The irony of using a fireworks stand to help cats and dogs isnt lost on animal rescuers.
Many dogs are terrified by the loud pops and bangs of fireworks, often causing them to flee their homes in fear. When firework season opens, the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility will see an increase the stray dogs brought to the shelter.
The shelter uses Facebook to post lost and found pets, and typically has a good success rate in helping reunite lost pets with owners. Owners will need to pay an impound fee to the City of Iola for pets brought in by animal control officers, though.
ACARF staff offered the following tips to protect pets during fireworks season:
– Make sure animals are microchipped and have tags with current information, including a phone number and address. A microchip can be scanned to identify the pet and its owner, but make sure the information on file is current.
– Keep pets inside as much as possible. Play soothing music or leave the TV on, especially at night and when the pet is left alone. Close the curtains.
– Dogs can be calmed by wearing a special thunder shirt or even an old T-shirt. Put the T-shirt on a dog the way you would a person, and tie the bottom around the animals waist (snug but not too tight). The shirt will swaddle the dog, providing comfort the way a baby is swaddled in blankets.
– Dont leave dogs outside for an extended period of time, especially in the evening when fireworks are more likely. A terrified dog can break a rope or chain, or jump a fence.
– If youre going out of town and cant take your pets, board them at a local veterinary clinic.
– Animals who are alone and scared will look for a way to escape, like when a friend or family member comes to feed and water them. Boarding isnt expensive, especially compared to the heartache of a lost pet or the cost of an impound fee.
