FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Independence Day is Friday, a time when many eagerly await fireworks. People, that is, not pets.

Michael Graham, executive director of The Haven, a no-kill adoption guarantee organization in Fairhope says, “Just because you may enjoy the excitement doesn’t mean your pet will, too.”  

Leaving your pets at home will be safer for them than being left in a car. Hot summer air in small spaces can cause serious health problems, even death. Leaving a window partially open won’t provide enough air but could enable your pet to escape or be stolen. 

Graham also recommends, “… keeping your pets indoors for the evening/night.” Leave a radio or TV playing to keep your pet company. Indoors is safer than outdoors. A pet left in a fenced in area or on a chain may try to run away from the loud bangs and pops of fireworks “bursting in air,” which can lead to injury or the pet becoming lost.

Even indoors, the pet needs to be in a sheltered, safe area of your home. Make sure anything he could be harmed by or he could destroy while frightened is out of reach. If thunder or other loud noises distress your pet, contact your veterinarian to discuss ways of alleviating this type of anxiety. Pets need to be up to date on vaccinations and wear collars with identification.

Graham says, “Pets should be microchipped with current information regarding owners’ names and contact numbers.” He adds, “Make sure you have your pet licensed.  Please do it today. It will help if your pet is picked up by animal control and is required by Fairhope law. For Fairhope residents, please call City Hall at 928-3126. If every pet owner follows these simple and friendly tips, they will help keep our overcrowded shelters from filling up days following the celebration.” 

Carry a picture of your pet and any pertinent medical records with you in case your pet gets lost and you need to check local shelters. If you see a lost pet, please take him to the nearest animal shelter where he will have the best chance of being reunited with his family.

Enjoy the fireworks with your human friends and take Graham’s advice to heart: “Precaution today can prevent a lifetime of heartache should your pet become lost.”

For a list of animal shelters in our community, visit www.thehavenforanimals.com.