KEEP YOUR PET SAFE THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY

Happy Birthday, America! Amidst all the fun and good times, it is easy to forget about our pets’ safety and well-being.

Noisy celebrations, especially fireworks, can frighten our pets and put them at risk. So keep in mind these simple pet safety tips to be sure this holiday is a memorable one for all the right reasons.

Keep Your Pets Safe on July 4th

TIP 1: ESTABLISH A PLACE OF SANCTUARY

Make sure your dog or cat always has access to a comfortable, quiet and safe place to hide. Either a closet, under a piece of furniture or in his crate.

TIP 2: MAKE TOYS AND LONG LASTING TREATS AVAILABLE

Keep toys and long lasting treats, like KongsTM , in your pet’s safe area to make the area more fun and to provide distractions from loud noises and flashes.

TIP 3: EXERCISE EARLIER IN THE DAY IS KEY

Make time to exercise your pet during daylight hours; then, keep them safely indoors before the fireworks begin.

TIP 4: TURN UP THE MUSIC, BUT NOT TOO LOUD

At dusk, close your windows and curtains and turn on music or the television to muffle the loud noises that accompany social gatherings and the booming thunder from fireworks.

TIP 5: WATCH THEIR BODY LANGUAGE

Pets convey fear by shivering, cowering, tucking their tail between the legs, and averting their eyes. Looming over a fearful dog will only make it more anxious; and unless a dog is likely to get hurt it is usually best to leave a fearful dog alone because its behavior when scared is uncertain. And, never punish a pet if they are scared.

If your pet has a demonstrated history of noise phobia, contact your veterinarian. There are helpful calming medications that you can give to your pet an hour or two before the fireworks begin. 

TIP 6: UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION

Make sure your pet’s microchip enrollment information is up to date in case your pet manages to escape. Also, be sure to add AKC Reunite’s 24/7 800# (800-252-7894) to your mobile phone’s contact list so you know to take our call when your pet is found.

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Keep Your Pets Safe on July 4th

CHECK OUT THESE REUNIONS THAT WERE
SPARKED BY JULY 4TH FIREWORKS!

“HELPFUL!”

“Most times we are aware of the fireworks but this year they started early. We were able to retrieve Essense within an hour thanks to a good Samaritan…. AKC Reunite contacted me immediately by way of text and email, and it was very helpful that we were a part of this so she was quickly located. We are very thankful for AKC Reunite!”
– Stephanie, Essense the Siberian Husky’s Owner

“THANKFUL!”

“Milo ran off when a nearby neighbor set off massive fireworks… The two gentlemen who found Milo were very kind and took us to him….He is still a bit noise sensitive but is close to his old self. Our whole family is very thankful to everyone who helped us look for him, AKC Reunite, and the two guys who found him and took care of him!”
– Tony, Milo the Vizsla’s Owner

“GRATEFUL!”

“When the fireworks were over, my husband took our dogs outside. Unexpectedly, a neighbor shot off a Roman Candle and Beau, took-off… I called the local police to report him missing [and] the officer said, ‘We have him!’ As I walked to the police station, I noticed that I had text and email messages from AKC Reunite too! The system totally worked and we are so very grateful!”
– Emilie, Beau the Miniature Poodle’s Owner

“OVERWHELMING!”

“Ava was only 10 feet from me in the yard when a neighbor set off a barrage of fireworks, and Ava went into total panic mode….We searched until 3 a.m. with no sightings…[The next day], a local fire chief called and said one of his teams had Ava cornered. Once [I reached the fire station] and she figured out that I was there, and she was safe, her reaction was overwhelming!”
– Brian, Ava the German Shorthaired Pointer’s Owner

“FAMILY!”

“Phoebe went missing from our property during the fireworks on July 4th…[Three days later], AKC Reunite called and informed us that someone had found Phoebe hiding under a table and took her to have the chip scanned… Our family is very grateful for AKC Reunite and how quickly we were able to make our family whole again!”
– Miles, Phoebe the German
Shorthaired Pointer’s Owner

“COMFORT!”

“It was the scariest night of our lives, and are still in shock we found our sweet boy. AKC Reunite brought my husband and I some comfort while going through the worst pet tragedy of our lives, with our dog running away on the 4th of July. AKC Reunite promptly took our call, and expressed genuine concern. We will forever be grateful for their help!”
– Amy, Tom the French Bulldog’s Owner