Animal Services Advises Pets Owners to Keep Pet Indoors During 4th of July Holiday

Animal Services is urging pet owners to bring their pets indoors for the July Fourth holiday to keep your pet safe and calm from fireworks.

Each year on July 5, Animal Services Officers receive a large number of calls about pets who escaped from their families or dug out of their yards in a desperate attempt to flee after being frightened by fireworks. The bright lights and noises from fireworks can cause a great deal of stress for animals. That’s why pet owners are being urged to bring their pets indoors and follow the tips below.

Tips to help keep your pet safe and calm:

• Resist the urge to take your pets to fireworks displays
• Keep pets indoors, close the curtains
• Take pets outside on a leash to “do their business” prior to the fireworks starting
• Turn on the radio or television to help mask outdoor noises
• Keep a well-fitting (not tight) collar and identification/license on your pet (animals that are licensed, micro-chipped or that have ID tags have a better chance of being returned to their owners)
• If your pet is crate-trained, place it in its crate
• If you have a new pet and you do not know how it will react to loud noises, stay with your pet
• If you must be outside, keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times

Please note that the Animal Services Shelter at 5001 Fred Wilson we will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. The Animal Services Shelter will also be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.

The efforts of the Animal Services division support the City’s strategic goal to nurture and promote a healthy, sustainable community. For more information on the services offered by Animal Services and the Environmental Services Department, please visit elpasotexas.gov or call 3-1-1.