Every year, thousands of pets go missing over the Fourth of July holiday due to being frightened by fireworks or unknown guests visiting the home. To ensure pets stay safe and out of the shelter, El Paso Animal Services is urging pet owners to bring their pets indoors for the holiday.

Losing a pet is no way to celebrate a holiday, so keep them safe with these simple tips below:

Tips to help keep your pet safe and calm:                

• ·         Resist the urge to take your pets to fireworks displays.
• ·         Keep pets indoors and close doors, windows and curtains.
• ·         Take pets outside on a leash to “do their business” prior to the evening hours when fireworks are typically lit.
• ·         Turn on the radio or television to help mask outdoor noises.
• ·         Microchip your pet, and make sure your pet’s microchip is up-to-date with the correct contact information. You can do so for free at www.foundanimals.org.
• ·         Keep a well-fitting (not tight) collar and identification tag on your pet.
• ·         If your pet is crate-trained, place them in their crate.
• ·         Keep your pet occupied with toys, treats and activities.
• ·         If you have a new pet and you do not know how it will react to loud noises, stay with your pet.

Another way you can help keep pets safe is if you find a pet in your neighborhood, to take the following steps to help them reunite with their family:

• Get the pet scanned for a microchip. You can get pets scanned for free at any El Paso fire station or veterinary office. 
• File a Found Pet Report on our website, or by calling 311. Once you file a Found Pet Report, our Community & Pet Support Team will reach out to you to provide any foster supplies, resources or assistance you may need.
• Post photos of the pet on social media sites, Nextdoor, Petco Love Lost, Pawboost and Craigslist. 
• If the pet is in need of urgent assistance, or is in danger, injured, sick or aggressive, call 311 and an Animal Protection Officer will respond.
• If you lost your pet, file a Lost Pet Report and view found pets on our website. 

Studies have shown that pets have not wandered too far from home. Helping a found pet by following these steps provides them a higher chance of reuniting them with their family. If you find a lost pet, El Paso Animal Services recommends holding onto the animal and try to help them find their owners. Chances are lost pets haven’t wandered too far from home, and they are much more likely to be reunited with their families if they stay within their communities. Animal Services is providing anyone that finds a lost pet with supplies and support to help finders reunite pets with their owners. For more information on Found Pet resources, contact us at EPASFoundPets@elpasotexas.gov.

If your pet does go missing, visit www.elpasoanimalservices.org/lostpetresources for information on how to look for and reclaim your pet, as well as other tips to aid in your search. You can also visit the shelter any day from 11 am to 6 pm to look for your lost pet.