Prepare Your Pets Now for the Storms and Fireworks

The Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions during the upcoming days of expected thunderstorms and July 4th fireworks displays.  

“Thunderstorm events like the ones we are seeing in our region now, and fireworks displays, can really frighten dogs,” says Susan Cosby, ACCT Philly Executive Director. “They can panic, escape from yards or homes and go missing because of the loud noises.”

Proactive efforts on the part of pet owners will reunite lost pets rapidly. ACCT Philly strongly recommends all pet owners license their dogs (as required by law) and keep identification tags on pets at all times. An engraved pet tag with a phone number and address can make the difference between a lost pet immediately being returned home and one that may never return.

Other pet ID options include: microchips which can be purchased at local veterinarian’s offices and ACCT Philly’s Get Me Home Club ID tag that allows pet owners to manage their contact information through an online database, ensuring it is always up to date.

Philadelphia residents can purchase dog licenses, and all pet owners can purchase Get Me Home Club tags online at phillydoglicense.com. A list of local dog license retailers is also available on the website. To purchase an engraved ID tag pet owners are encouraged to visit their local pet supply retailer immediately where tags can be engraved while you wait.

Residents of Philadelphia’s surrounding counties should contact their local government offices to purchase dog licenses.