Fourth of July Pet Safety

San Diego Humane Society is calling on pet parents to take proactive measures to prevent their beloved animals from ending up in shelters during and after the July Fourth holiday. 

The July Fourth holiday typically leads to a sharp increase in the number of stray animals entering shelter care. Due to pets being spooked by fireworks, the organization is urging pet owners to take steps to protect their pets from becoming lost, as shelters are already full. The organization has been over capacity all year, meaning they are entering the busy summer months — and in particular, the July Fourth holiday — with less space than previous years.

“We’ve never been in this situation before — entering the July Fourth holiday having been over capacity for more than 6 months,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “We can’t stress enough how important it is for pet owners to have a plan to keep their pets safe — even for the unexpected, like unscheduled fireworks, in their neighborhoods.”

To reduce the risk of pets getting lost, San Diego Humane Society recommends taking these steps:

1. License Your Dog: Licenses are required by law, and they also serve as an extra form of identification to help your pet get home if they go missing. If you are within San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction, your dog’s DocuPet license comes with free HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service. 
2. Microchipping: Make sure your pet is microchipped, and the information connected to the chip is up to date. Microchipping provides permanent identification for pets, facilitating their quick identification and reunion with their owners. To make an appointment, visit sdhumane.org/microchip.
3. Collars with Tags: Make sure your pets wear a collar with contact information tags. If tags are unavailable, writing your phone number on your pet’s collar with a sharpie can be helpful. Having your phone number readily available on their collar allows people who find your pet to contact you directly, potentially avoiding a trip to the shelter.
4. Schedule time with a Veterinarian: If fireworks scare your pets, now is the time to schedule an appointment with your vet to discuss medication to reduce stress for pets before the fireworks begin.
5. Arrange for a Pet Sitter: If you won’t be home during July Fourth celebrations, make plans early to secure a pet sitter. Having someone present can provide companionship for your pet and help them stay calm, minimizing the risk of them becoming lost.
6. Create a Home Sanctuary: Prepare a safe space within your home where your pet can seek shelter during the festivities. Keep your pet comfortable and protected from external noise and lights. Make sure your home’s doors, window and yard are secure, and don’t leave your pet outside unattended.
7. Keep your dog leashed on outings at all times, especially in the days leading up to and on July 4.

Statistics show one out of every three pets will become lost during their lifetime, and only one in 10 will be found. The July Fourth holiday poses particular risks to pets due to the loud noises associated with fireworks and celebrations. Pets have been known to escape by jumping fences out of fear and confusion, leading to a significant increase in stray animals entering shelters after the holiday.

According to data from 2023, the nonprofit organization took in 275 stray dogs, cats and other small animals who were lost between July 4 and July 7. Only 16% of those pets were reclaimed by their owners, with dogs accounting for 34%, cats for 14%, and other pets showing a 0% reclamation rate.

If your pet goes missing, access San Diego Humane Society’s Lost2Found program by texting “LOST” to 858-SAN-LOST (858-726-5678). You’ll receive automated text messages with valuable tips and resources to help you in your search! You can also find more information at sdhumane.org/lost.

All San Diego Humane Society shelters will be closed on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4. If you find a stray pet over the holiday, look for identification on the collar and try to connect with the owner. Post photos and a description on social media. Find more resources at sdhumane.org/found.