~ As the Fourth of July approaches, many people are looking forward to celebrating with fireworks. However, while these displays may be enjoyable for humans, they can be terrifying for pets. The loud noises, bright lights, and chaotic atmosphere can cause extreme distress for our furry friends.

With the Arizona Celebration of Freedom Presented by AT&T taking place in downtown Mesa on Thursday, July 4th and other fireworks shows happening around the east valley, Mesa Animal Control is reminding pet owners to take precautions to keep their pets safe and calm during the festivities.

One important tip is to make sure your pets are wearing identification tags or have a microchip with current information. This will help ensure that if your pet does escape during the chaos, they can be easily identified and returned to you. It is also important to have current licenses for dogs.

Another crucial step is to not bring your pets with you to any outdoor activities where there will be fireworks. The loud noises and bright lights can be overwhelming for animals and it is best to leave them at home in a safe and familiar environment.

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For those who do choose to stay home with their pets, it is recommended to keep them inside the house with the television or radio on. This will help cover up some of the noise from the fireworks. Closing blinds can also help prevent any alarm caused by flashing lights. If your pet is used to being in a crate, it may also be helpful to crate them during this time.

It is also important never to leave your pets in a car during this time. The hot temperatures combined with the stress of fireworks can have serious health effects on animals within just a few minutes. If your pet does happen to escape during this time, it is advised to contact Maricopa County Animal Care and Control at (602) 506-7387 for shelter locations and hours or visit maricopa.gov/162/Lost-Found-Pet.

In case you come across a lost pet during this time, please call Mesa Animal Control at 480-644-2268 to request a pickup. However, due to restricted shelter hours, pickups are only available until 11:30 a.m. on weekdays.

While Arizona does allow the legal use of fireworks on private property with the owner's permission from now until July 6th, it is important to remember that not all fireworks are legal. To learn more about the safe and legal use of fireworks, visit mesaaz.gov/fireworks.

As we celebrate our nation's independence, let us also remember to keep our furry companions safe and comfortable during this time. By following these tips from Mesa Animal Control, we can ensure a happy and stress-free Fourth of July for both humans and pets alike.

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