Lewis Clark Animal Shelter

6 Shelter Rd - Lewiston, Idaho

Your Pet Adoption Center

Last Updated 05/16/2008

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Fourth of July Pet Safety

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     Imagine that you are unable to understand where all the explosions are coming from and the flashing lights that appear out of nowhere.  There is no way to help you understand that these frightening displays of vision and sound are ‘FUN’.  Your pet goes through that terrifying experience every Fourth of July.

     Fourth of July fireworks can frighten pets, and that fear can cause your dog or cat to panic and try to escape the confines of your yard or house.

• Please keep your pet indoors on the Fourth of July in a quiet and isolated room with covered windows, or the basement where there are no windows, to help her feel safe and secure.

• Turn on a fan, a radio or television to muffle the sound of fireworks. They'll provide familiar indoor sounds and may help soothe her if she must be alone on this noisy  holiday.

• Don't take your pet to a fireworks display.

• If your pet behaves nervously by pacing, whining or crying, distract her by playing with her or doing something she enjoys.

• Don't stroke, pet or reassure her by saying, "Don't worry, it's okay." This may actually reinforce her nervousness or fright.

• Make sure she always wears an appropriately-fitting collar. If your pet is a dog, you should be able to slip no more than two fingers beneath her collar. If your pet is a cat, she should be wearing a stretch or safety collar.

• Your pet should always wear an identification tag with your current phone number and address, as well as a current license/rabies tag.

• You may want to talk with Lewis Clark Animal Shelter about providing her with a microchip identification implant, in case she loses her collar and tags.

    If your pet does stray away from home, it's important that you visit The shelter to find out if your pet has arrived safely.

    You can find addresses and phone numbers of shelters in other cities and states listed in the front section of the "white pages" telephone book and on the internet.

     Provide a photo and specific description of your pet. These steps will greatly increase your chances of  finding your animal friend!