The Fourth of July is about fun and fireworks, but, for our furry friends the bombs bursting in air can cause stress and anxiety. Some pets are prone to hiding or even running away, but PSP has some excellent tips for finding a lost loved one. We also offer advice for keeping your pets calm throughout the Independence Day excitement.
If your pet goes missing:
• Have a clear, color photo ready. It's imperative that others know what your pet looks like in case of a sighting. The photo will also come in handy for online posts and flyers.
• Ask around! Neighbors, the mail carrier, the paper boy or girl, passersby, anyone in your neighborhood may have seen your pet. Show them that trusty photo so they can be on the lookout.
• Distribute flyers in your neighborhood and anywhere your pet could presumably be located. Be sure to include your pet's photo, name, and your phone number. If you can afford it, a reward ups the ante and adds to the urgency. Place flyers on telephone poles, in neighbors' mailboxes, and with permission, on display at local businesses.
◦ LostMyDoggie.com is a great option for both free and paid pet finding tools. This website offers flyer templates, free listings, and optional paid services, like an amber alert, that increase the odds of finding your pet.
• Use an online pet finder service. Many offer free listings and localized searches. Aside from LostMyDoggie, other sites include Petkey.org, Petfinder.com, Pawboost.com, and Fidofinder.com.
• Join all your local online pet groups on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. as well as neighborhood groups like Nextdoor.com. Spread the word by including a photo of your pet along with a description, last known whereabouts, and your contact info.
• Contact your local shelters by phone or email. It's also very important to visit the shelter and inspect every cage. If possible, show up daily and be sure to present the staff with a photo of your pet. Shelter staff are very busy and it's hard to remember every pet who passes through; make it a point to check for yourself.
• Call or email your local veterinary clinics and ask to provide a photo. It's possible your pet may have been found and brought in for care.
• If you suspect your pet may have been stolen, phone your police and file a report.
• If your pet is microchipped, notify the microchip company and ensure your personal information is up-to-date.
• Place a lost pet ad on your local Craigslist or in your local newspaper. Be sure to check the 'found pets' sections as well.
• Search your neighborhood, or the area where your pet was last seen. Try to look early in the morning or late at night; bring a flashlight and your pet's favorite food. Call his or her name and repeat this practice daily and nightly, if possible. This tip is especially useful for dogs.
Now let's cover a few tips for keeping your pet safe and sound during fireworks.
• If you're going to a fireworks show, leave your pet at home unless you're certain he or she is okay with the spectacle. Never force your pet into a situation that can cause fear.
• Have a safe place in your home where your pet can relax with his or her favorite toys, treats, a bed, a radio, tv, or any kind of white noise machine. An interior room without windows works great.
• Comfort your pet when scared to show you care and want to keep him or her safe.
• If a fireworks display is happening near your home, take your pet for a walk beforehand. When your pet is tired from exercise, he or she will be more likely to relax throughout the show.
• If your pet still displays extreme discomfort after trying the above tips, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications.
For more great pet care tips, please visit the PSP website and consider making a donation as we continue our mission of providing grants and funding for the education and training of rescue dogs.
