LOCAL NEWS
What to do before, during fireworks to keep your pet safe
SALT LAKE CITY — The Fourth of July and Pioneer Day can be stressful days for pets, especially because of fireworks.
Here are some tips to help your pet feel comfortable and safe, courtesy of Salt Lake County Animal Services:
- Go for walks early.
- Leave pets at home — they do not like firework displays or hot pavement.
- If you’re having a BBQ, check that your gates, garages and doors are secured so your pet can’t escape.
- Give them a safe place to hunker down; don’t try to pull them out of hiding if they’re scared.
- Play soft music to distract them.
- Keep them indoors, lower the blinds and close windows. When scared, dogs and cats will break through screens or windows to escape their home. The flickering lights are stress inducing.
- MOST IMPORTANTLY, make sure your dog/cat is microchipped and the contact information on the microchip is up to date. If you don’t have time to get them microchipped before the holiday, be sure to put a collar and ID tag on them.
- Check this easy hack: If you don’t have a tag for your pet, use duct tape on their collar and a permanent marker to put their name and your number on it.
- Prevent injury or bites to yourself. If you find a lost or injured animal, they will be scared! Please contact your local animal services and have an officer pick them up.
“Nationally, more pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year,” a press release from Salt Lake County Animal Services stated.
In Utah, fireworks are permitted from July 2 to 5 and then again from July 22 to 25, during the hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. However, on July 4 and July 24, fireworks can be launched until midnight.
Dozens of cities and counties in the state have released maps and various firework restrictions. You can find that information here.
Officials with the Salt Lake County Animal Services concluded their release by reminding Utahns that a lost pet is not an unwanted pet, adding that you should not keep the animal.
“If you lose your pet or find one, post information on the Nextdoor App, check community groups on Facebook, and look at the “Lost Pets” section on AdoptUtahPets.org.”
Temma Martin with Best Friends Animal Society joined Shara Park and Dan Spindle during KSL News at Noon Wednesday to talk about the issue of pets and fireworks.
