Keep Your Pets From Becoming Another Lost Pet Statistic This 4th of July

Every pet lover knows the gut punch of a missing furry family member, and no night sends more El Paso pets running scared than the Fourth of July. With Independence Day less than a month away, El Paso Animal Services is urging pet owners to start preparing now for what is historically one of the busiest times of the year for lost pets.

Why The Fourth Of July Is The Worst Night Of The Year For El Paso Pets

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Every Independence Day, shelters across the country see a spike in stray animals as fireworks, visitors, and open gates send frightened pets bolting from home. Here in El Paso, where more than 11,000 pets have already entered the city shelter this year, even a small increase puts serious strain on shelter resources.

"Most animals are distressed by the sudden loud noises of fireworks. Likewise, most families do not expect their pet to suddenly run away until it actually happens," said Michael Wachsmann, Interim Director of El Paso Animal Services. "Taking a few minutes now to develop a plan for fireworks night can significantly increase the likelihood of your pet returning home safely."

Update Your Pet's Microchip Before The Fireworks Start

A microchip is one of the most effective tools for getting a lost pet home, but an outdated phone number can make it useless. Visit PetMicrochipLookup.com to identify your pet's microchip company and update your info. Animal Services also recommends creating a free profile through Petco Love Lost, which uses photo matching technology to reunite lost pets with their families.

Christopher Furlong

Start acclimating your pet to a kennel during evening hours now, pick a quiet room where they can ride out the booms, double check collars and ID tags, and remind your guests to keep gates and doors closed during holiday gatherings.

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing In El Paso

Search your neighborhood immediately. Most lost pets are found within a mile of home, and talking with neighbors, posting on community pages, and using tools like Pawboost can bring them home before they ever reach the shelter.

If you find a stray, file a Found Pet Report and have the pet scanned for a microchip at any vet clinic, fire station, or Animal Services location. If you can house the pet while its owner is located, the Finder to Foster program provides food, supplies, and support.

For more on Fourth of July pet safety and upcoming free microchipping events, visit ElPasoAnimalServices.org.