Fourth of July Pet Safety: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

The Fourth of July is one of the most exciting holidays of the year — but for our pets, it can be one of the most terrifying. Loud booms, flashing lights, and crowds can send even the calmest animals into a panic, and local shelters are already full. The last thing any of us wants is for a frightened pet to end up lost or in an overwhelmed shelter.

Here are three simple things you can do to keep your pet safe this holiday weekend:

Keep your pets indoors during firework hours. Even pets that seem unbothered by noise can bolt when startled. A safe, quiet indoor space is always the best option during fireworks displays.

Always leash your dog, even in a fenced yard. Fear can make dogs do things they would never normally do — including jumping or digging under fences. Keep them leashed and close to you when outside.

Double-check collars and microchip information. If your pet does get loose, up-to-date ID is their ticket home. Check that collar tags are readable and that your microchip registration has your current contact information.  Learn how you can check to make sure your pet’s microchip is up to date here.

Our local shelters work hard every single day — let’s do our part to keep them from being overwhelmed this holiday weekend. A few small steps can make a big difference for your pet and for the animals already waiting for their forever homes. 🐾❤

This 4th of July, Coastal Virginia is under an Excessive Heat Warning. Hot weather can prove dangerous for your furry friends and the American Red Cross has steps you can take to help your pets stay safe this summer.

1. Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
2. Keep all unscreened windows or doors closed so pets don’t fall out of them.
3. Trim longer hair, but never shave your dog.
4. Brush cats more often than usual to help prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
5. Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. Don’t let your pets drink from the pool, ocean or lake.
6. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats.
7. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur.
8. Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.
9. Don’t walk, run or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days.
10. Make sure your garden plants are safe for pets.