While July 4 may be fun for humans, fireworks can be scary for their four-legged friends.
The San Diego Humane Society on Friday encouraged “pet parents” to take steps to prevent their animals from ending up in shelters during the holiday, and the organization will waive license and microchipping fees through Sunday.
Fee-waived licensing and free microchipping will be available in person at SDHS campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside or San Diego during business hours.
San Diego Humane Society officials said they are offering the incentives because Independence Day typically leads to a sharp increase in the number of stray animals in shelters, which are already full.
The SDHS “has been over capacity all year,” and enters the busy summer months with less space than before, officials said.
Dr. Gary Weitzman, SDHS president and CEO, said the organization has “never been in this situation before, entering the July Fourth holiday having been over capacity for more than six months.”
“We can’t stress enough how important it is for pet owners to have a plan to keep their pets safe — even for the unexpected, like unscheduled fireworks, in their neighborhoods,” Weitzman said.
Residents who live within San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction can receive a one-year license, with information available at https://www.sdhumane.org/resources/animal-service-jurisdictions.html.
Information on in-person visits to license a dog is at https://www.sdhumane.org/services/licensing/.
Microchipping appointments can be scheduled at https://www.sdhumane.org/services/vaccinations/.
Along with licensing and microchipping to keep an animal safe, the SDHS also recommends:
- collars with tags with the owner’s phone number
- scheduling an appointment with a veterinarian to discuss stress-reduction medication for pets before fireworks begin
- arranging for a pet sitter if the pet’s owner won’t be home, as a way to help the animal stay calm
- creating a home sanctuary by protecting a pet from external noise and lights, and making sure a home’s doors, windows and yard are secure
- not leaving a pet outside unattended, especially leading up to and on July 4
According to SDHS, “statistics show one out of every three pets will become lost during their lifetime, and only one in 10 will be found.”
The July Fourth holiday is an especially risky time, as the noise associated with fireworks and celebrations have caused animals to jump fences out of fear or confusion.
Data from 2022 showed that SDHS took in 275 stray dogs, cats and other small animals lost between July 4 and July 7, and only 16% of those pets were reclaimed.
All SDHS shelters will be closed on Monday, and Tuesday. Residents who find a stray pet over the holiday should look for identification on the collar and contact the owner if possible. Post photos and a description on social media. Find more resources are available at sdhumane.org/found.
In related news, San Diego County is charging reduced fees of $17.76 for all pet adoptions through Sunday, as part of the “Red, White and Woof” event.
According to the county, the goal “is to give many of the loveable dogs, cats, chickens, rabbits and other pets their independence day from the shelter to start a new family life.”
All cats, dogs and rabbits will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped, and dogs will also have a license, according to the county. A dog license will be also be included.
Those wishing to adopt may browse https://www.sddac.com/content/sdc/das/adopt.html.
County shelter walk-in hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the South Shelter, 5821 Sweetwater Road in Bonita, or the North Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad.
To save time, residents may fill out a pet adoption form at https://www.sddac.com/content/dam/sdc/das/pdf/forms/adoptionapplication.pdf.
City News Service contributed to this article.