Pet Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

For humans, the Fourth of July can mean cookouts, summer fun, and celebrations. For pets, it’s the time of year when more of them go missing than any other. Fireworks are often the leading cause of escaped pets, since the loud booms and bangs can scare them and cause them to bolt.

Let’s make sure we keep our beloved pets safe at home with these tips: 

Prepare Now

• If your pet shows signs of distress with loud noises, introducing a snug pet anxiety vest now will help them adjust to the new gear before celebrations occur.
• It’s also important to consult your veterinarian to see what options may be helpful for your pet. You and your vet might decide that anti-anxiety medication is the best option and starting the medication or supplement in advance will help your pet adjust. 
• Keep pets on their normal diets to reduce stomach upset. Stomach upset can lead to your pet needing more frequent outside potty breaks, which raises the risk of being outside when fireworks are happening. So, keep diet changes for after the Fourth!

Before Fireworks Begin

• Whenever possible, exercise your pet well ahead of nightfall and plan to keep them indoors all evening to avoid the prime time for fireworks. 
• Ensure your pet has up-to-date identification. Make sure their collar is securely fastened with an ID tag that includes your contact information. If your pet is microchipped, verify that the information is current. Not sure which company your pet’s microchip is with? You can look it up using your pet’s microchip ID number with the American Animal Hospital Association’s Microchip Registry Lookup. 

Once Fireworks Start

• Since this is one of the loudest holidays of the year, close windows and curtains and use fans, television, radio, or a white noise machine to block out the booms. 
• Keep pets inside and secure while fireworks are going off by ensuring doors, gates, and windows are closed at all times. Be especially mindful of open doors and gates during gatherings or when welcoming guests to prevent your pet from slipping out unnoticed. 
• While noise phobias are less common in cats, they can still occur. Cats tend to hide when frightened. It’s a good idea to check on your cats, play some quiet music, and keep them indoors during the height of the fireworks. 

By taking these precautions, we can help our pets stay safe and comfortable during the Fourth of July festivities.

Have you found a lost pet over the holiday?

Did you know that a significant number of lost pets are found less than a mile from home? Taking them directly to a shelter could delay reunification and even reduce their chances of reuniting with their families. As a compassionate community member, you can help lost pets find their way back home and keep them out of shelters. Here’s how: 

• Walk the animal around the area you found it and check with neighbors to see if they recognize the pet. Most pets are found within a mile of their home!  
• You can post online on local Facebook Lost Pet Pages, Nextdoor, Ring Neighbors app, Craigslist, PawBoost, and upload photos to Petco Love Lost.  
• Have the pet scanned for a microchip at your local veterinary clinic to get the pet guardian’s contact information.  
• If possible, provide the pet with a temporary home as a Friendly Finder. Their family will have an easier time getting them back if they stay in the neighborhood they were found. 
• If you are not able to locate the pet’s owner or provide a temporary home, please make an appointment to bring the pet to the shelter. 

If you have found or lost a pet, please visit our Lost Pets webpage for additional resources and information.  

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County will be closed for the holiday on Saturday, July 4, 2026.