Preparing your pets for Fourth of July
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Fourth of July is just a few days away. As you make your plans for the holiday, don’t forget to include your pets. The holiday can be a stressful time for pets, causing them to run away.
Last year, The Animal Foundation took in nearly 600 lost animals between July 1 and July 10. This year, they’re hoping that number decreases significantly with more pet owners getting their furry loved ones microchipped.
One in three pets will become lost at some point during their life. Without proper identification, 82% will never return home. Animal Foundation CEO Hilarie Grey said microchipping now is more important than ever with the holiday week approaching.
“It’s tough on pets during the 4th of July with neighborhood fireworks that don’t even just go on that day but, unfortunately, all week long,” Grey explained. “You’re getting that noise in neighborhoods and so animals get scared, and they get out.”
A microchip is a radio-frequency identification transponder that carries a unique ID number. It is roughly the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the loose skin between a dog or cat’s shoulder blades. The device can greatly increase your chances of finding a pet.
Collars, harnesses, and tags can break off or be removed, but microchipping is a permanent, painless, and easy solution to locating a pet if they ever get lost or stolen. When the microchip is scanned by a vet or shelter, it transmits the ID number.
Low-cost microchipping is available at The Animal Foundation for $35 or at any veterinary.
Beginning Aug. 1, all dogs and cats over the age of four months old in the city of Las Vegas will be required to have a microchip. All pets should continue to wear a collar and tags that include their owner’s contact information.
Ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, The Animal Foundation also emphasizes the importance of community. If you find a lost dog or cat, you can take them to any PetSmart, Petco, or veterinary where their microchip can be scanned, and they can be returned to their owner.
A little affection this holiday week goes a long way.
“The best thing is to stay at home with your pet, keep them calm and keep your eye on them,” said Grey.
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