Pet Owners Asked to Keep Furry Friends Safe During Fireworks

By City News Services

Fireworks can be fun for some but frightening for others, especially dogs and cats, so keep them locked up in a safe, quiet place this Fourth of July, Riverside County officials advised.

“Pet owners should be aware that some dogs will do anything they can to escape the noise of fireworks,” Department of Animal Services spokesman John Welsh said. “One of the easiest ways for pet owners to ensure their pet won’t run away is by placing them in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area of the home. Give a dog a special chew treat or something that keeps them occupied.”

Welsh urged residents not to leave their pets outdoors when pyrotechnics are being detonated.

“Scared dogs will flee their yard and run and run,” he said. “The lucky ones might end up in our shelter. Some are hit by a car and seriously injured, or get killed.”

According to the animal services spokesman, the county’s shelters often fill up fast during the July 4 holiday and immediately after because of all the runaway canines.

“We do believe the volume of pets we impound after the holiday is trending somewhat downward, but the period after July 4 remains one of the busiest periods for our shelters,” Welsh said.

The county operates shelters in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms, all of which will be closed to visitors during the holiday weekend.

More information about how to keep pets safe can be found at Animal Services’ website.