How to keep your pets safe in the Valley this Fourth of July

Independence Day brings fireworks, barbecues and celebrations, but for Arizona pet owners, it also marks the most dangerous time of the year for their furry family members.

With more pets going missing on and around the Fourth of July than any other time of the year, the Arizona Humane Society is urging Valley residents to take immediate precautions to keep their animals safe from both loud noises and the blistering summer heat.

An estimated one in three pets will go missing at some point in their lifetime, according to AHS. The sudden, booming cracks of fireworks often trigger a panic response in dogs and cats, causing them to flee fences or break out of yards.

To prevent a holiday heartbreak, the state’s largest animal welfare organization recommends keeping all pets indoors in a secure, quiet room. Turning on a television or radio can help drown out the terrifying sounds of neighborhood fireworks.

Officials strongly warn against leaving pets unattended in backyards during celebrations, as panicked animals can easily jump fences or dig underneath them to escape the noise.

Holiday gatherings also bring hidden dangers to the dinner table. AHS reminds hosts to keep a close eye on counter tops and trash cans, noting that alcohol and many common party foods can be highly poisonous to pets.

Because July is historically one of the hottest months of the year in Phoenix, a runaway pet faces an immediate threat of heatstroke. Owners should ensure pets always have access to fresh water, shade and are kept off scorching pavement.

If a pet does manage to get loose, proper identification is the fastest ticket home. AHS advises owners to double-check that collar ID tags are current and microchip registration information is completely up to date. The organization offers low-cost microchipping services at its facilities.

For those searching for a lost pet or who have found a stray, AHS highlights several critical tools:

Petco Love Lost: A free, national database that uses facial recognition technology to scan more than 200,000 photos of lost and found animals to find a match.
Digital resources: Posting immediate alerts to neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, local Facebook groups and Craigslist.
Physical flyers: Putting up flyers within a several-mile radius and handing them directly to mail carriers, neighbors and nearby businesses.
Shelter checks: Visiting local animal shelters and veterinary clinics in person. AHS employs dedicated Pet Reunite Specialists to help match lost animals that enter their care back with their owners.

Valley residents who see an animal in distress or experiencing a heat emergency should contact their local police department or call the Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Animal Medical Technician team at 602-997-7585, ext. 2073.

Additional safety resources and printable flyer templates can be found online.

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