Keep pets safe on July 4

Fireworks on the Independence Day are a time-honored tradition. However, the bigger the boom the more likely pets are to run away from home.

In an effort to reunite as many owners and their animals as possible, Visalia Animal Care Center is hosting a microchip special. Now until July 4, micro-chipping is only $10.

For a pet, having a microchip implanted feels like a routine vaccination and takes only seconds. The permanent ID will last a pet’s lifetime and is an additional safety precaution to a collar, Animal Care Center staff said.

“Most people do not plan ahead for how their pets will react to the sound of fireworks,” Mario Cifuentez, Visalia Animal Services manager said. “The sights and sounds of fireworks can terrify pets and they end up out of yards and running away.”

Open, close schedule for Independence Day

The center will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday for owners looking for their pets. This will allow residents to reclaim their animals who have run away from home.

“We want the public to know that we won’t be accepting strays through the front door on [July 5],” Cifuentez said. “The public can call Visalia Animal Control dispatch at 713-4957 for any strays that they find.”

Tulare County Animal Services will be closed from Sunday through Monday but pet owners searching for their animal are welcome to visit when the shelter resumes normal business hours.

“Tuesday, our primary goal is to get pictures of found animals online,” said Patrick Hamblin, animal services manager. “Pet owners can also come to the shelter Tuesday morning.”

American Humane Association reports that July 5 is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters. They suggess that if pets are sensitive to loud noises, take the following precautions: Keep animals inside and do not leave them alone. Four-legged friends should stay in a cool, quiet place, where a radio or television is playing to help minimize the sound of fireworks.

“Getting your pets inside and having background noise going makes a difference,” Hamblin said.

Tulare County Animal Services can be reached at 636-4050 and will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

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