What to do if your pet goes missing during Fourth of July

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — While the Fourth of July is a celebration for some, it can also be a night of stress and anxiety for our beloved pets.

Shelters experience a 30 to 60% increase in lost animals between July 4 and July 6 because of the loud noises.

David Caltabiano visited the Arizona Humane Society’s Papago Park campus to meet some pups who may have escaped during the celebrations.

A 2-year-old female brindle bulldog was among some pets who went missing during the holiday. Employees say she was found near a convenience store in the Phoenix-area.

“She absolutely loves people. We’re really hoping that her owner sees her on TV, maybe hears about her, checks our lost pet resources and can come find her,” said Joe, a worker with the Arizona Humane Society.

Joe stressed the importance of microchipping your pet, especially if they are spooked by the loud celebrations.

“Pets are way more likely to be found and reunited with their owners if they’re microchipped. That’s the best thing you can do for your pet. Also, having a collar and tag helps, but microchips are by far the best,” he explained.

Workers say July 5 is the busiest day for shelters nationwide. “Fireworks are very scary for pets and they really don’t like them. It’s really one of those days that leads to chaos around here,” Joe said.

So, what should you do if your beloved pet goes missing? Here are some tips:

• Search online resources
• Post bright flyers with pictures
• Visit local emergency animal clinics
• Check local animal shelters
• Have papers/pictures of your pet

Maricopa County provides a lost pets map that’s available to the public. The Arizona Humane Society also has a Facebook page dedicated to lost pets.

Workers recommend calling your microchip company to make sure your information is up to date so if your pet is found, officials know who to contact.

If you think you lost your pet, staff asks that you act quickly. Pets that aren’t microchipped will be put up for adoption after three days. Animals that are chipped will be available for adoption after five days.

For more information about lost pets in Maricopa County, click or tap here.

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