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 The 4th of July can mean fun, food, friends and fireworks for people, but for our pets, it can feel more like a scary alien invasion! In fact, July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters, which fill up quickly with animals who panic and flee the bright lights and loud noises of holiday celebrations. Make July 4th a pet-riotic holiday by following these steps for a stress free day for both you and your fur-kids. 

1. Prepare for the worst-case scenario.  July 4th is a great annual reminder to be prepared in case your pet escapes or gets lost. If your pet is not wearing a collar with an ID tag, now is the best time to get one. You’ll also want to double check that your pet’s microchip registry is connected to the correct name and your current phone number and address. If your pet is chipped but not registered, you can register for free here. On that page, created especially for pet owners, you can find resources on what steps to take in case your pet is lost, check local shelters and create a poster for your lost pet.
2. Avoid the crowds. Avoid bringing your pooch to super crowded events, parades, and other gatherings with a lot of commotion or people. A combination of heat, loud noises, packed spaces and scorching blacktop can not only be stressful, but harmful to your pet’s health. Better to leave them at home in a cool spot with lots of water. It’s especially wise to avoid bringing your pets to firework events, as they could panic and try to run.
3. Work them out.  Be sure to give your pets lots of exercise during the day, so they’ll be a little worn out before the scary noises start at night. A nice long run or play session during the daytime will help with your pet’s overall stress and anxiety levels. Some pets may sleep right through the night time celebrations!
4. Head indoors before the fun begins. Don’t wait for the fireworks to be in full swing before taking care of your pet. It’s best to bring him or her indoors or put them in a cozy spot well ahead of the first boom of fireworks. Which brings us to…
5. Create a safe space. Pre-pyrotechnics, create a safe, escape-proof space in your home. Lower the blinds, close the windows, provide a bed or crate where they feel comfortable, offer a special chew or toy to distract them and turn on the TV or radio to help mask the noises outside.
6. Wrap them up. Confining movement in dogs and cats actually has a calming effect on them, which is why you might want to consider an anti-anxiety wrap or coat. Try this one, available on Amazon. In a pinch, you can even create one from a scarf.
7. Give them a chill pill. If you’re really worried about a pet who stresses easily, talk to your vet in advance about anti-anxiety chews, drops or other remedies that can help your pet relax. There are plenty of prescription and homeopathic solutions out there that can help your pet get the extra dose of relaxation that he or she needs.

Independence Day is fun for us, but it’s the worst day imaginable for some cats and dogs. They literally think the world is ending! Do them a favor and make sure they’re well protected and safe so they stay with you for many years to come. Happy Fourth!

by Ljubica Cvetkovska Last updated: May 18, 2021

Unfortunately, most of the US animal shelter statistics for 2021 paint a sad story.

There’s been a decline in the number of animals entering shelters over the past decade. However, sadly, many pets are still euthanized each year.

In any case, the action is needed, and hopefully, these facts and stats will encourage you to take it.

• There are 3,500 animal shelters in the US.
• Altogether, there are around 14,000 shelters and rescue groups in the US.
• No-kill shelters attempt to save 9 out of 10 animals.
• More than 6 million animals enter animal shelters across the US every year.
• 710,000 strays are returned to their owners each year.
• Dog adoptions soared to 10–13 a day during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• 625,000 pets were euthanized in 2019.
• PETA euthanized 1,614 animals in 2019.
• About 30% of animals in shelters are left there by their owners.
• Animal shelters cost US citizens almost $2 billion every year.

Having all the data will raise some awareness among animal lovers—and other people too. So, keep reading to learn more about the state of abandoned pets in 2021.

Nonprofit rescue organizations and animal shelters care for abandoned, abused, and neglected animals. There are two types of animal shelters: municipal (kill) and no-kill shelters.

But, are there enough shelters in the US to take care of every poor abandoned soul?

Many vet offices are closed on the weekend. So, if your dog has any sort of a reaction or issue that needs immediate attention then your only real option is to run down to your local emergency vet office.

While you’re there, expect to pay a whole lot more than you normally would! I’ve had to go the emergency vet a few times – when living in Pennsylvania, Texas, and now South Carolina. It’s always an expensive trip. This last time, we paid once when we first arrived (their emergency room fee) and then again as we were leaving (for the vet’s time and the shots). 

Another thing about the emergency vet: You don’t have any relationship with them. While the vet certainly treated Gigi with patience and care, I’m a creature of habit and would have preferred to see MY vet. My vet knows Gigi’s history and I just feel more comfortable there. Perhaps you’re the same way with your vet! 

I get it – when you’re working at an office, sometimes evening appointments are the most convenient. It’s easier to sneak away. But, if you book vaccines or procedures late in the day and Fido winds up having a reaction when you get home, you probably won’t be able to reach your vet – because the office will more than likely be closed.

Chances are, if a holiday falls on a Wednesday then your vet’s office will be closed that Wednesday. So, treat that day as a Friday! It’s the same with 3-day holiday weekends. 

To put it simply: Try not to schedule vaccines or surgeries when your vet’s office is going to be closed the next day!