Red, White and Reunited fireworks tent proceeds go toward bringing pets home

Jul. 2—Volunteers with the Joplin Humane Society are offering a colorful — and quieter — option to celebrate this Fourth of July without stressing pets.

"I hope we see a lot of support," said Chloey Hensley, volunteer manager with the Joplin Humane Society. "I know it's our first time doing it, and sometimes fireworks are controversial for people with pets. If you want to participate in the festivities, you now have the option of silent fireworks while supporting our shelter."

All the proceeds raised at the tent go to reunite lost animals with their owners over the July Fourth holiday. Hensley said pets are often displaced during the loud celebrations.

"Hopefully, we'll raise a lot of funds to get a lot of animals back home," Hensley said.

While the proceeds will help the group waive its shelter fees for lost pets, Hensley noted the Humane Society can't forgive any city fees, such as those from Webb City and Carl Junction.

Every year over the holiday, the Humane Society sees a rise in lost animals, Hensley said. The holiday celebrations can cause a lot of anxiety in pets, so much that some run from home.

"Pets don't understand what's happening or where the loud noises are coming from," Hensley said. "To them, it feels like they're under attack."

The Red, White and Reunited tent also has partnered with Pyro Penny fireworks to offer a line of silent fireworks. The motto: "Loud color without the noise."

Hensley said they are similar to other aerial fireworks but are silent. The tent also has other items, including smoke bombs and sparklers, that don't make noise.

"These work really well for people who have PTSD, animal owners, just anyone who doesn't like the big bang that goes along with the fireworks," Hensely said.

Regular fireworks are for sale too.

The tent also sells calming pet treats for animals on those loud July nights in the neighborhood.

Hensley offered some tips for pet safety over the holiday.

—If you can't get a hold of a calming pet treat, she said Benadryl can be effective if owners look up the proper dosage. Pheromone spray can also help calm a pet.

—A device that produces gray noise to cover up the sound of fireworks also can be beneficial. Hensley said these are used at the Joplin Humane Society, so it's good for the pets at home too.

—Outside animals are especially at risk during the holiday. Hensley advises owners to bring them inside if they can to keep them safe until the festivities are over.

—Microchipping is one of the best ways to prevent pets being lost, she said. In this process, a microchip registered to the owner's name, phone number and address is placed under the skin of the pet. There's no annual fees attached to the service.

"It makes it that much easier to get them back home," Hensley said. "Every single time — multiple times in fact — animals are checked for the microchip at our shelter."

At the Red, White and Reunited fireworks tent, coupons will be offered for the microchip process. This can be done on a walk-in basis at the Joplin Humane Society.

The group's Red, White and Reunited fireworks tent at 923 W. Fourth St. in Webb City is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Thursday.