, monitoring shelter listings, and having found animals scanned for a microchip to help reunite them with their owners.
Next steps
Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control encourages residents to make safety preparations before Independence Day celebrations begin and to report lost or found pets as quickly as possible to improve the chances of reunification during the holiday weekend.
