Protect Pets During Fourth Of July Celebrations

The Austin Animal Center is urging families to protect their pets this Fourth of July to ensure they do not end up at the shelter.

With the animal shelter already operating at capacity, it is extremely important pets are properly microchipped and tagged so lost pets can quickly be reunited with their family.

The shelter also asks, when possible, that people who find pets keep them safely contained, call 3-1-1 to report the lost animal, and house the animal for a few days before bringing to the shelter.

Post photos on Nextdoor and social media to try and reunite the lost pet with its family.

Fourth of July can be a stressful time for pets who react to the noise and bright lights of fireworks. This may cause pets to escape their yard and run away, which is why AAC is urging pet owners to microchip their pets in preparation for the holiday.

The Center offers free I.D. tags and microchips to all pet owners in Austin and Travis County to help keep pets safe and out of the animal shelter system.

The easiest way to keep your pet safe during the holiday celebration is to bring them inside. Minimize the stress on your pet by keeping curtains and blinds closed, turning on the TV or soft music to provide a distraction, and give them plenty of exercise before dark. If you are unable to bring pets inside, check your fencing and enclosures to ensure they cannot escape.

If your pet goes missing, check the Austin Animal Center’s website for up-to-date listings of all stray animals who have entered the shelter: www.austinanimalcenter.org/lost-found-pet. If you think your pet is at the shelter, visit as soon as possible. Animals are only held for three days before becoming eligible for adoption.

The Austin Animal Center will be closed on Thursday, July 4. The Center will be open regular hours on July 5, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

The Animal Services Office operates the Austin Animal Center, and is home to the largest No Kill community in the United States. They provide shelter to more than 17,000 animals annually with a goal to provide a safe place for lost and homeless animals and to educate the community in order to prevent animal homelessness and promote compassionate treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.