The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is reminding residents to take precautions to keep their pets safe during Fourth of July celebrations, as fireworks and holiday gatherings can cause anxiety and increase the risk of animals becoming lost.
According to the department, the holiday period is one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters as frightened pets escape from homes and yards after being startled by loud fireworks.
To help reduce the number of lost and injured animals, officials are encouraging pet owners to prepare before festivities begin.
Residents are advised to provide pets with a safe, quiet and secure space indoors away from fireworks and other loud noises. Officials also recommend offering toys, treats or comfort items that can help distract and calm anxious animals.
Pet owners should check on their animals frequently throughout celebrations and provide reassurance if pets appear stressed or frightened.
The department also recommends speaking with a veterinarian before the holiday if owners believe sedatives or anti-anxiety medications may help their pets cope with fireworks.
In addition, officials are urging residents to ensure their pets are microchipped and that current contact information is registered with a national microchip database. Pets should also wear collars with legible identification tags containing up-to-date contact information.
“Fourth of July celebrations are fun for people but can be frightening for our pets,” said Marcia Mayeda, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. “Taking a few simple steps — like keeping them safely indoors, ensuring they have proper identification, and providing comfort — can make all the difference in keeping animals safe during the holiday. Our goal is to help families and their pets stay together and avoid the heartbreak of separation.”
Officials said every year pets are injured or become lost during the Fourth of July holiday, placing additional strain on local animal care agencies and shelters.
“Every year, across the County, pets are injured or lost during the Fourth of July holiday period, further straining our animal care systems,” said Hilda L. Solis, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “Angelenos are encouraged to take necessary precautions, including securing their pets, offering comfort, and ensuring their pet is properly microchipped and pet owner information is up to date. These steps can all make a difference to ensure our families and their pets stay safe, together.”
Officials encourage pet owners to create a plan before fireworks begin and to verify identification information is current in case a pet becomes separated from its family.
Residents whose pets go missing can visit the county’s lost pet resources page at Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control Lost Pet Resources for guidance on locating lost animals.
To find the nearest animal shelter or animal care agency, residents can use the county’s shelter locator at Los Angeles County Animal Shelter Locator.
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