FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2015

Make this Independence Day fun and SAFE for you and your pets! Big gatherings, load noises, and brilliant fireworks are all things people love about Independence Day – but they can be very frightening for our pets. With a little planning and precaution, you can ensure that this holiday is enjoyable for everyone.

Pet Safety Tips for Independence Day:

• KEEP PETS INDOORS
Keep your pets in a safe, enclosed room, preferably one without windows. If you’re having guests over, consider keeping pets in a room that’s off limits with plenty of water and food.

• CREATE A CALMING ENVIRONMENT
Surround pets with their favorite toys and other familiar objects. Sometimes the smell of an article of your clothing from your laundry can help comfort them. Play soothing music and keep the room as quiet as possible by closing doors, windows and blinds.

• KEEP AWAY FROM FIREWORKS
Even if your pet doesn’t seem obviously upset by fireworks, they can still cause harm. Avoid potential burns, injuries or possible ingestion by keeping all pets away from fireworks.

• UPDATE IDENTIFICATION
The biggest risk of all during this holiday is that pets will get loose and become lost. Even if a pet is secured inside, the sound of fireworks can cause extreme panic – sometimes causing them to even break through glass windows. Make sure your pets are microchipped and wearing identification tags. Call to confirm that the pet’s veterinarian and the microchip company have your current address and phone numbers.

Seattle Humane offers $20 microchipping services for pets of income-restricted guardians, including national registration. Visit us at seattlehumane.org to learn more about our microchipping services and have your pets microchipped today!