The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters as fireworks usually lead to an increase in runaway pets.
Kim Powell is with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. She says they have nearly 800 dogs in their care as of July 4.
She says to take note of what your pet may need as fireworks and firecrackers go off.
“Go outside with them, make sure that you can see them, you can even keep them on a leash, even if it’s in your fenced-in backyard. It’s just an added layer of security, because when they hear those fireworks in their mind, it is ‘something terrifying is happening and I have to run,'" Powell said.
She also recommends keeping collars on and microchipping. The county is waiving adoption fees through the end of the month and offering free microchipping the rest of the year.
