Make Sure You Are Ready

The July Fourth holiday is almost here. This holiday is one for celebration but is also one for preparation. Take the time now to prepare yourself, your pet, and your house to keep everyone safe, secure, and at home. Charlotte is a past board member of the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center and this time of year was always a busy time. Not only does it take place at the peak of the kitten season, but it is also a time when frightened dogs suddenly appear. We received an email from Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center with some really helpful tips to make sure that our furry friends stay safe. We thought we would share it with you.

Fireworks and the loud noises associated with the celebrations frighten dogs especially. These scared dogs will sometimes jump fences, or bolt out of fear, stress, or confusion. Unfortunately, shelters see a large uptick of lost pets immediately following the July Fourth holiday. Prevent your pet from being lost by following the below steps.

1. Make sure your pet is microchipped! Check that the contact information connected to the chip is up to date. Microchipping is permanent pet identification. The process is safe, simple, and designed to quickly identify lost posts so that they can be reunited with their owners. It’s not too late to get your pet microchipped. Visit the MSRPAC weekly Vaccination Clinic, every Saturday from 9am – 1pm for low-cost vaccines and microchips that cost only $21.
2. Don’t forget about collars and tags! Be sure your pet is always wearing its collar and I.D. tags. Take an extra minute to double-check that your contact information is up to date and visible on the I.D. tags. If you aren’t able to secure tags before the holiday, as a temporary fix, you can write your phone number on your pet’s collar with a permanent marker.
3. Consult your veterinarian for pets with anxiety. Now is the time to call your veterinarian’s office and make an appointment to talk about remedies available that may lower your pet’s stress level.
4. Create a home sanctuary. When scared, some pets may become destructive, so be sure to remove anything from reach that could become damaged or harm your pet if chewed or eaten. Leave your pet secured in a low-traffic area of your home where they are safe, comfortable, and sheltered from outside noise and lights.
5. Make plans early for a pet sitter! If you won’t be home during the July Fourth celebrations, consider finding someone to watch your pet. Having company can help pets stay calm and ensure they don’t become lost.

Thank you to the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center for helping us to make sure that our pets are safe during these summer weeks while the loud noises might scare our furry friends. If you have additional questions or need more information about where to best find resources to make sure your pets are safe, feel free to reach out to The Ransom-McKenzie Team for help. We love our fur babies and would welcome the opportunity to help you keep your pets safe.