July Fourth is an exciting time for people parades and picnics, pool time and fireworks. For pets, there’s fun in store if hot temperatures, large crowds and loud noises are navigated. At Operation Kindness, we believe the day can be filled with fun if some important Fourth of July safety tips for pets are kept in mind. Read on to see our top recommendations to make it a safe summer day for everyone!
Prepare with pet identification
Make sure your dog or cat is wearing a current identification tag. If your pets aren’t already microchipped, this is a good time to have it done. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost. You can check out our calendar of affordable microchip clinics to have your pet ready for Independence Day. It’s also good to have a current photo of all of your pets, just in case.
Make your environment ready
Make sure the area your pet will be in on the Fourth is safe and secure. Is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Evaluate your options and choose the safest area for your animals and schedule time to make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.
Keep them safe at home
As fun as our pets are, it’s better to leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, causing a greater risk of your animal becoming spooked and running away. If you’re hosting at your house, ask guests to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
Watch the table, grill and temperatures
Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets, and don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot. Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people.
Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Operation Kindness! Thanks for partnering with us to keep pets safe and happy this holiday.
Stay up to date
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest news.
