With the Fourth of July just days away, SPCA Monterey County is issuing an urgent reminder to local pet owners: this week can be a terrifying and hazardous time of the year for companion animals. The sudden, unpredictable explosions from fireworks can cause otherwise calm pets to bolt blindly into danger.
Locally, illegal fireworks celebrations have already begun, and devastated owners are using social media to post about pets already lost. Tragically, this sharp influx of escaped pets also often corresponds with a devastating rise in animals hit by vehicles.
“Independence Day celebrations can be fun for families, but the noise terrifies many of our pets,” said Beth Brookhouser, SPCA Monterey County Vice President of Marketing & Communications. “When the unexpected blasts begin, frightened animals can scale high fences or tear through window screens. Taking a few proactive safety measures at home today can mean the difference between a happy holiday and a heartbreaking search.”
In case you missed it: See rescued bald eagle fly free before the 4th of July.
To protect four-legged family members, the SPCA recommends the following precautions:
- Keep pets securely indoors: Confine your animals to a comfortable, secure interior room where they feel safe. Keep their favorite toys or blankets nearby to provide comfort.
- Muffle the terrifying sounds: Turn on a television, radio, or fan to drown out the noise of fireworks. Providing familiar, trusted household background sounds helps calm anxious pets if they must be left alone.
- Never leave pets outside: Do not leave your dog or cat in the yard while fireworks are being set off in the neighborhood. When frightened, animals can dig under or jump high fences and will run blindly from the noise, ignoring cars and other hazards.
- Update their identification: Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with current identification tags at all times and verify that their microchip information is up to date. Permanent microchip IDs are available at the SPCA for just $25.
- Consult your veterinarian early: If you know your pet suffers from severe noise or flash anxiety, reach out to your veterinarian well in advance of the holiday to discuss calming products, wraps, or prescription medications.
- Celebrate without loud fireworks: Stay safe and protect our pets and neighbors by using only legal fireworks.
If Your Pet Goes Missing: Begin checking with the SPCA and your local animal shelter immediately. Do not wait to see if they return on their own. For assistance, visit www.SPCAmc.org/lost.
Prepare for Fire Risks: Because illegal fireworks pose a severe wildfire threat in Monterey County, this is also a critical time to review your family’s disaster readiness. The SPCA urges pet owners to include their animals in all evacuation plans. Learn how to prepare at spcamc.org/disaster.
SPCA Holiday Hours: The SPCA will be closed for adoptions on Saturday, July 4th, but will remain open for emergencies and wildlife rescues. Adoption services will reopen at 11:00 am on Sunday, July 5th.
